Last Updated on January 11, 2023 by acechapman
The stench from sewer gases is not something you want to smell when you enter your bathroom. They are there, and you can see that the water level drops in your toilet bowl. Why?
It could be a blocked vent or a crack in your bowl. You may need to replace the toilet if there is a crack. Therefore, to clear a blocked vent, you must remove it from the vent opening.
Possible causes
There are several possible causes for a toilet bowl water level to drop:
- Leaking flapper valve: The flapper valve is the rubber seal that sits at the bottom of the toilet tank and opens to release water into the toilet bowl. If this valve is damaged or worn, it may not seal properly, allowing water to leak out of the tank and into the bowl.
- Clogged toilet bowl: Sometimes, if the toilet bowl becomes clogged with debris or waste, it can prevent the water in the tank from flowing into the bowl as normal.
- Running toilet: If the toilet continues to run after flushing, it can be caused by a malfunctioning fill valve or a flapper valve that isn’t sealing properly.
- Low water pressure: if the water pressure in the house is low, it can affect the toilet bowl water level, and the toilet may not flush properly.
- Problems with the sewer line: If the sewer line is blocked, it can cause the water in the toilet bowl to drop.
- Leaking in the tank: If there is a leak in the tank, it will cause the water level to drop, and the toilet will have to be refilled more often.
- Low tank ball: The tank ball on a ballcock valve can become clogged with minerals and debris over time, causing the water level in the bowl to drop, or the toilet won’t stop running.
How do you determine the cause of low water levels?
It can be difficult to spot a hairline crack in your toilet bowl. To see the vent, however, you will need to climb up onto the roof.
These are the simple steps that you can take to determine the problem.
- Run your faucets. First, make sure that your toilet is fully emptied. Next, run the tub faucet and sink.
- Listen for gurgling. You should hear the air passing through your toilet drains gurgling.
- Decide what you heard. If the noise is gurgling, it’s most likely that the vent is at fault. Continue if you don’t hear any gurgling.
- Turn off all the faucets. You must not use water until the test is complete.
- Fill up your toilet. Make sure your toilet is full and mark the location.
- Give it a few minutes. Wait at least an hour.
- Then, check the water level. If the water level drops in your toilet bowl without any other drains, it could be leaking through the small cracks.
Cracked Toilet Bowl
Your toilet bowl will need to be replaced if it is cracked. This isn’t difficult. These are the steps to follow.
- Take out water from the bowl and tank. Turn the water shutoff valve counterclockwise until it stops. Flush the toilet until it stops. Then, use a sponge to remove any remaining water from the bowl and tank.
- Take out the tank and water line. The water hose must be removed from the tank’s bottom. Next, take out the two to three bolts that hold the tank to the toilet bowl. The tank should be lifted off.
- Remove the toilet bowl. There should be a nut that holds the toilet to the ground on either side of it. Then, lift the toilet and remove any caulk.
- Install your new toilet. You will probably need to do the opposite of what you have just done. Remember to also replace the wax seal that connects the toilet to the flange. It could leak otherwise.
Vent Is Clogged
To clear a clogged vent, you will need to go to your roof. These are the steps to follow.
- The vent should be opened. Sometimes, caps or other debris block the vent’s opening. These should be removed to make the vent more accessible.
- Water can be sprayed down the vent. Spray the vent with a gardenhose. If it does not overflow, the obstruction is still present and you will need to proceed to the next step. Congratulations if it doesn’t overflow!
- Inject an auger into your vent. A long auger is needed, at least 20 feet. When you reach a difficult spot, feed it in. You should be able to break down any stuck material. Continue this process until the water runs dry.
- Reassemble the machine. Spray some more water to see if the water drains quickly. You can then put the caps back on if it does. If the auger does not work, you can either use it again or call a plumber.
The setting Of The Water Level is Too Low
Adjusting the water level is possible if the water level has been set too low. Use a screwdriver for water level adjustment. To increase the water level, turn the adjustment screw on the valve clockwise.
Other Causes
Pets, such as dogs and cats, might be drinking from the bathroom bowl. This could cause a drop in the water level. To prevent this from happening, you will need to lower the lid. The toilet might contain chemicals.
Tampons and other debris are other options. They can become stuck in your toilet’s bend, slowly reducing the flow of water down the drainpipe. You can use a toilet auger for this purpose.
To increase the water level, replace the toilet bowl
You now know the reason why your toilet bowl water level keeps dropping. Either replace the toilet bowl or clean out the blocked vent.
Here are some ways to replace a cracked toilet bowl.
Close the Water Supply Line
It is important to shut off the water supply before you can work. Nearly always, the shutoff valve can be found on the wall behind or within close proximity to the toilet. It is easy to turn it off. Turn the knob clockwise and close the water lines.
Empty the toilet
Do-it-yourself bathroom renovations are messy. However, you can reduce the mess by emptying your toilet. The flush handle will release water from the tank.
To remove excess water, you can also open the tank cover. Grab the edges of the lid and lift it. To collect any remaining water droplets, use a towel or toilet paper.
