Your toilet may be one of the most appreciated fixtures in the entire house. Perhaps for good reason. When it malfunctions, that’s when things might take a turn for the not so good.
It can disrupt your day as you try to figure out what the problem actually is. And you worry about whether or not how much time and money you’re going to lose. This guide will cover what you need to know about fixing toilet repair troubles.
Whether it’s a minor issue or something more difficult, we’ll provide you with what you need to do should a certain situation arise. Let’s take a look now at the following:
The importance of toilet repair basics
It is important to know what parts of your toilet are and how they function. It consists of several different components including the tank, bowl, flush valve, fill valve, and flapper among others. You’ll want to familiarize yourself with these parts so you can be able to make troubleshooting and repairs easier.
This way, if you need to address an issue that requires toilet flapper replacement, you’ll know what to do. Let’s continue onward.
Common toilet repair issues
Clogged toilet solutions
This is one of the most prevalent issues that homeowners deal with. A clogged toilet can occur due to a variety of issues. This includes excessive toilet paper use, buildup of waste, and foreign objects being flushed down the toilet.
Of course, the best solution to this is using a plunger. It’s a straightforward solution where you create a tight seal and use firm rhythmic movements in order to push the clog through. If the clog persists, you will need to use a toilet snake or auger to break it down.
Even though this is a common issue, preventative measures need to be taken place. For example, inform people in your household about responsible toilet paper usage. Be sure to install a drain filter so it catches debris that would otherwise lead to buildups and eventual clogging.
Toilet flapper replacement
If water is running continuously, it could be the sign of a bad flapper. You know that noise from the toilet that goes on all day and all night? Yep, that’s a sign of a problem.
It’s not something to ignore as well. That’s because it can lead to wasting not only water, but seeing your water bill go higher than what you usually pay. Replacing the toilet flapper will be your best solution here.
To do this, you’ll want to turn off the water supply to the toilet. Next, empty the tank. Finally, disconnect the old flapper you’re going to replace.
Before going any further, you will need to determine what the type and size is before purchasing the replacement. To install the replacement flapper, you’ll want to attach it to the overflow tube and make sure it’s secure.
Do a test flush to check to see if the flapper is sealed properly. If there is no water leakage, then you did it properly. Make sure that you inspect the flapper regularly and replace them every few years.
Toilet bowl replacement
The toilet bowl itself can develop cracks, stains, or leaks. If it happens, that’s when it may be a good time to replace it. If you need to install a new toilet bowl, you will need to shut off the water supply and flush to empty the tank.
Disconnect the supply line and remove the builds that hold the bowl in place. Lift the old bowl and clean the area thoroughly before installing the new one. As you install the new toilet bowl, you’ll want to make sure that a wax ring will be properly placed between the floor flange and the bowl itself.
Secure the bolts tightly and double check to see if it’s in place. Next, reconnect the water supply and check for leaks after a test flush.
Maintenance tips to follow
Extending the lifespan of your toilet will minimize the need for repairs. To do this, you will need to follow these maintenance practices:
Regular inspections: You’ll want to conduct a periodic visual inspection of your toilet for any wear, leaks, or damage. If the issue is minor, be sure to address it accordingly before it gets worse.
Install water-saving upgrades: If you wish to save water (and even money on the bill), install upgrades like low-flow toilets or dual-flush systems. These are great for those that want to be environmentally conscious whenever they want to use the toilet.
Proper cleaning: Yes, cleaning and proper maintenance can prevent damage. That’s why you’ll want to use non-abrasive cleaners. Avoid any cleaners that contain harsh chemicals. The reason for this is that it can corrode pipes and affect the toilet’s overall functionality.
It is important to remember the timing of proper maintenance. Check your toilet for leaks twice a year to ensure it is still in working order. Schedule it every six months by yourself.
That way, it will seem as routine as anything else. If you notice any leaks or issues in between inspection times, then you will need to address them accordingly. Finally, if you are unsure of what the issue your toilet might be facing, there’s always the option of contacting a plumbing professional.
They may take care of some of the more complex issues that involve your toilet including clogs or other related issues.
Final Thoughts
Fixing toilet repair troubles can be simple or a challenge. It depends on the issue itself. But for the most part, you can fix them on your own since it requires basic, straightforward steps. However, if you are dealing with complex issues, it never hurts to leave it up to the experts.
Other than that, make sure you are able to inspect and perform routine maintenance twice a year. This way, it will ensure that everything is working good from the inside and out. We hope this guide has been helpful for you.