Let’s Talk About Toilet Repair
You Can Handle Basic Toilet Repair
For most people, toilet repair is not a pleasant subject, but since we will all deal with it at some point, it’s good to learn the basics. Some toilet issues are so basic that, when you know what to look for, you can fix them in 10 minutes or less yourself. Other issues are fixable by the average homeowner, but you have to know what the problem is and what parts will fix it. Serious toilet issues require professional expertise and tools, so that’s when you call a First, you should recognize that choosing to fix your own toilet means you accept the risk that you’ll break something. Why spend a whole day on toilet repair when a pro can handle it?
Now, one of the most basic issues is a toilet that occasionally “runs.” This is usually a leak around the “flapper” (water control diaphragm). When water leaks out from the tank into the bowl, the water level drops and the float ball actuates the fill valve to bring more water into the tank. When the float ball rises to the proper level, the fill valve shuts off the water flow. Then more water leaks into the tank, and the process repeats. This wastes a lot of water over time and is easy to fix.
You can first try to clean off the surface around the water outlet, where the flapper seals the hole. Turn off the water at the valve in the toilet water supply line. Then flush the tank, use a sponge to soak up any remaining water, and wipe off the sealing surface of the outlet hole. Wipe down the flapper surface too. Now turn the water back on, let the tank fill, and see if you still have a leak.
If you can’t stop the leak with a wipedown, you can replace the flapper only or the whole assembly that it’s attached to. It’s best to take the parts you want to replace to the home center so you can be sure you get the exact replacement part. If this sort of repair is more than you want to tackle, give us a call. We can usually have the whole job done in less than two hours.
A basement clogged toilet may be a one-time issue, but it can be a sign of a larger problem if unable to clear blockage with plunger. Tree roots are can be the culprit here, and this can be a tough problem. Try plunging and if you can’t get the clog cleared, let us know and we’ll send a pro to take care of it.
Another common issue is a leak around the base of the toilet. This can be tricky and best to call a plumber.
Naturally, we have “professional jargon” for all the parts of the toilet, but here are the common parts:
- Toilet handle: the lever you push to flush; lifts the flapper to allow water to flow into the bowl.
- Float ball: a floating device that turns the fill valve on and off, depending on water level in the tank.
- Fill valve: a valve attached to the float ball that controls the water supply to the tank.
- Flapper: the piece that closes off the outlet hole of the tank; attached to the toilet handle.
- Overflow assembly: lets excess tank water flow into the bowl rather than running over the tank s ides; if you have a faulty fill valve that won’t shut off, the overflow assembly keeps the tank from overflowing.
- Toilet jets: openings in the bowl rim that let water flow in and keep the surface clean.
- Shut-off valve: attached to the water line under the tank so you can turn the water on and off.
- Gasket: seals the toilet to the floor.
Basic toilet repairs are surprisingly simple to repair when you have the right information. For all the rest, give us a call any time and we’ll send a professional to handle it for you.
See our video on YouTube: Toilet Repair Tips
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