Last Updated on January 12, 2023 by acechapman
Professionals handle most of the many toilet problems. Not every problem requires a plumber. Many modern toilets have user manuals that homeowners can consult when they run into problems. This guide will cover common toilet issues and give tips on how to solve them without calling a plumber.
We can help you solve common problems with your toilet.
It may be noticeable that modern toilets now have user manuals with solutions for common toilet issues. However, the problem is that many people don’t understand the plumbing language. This is why it’s difficult to solve some of the toilet problems.
We want to have a conversation about common problems with toilets and how we can solve them. We try to communicate our thoughts in simple language that is understandable to everyone.
Common Toilet Issues
Clogged Toilet
Clogged toilets are one of the most common toilet issues. This is when water can’t pass through the toilet properly and an unpleasant odor may appear in the bathroom. The worst scenario is the overflowing bathroom. Thus, leading to a disaster.
It happens when insoluble tissue paper or sanitary pads, cloths, and wipes get stuck in the pipes. Therefore, the toilet can become clogged if it is contaminated with non-biodegradable materials.
Tissue paper is not a problem in the bathroom, as we all know. However, you need to be careful when purchasing “flushable”, or tissue paper.
Solution
To clear a clogged toilet, you can try using a plunger to forcefully push the blockage down the drain. If this does not work, you may need to use a toilet auger, also known as a plumber’s snake, to break up and remove the blockage. If the clog is severe and cannot be removed with a plunger or toilet auger, you may need to call a plumber for assistance.
Prevention is better than cure, so it is a good idea to avoid flushing large amounts of toilet paper or non-biodegradable items such as wipes, sanitary products, or paper towels down the toilet. Also make sure not to flush down things like baby wipes or cotton swabs or even food scraps, which are not meant to be flushed.
Leaking Toilet
The water tank holds water to flush the toilet. Sometimes, you might notice an increase in water consumption. Leakage is one of the common toilet issues.
The most important thing about tank leakage, however, is that it can be difficult to find the problem in the first place. The leakage can be concealed and water flow is also very limited. So, you might miss the leakage.
You can also add food coloring to the water tank. Wait for the colored water to drain from the bowl of your toilet. You can tell if there is leakage when you find the colored water.
There are many reasons why the toilet may leak. One reason is the loosening of the flapper on the toilet. Broken valve seats are another common reason.
Solution
To determine the cause of a leaking toilet, it is a good idea to check for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks or wear on the flapper, fill valve, or tank gasket. In most cases, these can be repaired or replaced to fix the leak. If the problem is a loose bolt it can be tightened easily.
If you understand the cause of the leakage, then there is an easy solution. Tighten the toilet flapper to solve the leakage. You can also replace the gasket of the toilet.
It could also be due to a tube overflow. Check the valve that is securely screwed if the leakage was caused by tube overflow.
Water Level Change In The Toilet Bowl
The water level in the toilet bowl will determine its functionality. This is done by measuring the height of the p-type, which is the inner part. If the bowl water level rises, it is likely that there is an obstruction inside.
However, if your bowl water level drops too low, it is a sign that there may be problems with the toilet.
According to experts, lowering the water level in the bowl is an indication of four problems with the toilet. Let’s look at the issues in detail below.
Damaged Fill Tube. A fill tube is a hose made of plastic that returns water to the tank after each flush.
It is connected to the overflow tube. You can unclip the tube. This is why the tank overflows. This causes the valve to shut off.
Toilet Bowl Damage. A broken toilet bowl can result if your toilet floor becomes wet. The water level in the bowl can be reduced.
A bowl breakage is dangerous. Therefore, you should quickly understand the problem and take the appropriate steps. The broken bowl can’t be repaired. It is necessary to replace the broken bowl with a new one.
Broken Fill Valve. Are you familiar with the fill valve? The fill valve is responsible for refilling the water tank with water following every flush. The fill valve is broken or removed from the alignment. This causes the toilet bowl to lose water.
Vent Problem. The line connecting the plumbing system to the sewer vent is called the sewer vent. To get enough airflow, the roof side of this vent can be found.
This vent allows for sufficient airflow to allow for water flow. If the vent is damaged, the water level can be reduced.
Solution
First, you need to inspect the fill tube. The fill tube is located inside the tank lid. Replace the tube if it breaks or if it has been moved.
Then, use a toilet auger or snake to clear a clogged toilet. It would be a good idea to inspect the fill valve as well if it is broken. Replace the broken fill valve with a brand-new one. All of these items can be found in your local home improvement store.
Whistling Toilet
If the fill valve is defective, you will hear the toilet make a whistling sound. Low-frequency sounds are very common from the toilet after you flush.
However, if the sound of water passing and flushing interrupts the silence, it is important to recognize problems with the fill valve.
It can cause you to lose your peace of mind, it is also not enjoyable, as well as wastes a lot of water.
Solution
Our experts have a lot of evidence to show that whistling sounds in the toilet can cause a faulty fill valve. Therefore, you should inspect the fill valve and replace it.
Wobbly Toilet
You should understand why you feel unsteady while sitting down on the toilet. In this situation, there may not be any leakage.
It can also occur when the flange is higher than the floor. This is why the toilet can shake.
The toilet will start to shake when the caulk has hardened. You must first determine the cause of the problem.
Solution
Make sure the flange bolts on your toilet are securely fastened. You should replace them if they aren’t. Also, be careful about over-tightening. You can do more damage than in an unstable situation.
Shimming the toilet can also be an option. It is located under the base of your toilet. Adjust the shim to fit the space between the toilet and the floor.
Make sure to examine the gap carefully and insert the shim properly. Repeat the process until you are satisfied with the result.
If you are able to do basic DIY, this is possible. You don’t need one to do this, but you can make it work.
Sweating Toilet
A sweating toilet, also known as condensation on a toilet tank, occurs when the surface of the toilet tank feels damp or has water droplets on it. This is caused by the process of condensation, where the warm humid air inside the bathroom comes in contact with the cold toilet tank, causing the water vapor in the air to condense on the cooler surface of the toilet tank.
Sweating toilet tanks can be a sign of poor insulation, high humidity levels in the bathroom, or an inefficient toilet. However, it can also be a symptom of a problem with the wax ring seal between the toilet and the sewer pipe, or with the supply line.
Solution
The main issue with humidity is the location. A new insulated toilet tank can be purchased. Also, you should ensure that your air conditioner is running smoothly.
Rusted Toilet Hinge Screws
Rusted toilet hinge screws can occur over time due to exposure to moisture and humidity. When the screws rust, they can become difficult to remove and can potentially cause damage to the toilet tank.
Solution
If the rust is not too severe, you can try to remove the screws by using a screwdriver and penetrating oil to loosen the rust. If the screws are still stuck, you can try using a drill with a screwdriver bit to remove them. You may need the screws out with the hacksaw or a rotary tool if the screws are severely rusted.
Once the screws are removed, you should clean the area thoroughly with a wire brush or sandpaper to remove any remaining rust. Then coat the new screws with a rust inhibitor to help prevent rust from forming again.
Wrapping Up
The last section will discuss common problems with toilets and their solutions. Apply these solutions to any problem you may have with your toilet.
You don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money and you don’t require any professional help to fix most of these problems. You should be able to do basic DIY.
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