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How to Troubleshoot Basic Toilet Repair

How to Troubleshoot Basic Toilet Repair

How to Troubleshoot Basic Toilet Repair

While there are many different types of toilet models and styles that may require certain parts, we want to provide you with some simple tips for basic toilet repair. Because there are many issues that can occur with your toilet, you may need to seek advice from a professional plumber in Orange, CA. Yet, if you would like to try and troubleshoot, here are a few common problems you might be able to fix.

Why Does My Toilet Run Every So Often?

When water leaks into your toilet bowl, often referred to as “phantom flushes”, the issue is generally caused by a bad flapper or flapper seat. So, if you notice that your toilet refills or is running, as if it was flushed by itself, then that is most likely the issue. To fix this, we recommend to drain the tank, drain the toilet bowl, and check to see if the flapper needs to be replaced.

How To Tell If Your Tank Is Leaking

To diagnose this issue, listen for a hissing sound. If you notice this noise, it is most likely caused by water coming into the tank from the supply line. Check the refill tube, the float, the ballcock, and inlet-valve to see if they are working properly. Usually, the hissing noise comes from the water through the inlet valve.

How To Unclog A Toilet

One of the most common issues with toilets is clogs. There are many ways you can try to get rid of a clog.

For minor clogs, the most familiar and effective type of tool used is a plunger

More serious clogs will require another method, such as a closet auger.

How To Replace A Toilet Seal In The Tank

Sometimes the problem of a malfunctioning toilet is due to a leaky seal. For standard models, there are at least five seals that could leak. A major water leak would most likely occur between the bowl and the toilet. To replace this, you will have to drain the water, remove the tank and replace the seal.

This same procedure will need to be done for fixing the smaller seals as well. Sometimes tightening the bolts can help stop the leak, but if the parts are failing, they will need to be replaced.

How To Fix A Leaky Toilet Base

Another leaky seal that can cause major damage is the wax seal. This one is located underneath the toilet base. The only way to solve this leak is to remove the toilet and replace the seal. Do not just caulk around the base of the toilet, as water will still leak underneath and cause further water damage and can even rot the floor.

How To Fix A Slow Flushing Toilet

A toilet bowl that empties water slowly is often called a weak flush. A clog underneath the rim of the bowl typically causes this problem. To troubleshoot, try using a curved wire inside of the flush hole to see if you can clean out or loosen any debris to improve the flush.

Contact a Professional

Of course, if you are not sure what is causing your toilet’s problem, a professional plumber can determine if you simply need toilet repair or toilet replacement. Call Do It Right Plumbers today to schedule an appointment.

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