How to Fix Common Toilet Issues

A clogged toilet is frustrating and potentially dangerous. In order for your toilet to work properly, you will need to clear the clog. The following toilet repair tips can help you out if you find yourself dealing with a clogged toilet.

Recurring Clogs

One of the most common problems with toilets is clogs. A toilet that is used and flushed often is at risk of developing a clog. If your toilet does not flush properly, it can be either partially or completely clogged.

When a toilet is completely clogged, it will fill to the brim or overflow. A partial clog can cause the toilet to slowly drain. With this type of clog waste cannot be flushed; however, the water in the bowl slowly decreases over time. There are several tools that can help to remove a clog. With practice, you can get a toilet unclogged.

Clearing Toilet Bowl Clogs with a Plunger

Most clogs can be cleared using a plunger. It is important to remember that unclogging a toilet can be a dirty job. So, wear protective clothing and gloves. To clear a clog using a plunger, place the plunger in the bowl and make sure there is enough water to completely cover the plunger. The first plunge should be done gently as a hard plunge can cause water to splash all over you and the bathroom. After the first plunge, you should force the plunger up and down vigorously to help remove the clog.

Using a Snake To Clear a Toilet Clog

If you cannot clear the clog with a plunger, you should use a plumbing snake. A plumbing snake is a flexible wire coil that has a corkscrew on the tip. The snake can be threaded through your pipe to the clog. As you turn the snake, it digs its way through the clog using a boring action. Most of the time, a plumbing snake will be able to clear a clogged toilet.

Phantom Flushes

Does your toilet refill intermittently, even though it has not been used? If so this is called a phantom flush. Ignoring phantom flushes can waste more than 200 gallons of water daily. This problem is due to water leaking from the tank, causing it to refill. This is often due to a faulty flapper or flapper seat. To fix this, you will need to drain the water from the tank and the bowl and turn off the water supply. Inspect the flapper for wear or damage. If the flapper shows any signs of wear or damage, it will need to be replaced. This is a simple repair that most homeowners can handle themselves.

Broken Toilet Handle

A broken toilet handle can be frustrating; however, it is an easy fix. To fix a loose or stuck toilet handle, you will need to remove the tank cover and clean the mounting nut. Typically, debris will cause the handle to stick. Cleaning it should correct the problem. If the toilet handle is loose, try turning the nut clockwise to tighten. These two steps typically will fix any toilet handle issues.

Need a Plumber to Unclog a Toilet?

Nassau
(516) 629-0353

Suffolk
(631) 693-4907

Queens
(718) 571-8877

Brooklyn
(347) 797-3997

Westchester
(914) 344-6757

There may be times when there is more going on than a clogged toilet, a worn flapper or a loose toilet handle. In these cases, you will need to contact a licensed plumber. An experienced plumber has the skills necessary to diagnose your toilet problems and solve them. If you are unable to fix the issue yourself, a plumber can fix your toilet so that it is running like new. When you contact a plumber, you want one who has the experience and skill needed to handle all of your plumbing issues. Ask around for referrals and ensure that the plumber is licensed, bonded and insured.