Phone:
(701)814-6992
Physical address:
6296 Donnelly Plaza
Ratkeville, Bahamas.
There are simple toilet repairs that you can do yourself without calling a plumber. Common problems you may encounter are clogs, leaking at the base or tank and a toilet that continuously runs after you flush.
Knowing how to troubleshoot these issues saves time and money.
The Main Parts Of A Toilet That Can Have Problems
• Flapper: Normally rubber connected to a chain inside the tank allows water into the bowl when flushed.
• Fill valve: Refills the toilet tank after flushing of the toilet.
• Flush valve: Opens to release water into the bowl.
• Trip lever: The handle you press to start a flush.
• Wax seal or ring: Seals the toilet bowl to the floor plumbing flange under the toilet.
• Tank to bowl gasket: Creates a seal where the tank attaches to the toilet bowl.
Common Toilet Issues You May Encounter
Some of the most common issues include a clogged toilet caused by too much paper, hair or other foreign material flushed down the toilet. A constantly running toilet is a sign of flapper issues or a bad fill valve.
Leaks at the base of the toilet can be a wax seal problem or a cracked toilet bowl. Other leaks can be caused by loose tank bolts or a bad tank to bowl gasket.
Toilet Repair Tools
As with any do-it-youself project having the right tools is essential.
• A crescent wrench
• Screwdrivers
• Pair of pliers
• Plunger
• Toilet auger or snake
Some Replacement Parts You May Need
• Tank flapper
• Fill valve
• Wax seal or ring
• Toilet Bolts
• Water supply line
Step-by-Step Toilet Repairs
Water Barely Filling Tank
Turn off water supply. If the fill valve is a Fluid Master model remove the black cap on top of the valve.
Carefully twist the float arm to release from the shaft. Check for debris inside the water fill shaft. If debris then flush all material out. Reassemble the valve and test.
If an old ballcock style valve we recommend replacing with a Fluid Master Valve.
Toilet Will Not Flush
Lift top of tank. Inspect the flapper and chain. If flapper is old or damaged replace it. Check if the chain came off the flush handle or if it is tangled. Check chain for proper length and adjust if necessary.
Replacing the Fill Valve
Turn off the water supply. Flush the toilet removing most of the water from the tank. Remove the rest of the water from inside the tank using a sponge.
Disconnect the water supply line from the fill valve. Loosen the plastic nut securing the fill valve and remove it releasing the fill valve. Install the new fill valve following the instructions that came with it, reinstall the water supply and test. Look for any leaks and proper filling.
Replacing the Flapper
To replace a flapper locate it and determine what type and model it is. It may have information printed on it or it may be a standard rubber flapper. Once you purchase the replacement turn off the water and drain the tank.
Remove the old flapper noting how it is attached and install the new flapper. Make adjustments as needed, refill the tank and test the flapper making sure it seals and does not leak.
Leaking Tank Gasket Or Bolts
If you notice water on the floor behind the toilet it may be a leaking tank to bowl gasket or tank to bowl bolts. Sometimes a simple tightening or the tank bolts will solve this leak.
If not you need to replace them. The gasket fits between the tank and bowl and requires the make of the toilet to find a replacement gasket. Bolts and gaskets can be purchased at your local plumbing supply store.
Leaking Toilet At The Base
Typically a if your toilet is leaking at the base it will be followed by a bad smell and water on the floor. In this case the wax seal or ring is bad and must be replace. Here is a link to our article How To Replace A Wax Ring On A Toilet
Unclogging A Toilet
Toilets become clogged with all sorts of things. Most times a simple plunger and a couple hard pushes and pulls and the clog is gone. On occasion a plunger doesn’t work and you need something stronger.
A toilet auger or “snake” can clear a lot of solid toilet clogs. When using an auger follow safety precautions and avoid scratching the interior of the toilet bowl.
Mechanical augers and drain cleaner should not be used on toilets you can crack the bowl with the auger and drain cleaners are dangerous. Instead the toilet should be pulled and you will have better access to the foreign object from the bottom of the toilet opening. If all else fails call a professional.