To drain the water from your toilet bowl, you can use a plastic cup or sponge. You can now move on to the next stage after the toilet has been emptied.
Take out the Water Supply Hose and the Toilet Tank
You will need to disconnect the water line and tank from the bowl in order to remove them. Also, you have to disconnect the metal hose that runs from the tank to the wall. You will need a pair of pliers for the removal of the bolt connecting the hosepipe and the tank.
Once you’re done, you can also remove the tank. There will be a few bolts and nuts at the bottom of the tank. Use the same pliers for turning the tank nuts counterclockwise. You can remove the bolts by turning the nuts until you feel comfortable.
Take out the existing bowl
The toilet bowl can now be removed. You’ll find a pair of bolts at the base of the toilet bowl. Remove the plastic caps by using a flathead screwdriver, or a utility knife.
The bolts can then be removed by unscrewing the nuts that surround them. Turn them counterclockwise, until the nuts are loose enough for the bolts to be released from the hole. We recommend using an adjustable wrench to turn the nuts.
Once the bolts are removed, grab the bowl to remove it from the floor.
Attach the New Bowl
You can also reverse the steps. Then, attach the new bowl to your flange. Tighten it using toilet bolts. Turn the thread nuts clockwise.
The tank and hosepipe can then be reinstalled. Turn the nuts counterclockwise to secure the bolts on the tank. Once the bolts are secured, set the tank. After that, attach the supply line pipe to the tank.
You can then open the water supply valve, and wait for the tank to fill up again. Now, the water level is sufficient to flush the toilet. Afterward, you can leave enough water in your bowl.
Clean the air vent to increase the water level in the toilet bowl
The only solution is to clean the vent if the problem isn’t in the bathroom throne. This is a much simpler task than the first.
Go to the Roof
The air vent is located on the roof. So, you will need to climb up there. This job is not for everyone. Therefore, be careful and choose a safe place to work. To protect yourself in any situation, we recommend ropes.
You might not feel safe working at heights like this. A professional plumber is more experienced in clearing air vents and working in a safe setting.
Clean the Vent’s Entrance
Due to debris and other exterior materials, the vent opening is often dirty. Birds can bring many things to make a nest. Trees nearby can also block the vent. You will then need to locate a piece of wire to cut through the debris and open up the vent.
You can use a coat hanger made of metal to make the wire straighter and longer. It’s simple to remove the blockage from the air vents by pushing the wire along the pipe.
To form a hook, bend the wire at its end. This will make your tool more efficient, especially when it is pulled out.
Pour Some Water Down the Vent
Pour water down the vent. You can now reach the roof with a garden hosepipe. Turn it on and the water will break down any remaining clogs.
Do not use maximum pressure while doing this. If the clog is not broken, the water will come back and cause damage. This is not something you want to do, especially when working on the roof.
To break the clogs, use a cleaning pipe
You can also use a toilet auger, or a long pipe cutter if water is not an option. This 60-inch tool can easily pass through the air vent and can also penetrate curved pipes or sharp angles.
This pipe cleaner comes with a 2-inch brush at its end. It is ideal for cleaning stubborn clogs from the pipe and also helps to clean it. To dissolve any debris, push the pipe cleaner slowly down the air vent. You can use a pipe cleaner to drill through the vents and fix cracks easily.
Pour Some Water Again
Last, pour water down the vent. This will let you know if the tube is clean. If the water does not backfire, the air vent will be open. If you have already used the pipe cleaner to drill the hole, the last step should be considered a formality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct water level in the toilet bowl?
The correct water level in a toilet bowl is typically about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) below the rim of the bowl. This water level, also known as the “waterline” is important for proper flushing of the toilet. A higher water level can cause the toilet to overflow, while a lower water level can cause incomplete flushing or clogging.
The water level in the toilet bowl is controlled by the fill valve in the toilet tank. The fill valve is responsible for maintaining the correct water level in the tank and bowl by regulating the inflow of water. The fill valve has an adjustment screw or clip that can be used to adjust the water level in the tank and bowl. This adjustment can be done by turning the screw or clip in or out, depending on the direction you need to raise or lower the water level.
What determines the water level in the toilet?
The height of the P-trap inside the toilet determines the level of the water. This process can be affected by certain issues. Toilet bowl water may become too high if the pipes get blocked.
There are many possible causes when the toilet bowl water level drops too low. There are several possible causes for a low toilet bowl water level.
Why is my toilet dry?
Dry toilets indicate that the toilet is not receiving water from its tank. There are many possible reasons for this.
- It is possible that the water supply has been cut off. Check the shutoff valve behind the toilet to make sure it is on.
- This could be caused by a blocked intake valve. It will need to either be replaced or repaired if this happens.
- You may have a stuck toilet float. The problem can be solved by gently moving the toilet float and then putting the toilet float back in its place.
Wrapping Up
Are you still adamant that increasing the water level of the toilet bowl is difficult to do? We have the instructions to make it easy!
Follow these steps if the water level of the toilet bowl drops.
- Find the root cause.
- Repair the problem: Replace or unclog your vent
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