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5 of the Most Common Toilet Repairs

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William Koonce
5 of the Most Common Toilet Repairs

Toilet Clog Repair



The most common toilet repair a homeowner needs to consider is a clogged toilet. A clog can happen for several reasons, from a sanitary product that gets flushed and doesn't break down as expected, to a foreign object that has accidentally gone down the drain. The first line of defense should be plunging or using a manual auger to remove the clog. Most toilets have a shutoff valve located on the wall behind the toilet - although it’s possible to have one located further away in the bathroom – that should be turned off. This is to stop any water from entering the bowl, preventing it from overflowing.


If plunging or using a manual auger doesn’t work, then a chemical-based cleaner should be used. These types of cleaners contain sodium hydroxide, which is a very powerful form of lye. Homeowners should use these cleaners with caution to avoid any possible burns, as the lye can cause additional damage to the toilet bowl. Most chemical-based cleaners are designed to break down organic material, so they are typically used for clogs that are mainly organic in origin.


If neither plunging nor chemical-based cleaners work, then a professional should be called in to help. There are a variety of professional tools that plumbers often use to clear a clog, such as power augers, drain snakes, and high-pressure water jetting systems – often referred to as hydro jet drain cleaning. If a clog is deep within the pipeline, then these specialized tools are the only way to get to it.


Toilet Plumbing



Another common repair homeowners need to consider is plumbing issues. Toilets have a variety of pipes connected to them, both running to and from, that can be prone to leaking or becoming blocked. Toilet plumbing issues can be caused by a number of factors, such as old age, rust, improper installation, or just general wear and tear.


If the toilet is running continuously or not properly flushing, then the problem could be a broken flapper. The flapper is a plastic part found in the bottom of the tank, and the purpose of it is to close off the flush valve. If the flapper is worn, broken, or out of place, then it can cause the water to leak from the tank, resulting in a constantly running toilet. A homeowner can usually fix this issue by replacing the toilet flapper, though in some cases, additional repairs may be necessary.


Another issue a homeowner may encounter is a leaking fill valve. The fill valve, also referred to as a ballcock, is responsible for filling the tank with water after it is flushed. If the fill valve is leaking, then it can cause water to flow out of the tank and onto the floor. This can be caused by the valve being old and worn, or it can be due to a small piece of debris in the valve itself.


Toilet Troubleshooting



Homeowners may encounter a variety of issues with their toilets, and being able to troubleshoot the cause of the problem is essential. Some common issues include a weak flush, slow draining, water running after flushing, and loud noises. Most of these issues can be prevented or at least minimized with regular maintenance and cleaning.


In order to diagnose the issue, it is important to understand the basic operation of a toilet. When a toilet is flushed, the waste is sent down a flapper, located at the bottom of the tank, allowing water to enter the bowl. The flush then creates a siphon to draw the waste out the bowl and down the drain. Each of these actions needs to be working properly for the toilet to work uninterrupted.


If the flush is weak, then it is possible there is a blockage within the trap, which is a curve in the pipe located at the back of the bowl. To check for this issue, pour a bucket of water into the bowl to see if it flushes down normally. If it is weak or doesn’t drain at all, then the blockage may need to be professionally removed.


When a toilet drains slowly, it could be because the waste line is clogged. Homeowners can use a toilet auger to try to remove the clog. Alternatively, a local plumber can use specialized equipment such as a sewer camera to locate the blockage and clear it.


Finally, noisy toilets can be caused by a few common issues. The most likely cause is a worn-out flapper valve that is no longer sealing properly. A broken ballcock or a fill valve that has come loose or cracked can also cause noise. While some of these issues can be fixed by a homeowner, it is also important to have them checked by a professional to ensure that no underlying issues exist.


In conclusion, there are several common toilet repairs that homeowners may need to consider. These include clog repair, toilet plumbing, and troubleshooting common toilet problems. Homeowners should always use caution when attempting to repair their own toilets and keep in mind that some plumbing issues may be best left to a local plumber.

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William Koonce
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