Doing your business outside is long gone thanks to the invention of the toilet. Thankfully, over 3 billion people worldwide use this device to control diseases, prevent illness, and maintain cleanliness.
But when a toilet isn’t working, it can lead to a host of other problems within your home. What are some toilet plumbing problems you need to address right away before they cost you? Keep reading to find out!
10 Toilet Troubles You Need to Know
A functioning toilet makes life easier, though sometimes, it can act up.
What are the signs that something is significantly wrong with your toilet? How do you know if you should contact plumbing services? If you notice any of these problems, pick up the phone and call your local plumber.
1. Running Toilet
No, this isn’t the beginning of a joke, because a running toilet is no joke. Water constantly running in a toilet must be fixed because water bills can skyrocket quickly. The most common problem behind a running toilet is a malfunctioning flapper that’s easily fixable.
If you fix the flapper and the toilet continues to run, contact your plumber, as there may be underlying issues.
2. Clogged Toilet
Dealing with a clogged toilet is no picnic. But it does happen and renders the toilet unusable until the clog is dissolved.
The primary tool to use against clogged toilets is the handy plunger and is the most recommended. Many clogs can be treated in a matter of minutes, depending on what’s causing the backup. If the clog doesn’t respond to typical plunging, the clog could be severe enough to cause damage to your sewer system.
3. Seat Trouble
Toilet seats can cause problems in two ways.
First, if you lift the lid too forcefully, it’ll bang against the tank. This is not only noisy, but could also result in a cracked tank or seat. Replace the seat with a slow lifting or lowering seat to avoid more damage to your toilet.
If your seat is cracked, it needs to be sealed, or a new toilet seat must go in its place. Cracks in the seat are not only uncomfortable, but sprays of water will destroy the seat over time.
4. Rust
Whenever there’s water, there’s potential for rust. Rust left untreated will continue to eat away at your fixtures.
The most common place for rust is on bolts, handles, hinges, and even inside the toilet bowl. A household hack to prevent an overgrowth of rust is to apply clear nail polish to these areas for some protection.
5. Leaks
A leaking toilet is not only messy, but it can also be dangerous, especially if contaminated water leaks on the floor. Leaks can have several causes, depending on the location of the leak. Some are due to faulty flappers, loose screws, and insufficient chaulking.
It’s also important to fix the source of the leak because the odor can escape and cause your bathroom to smell.
6. Weak Flushing
A powerful flush is always appreciated from a toilet, but if you find your toilet’s flush is lacking oomph, then something’s up. This could be due to clogged rinse holes located under the rim. Mineral deposits tend to build up here and cause a lag in the flush.
You could always have a water supply connection problem as well, so be sure to check your supply line.
7. Handle Problems
If the toilet handle is giving you problems, chances are, it’s an easy fix.
A loose handle – one that lacks tension during a flush – often needs tightening or it may need to be cleaned.
A handle that sticks in the downward position could cause your water to continue running. This is the opposite problem with a loose handle, and the handle may be too tight. Adjustments may need to be made with the flapper as well, or the nut might need cleaning.
8. Ghost Flushing
Don’t worry – there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation for why a toilet flushes when it’s not in use, and it has nothing to do with the paranormal! Most likely, it has something to do with the flapper valve.
Your flapper valve could be in the wrong place, defective, or worn out. Either way, removing and replacing it should solve the problem.
9. Condensation
Have you ever noticed that the back of your toilet seems to be “sweating?” This sweating is condensation that’s collected on your tank. Typically, this happens when colder water enters the tank, and the environment outside is humid or hot.
Excess condensation is likely to leave a mess on your floor and if it’s not cleaned up, it could cause water damage to the floor. Insulating your tank is a great way to control condensation and save your floor.
10. Unstable Toilet
No one wants to sit on a wobbly toilet, but comfort shouldn’t be the primary issue. Toilets that aren’t adequately secured to the floor pose more significant problems.
An unsecured toilet could be cause for injury and sewer gases leaking into your home. These gases can cause illness, as well as floor damage, which could be significant and costly. Usually, a tightening of the bolts can keep your toilet firmly planted on the floor.
Toilet Plumbing: Do You Need Assistance?
Most toilet plumbing problems are a quick and straightforward fix, as long as they’re caught before major damage happens. Check your toilet every few months to ensure everything is in working order to avoid expensive repairs.
Are you looking for a plumber in your area? We offer 24/7 services and a 100% guarantee. Contact us today for all your plumbing needs!
