Toilets are some of the most-used plumbing appliances in the home, so it’s no surprise that they’ll end up having problems occasionally. A problem with a toilet doesn’t usually mean a new one is needed, as many issues are able to be fixed. For those who are a little handy around the home, there are some things to try before calling in a plumber. 

Toilet Running After Flushing

If the toilet runs longer than it should, it may be that the flapper is not in good shape anymore and not sealing properly to stop water from flowing. The flapper should be dropped over the pipe connecting the tank to the bowl when the water reaches the appropriate level. If this doesn’t happen, the flapper may need to be replaced to seal correctly and stop the water from flowing. 

Flush Handle is Loose

If the flush handle is loose, it may just need to be tightened. To do this, lift the lid off the tank and look for the nut inside the tank that holds the handle in place. If the nut is rusty or missing, a replacement may be needed. If it is there and in good condition, try tightening it a little bit to see if that fixes the loose handle. 

Flush Handle is Stuck

If the handle becomes stuck in the down position, the toilet will constantly run because the flapper can’t drop. If it’s stuck in the up position, it may not be possible to flush the toilet. Open the tank, check the handle mounting nut to make sure it’s not too loose, and adjust the arm or chain connecting to the handle to make sure they work correctly. 

Toilet Doesn’t Flush at All

If the toilet doesn’t flush at all, but the handle is able to move, the problem may be that the handle is no longer connected to the flapper inside the toilet. Check to make sure the interior components are still there and in good condition. If they are, make sure everything is connected properly. It may be necessary to tighten the chain a little bit to get the toilet to flush. 

Toilet Doesn’t Flush Completely

If the toilet doesn’t flush at all, a clog is likely the problem, and a plunger may be needed to get it working again. Depending on the reason for the clog, something may be needed to remove any blockages further down the plumbing. If the toilet flushes, but it doesn’t flush completely, a common cause is that the lift chain is too loose. Adjust this and check to see if the toilet flushes. While checking this, make sure there is enough water in the tank for the toilet to flush correctly. If there isn’t enough water, the toilet will be unable to flush. 

Toilet is Leaking

Toilet leaks can end up wasting a significant amount of water in a short amount of time. If a toilet is leaking, take the time to find out where the leak is coming from. The repair may be as simple as replacing the supply line to the toilet or tightening the bolts to the supply line. If the toilet is leaking from the base, a new wax ring may be needed. To replace this, it will be necessary to remove the toilet and install the new wax ring, then reinstall the toilet. 

Toilet Fills Slowly

The most common reason for a toilet to fill slowly is because the water supply valve is not opened completely. Simply turn the knob on the supply valve to make sure it’s completely open, and try flushing the toilet again to see if it refills faster. If this is not the problem, the fill valve assembly may need to be cleaned or replaced. These are generally easy to replace and include instructions for how to remove the old one and install the new one. Care must be taken to prevent any leaks once the new one is installed. 

Toilet is Wobbly

A toilet can end up getting wobbly over time. If this happens, even if there aren’t any leaks, check the bolts on the base of the toilet and make sure they’re tightened properly. If this doesn’t fix the problem, it may be possible to insert a shim under the toilet to keep it steady until it can be repaired or replaced. 

Plumbing issues aren’t always hard to fix, but they do require a little knowledge of how the toilet works and what is causing the problem. When standard solutions don’t work or if the problem seems to get worse again over time, it’s a good idea to call in a plumber to have it expertly repaired. Call BL Plumbing Service Inc today to get help with these or any other toilet problems you might be experiencing.