If you’re in the second category of die hard DIYers, we’ve compiled some toilet repair strategies to tackle the more common toilet repairs in your home. Read on to find out ways you can fix common toilet problems, and don’t forget that if you get stuck you can always call an expert plumber nearby.
According to HomeDepot.com:
“If your toilet won’t stop running or is noisy when not in use, you may need to adjust or replace the toilet fill valve. A constantly running toilet may be due to the tank water level being too high, which causes water to flow over the top of the overflow tube and into the tank.
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BobVila.com suggests the following:
“If you depress the handle but feel no resistance and the toilet fails to flush, either a connection or the chain inside the tank has most likely come loose. Not all tank interiors look exactly alike, but all feature a lift arm (a thin metal or plastic rod) and a rubber stopper at the bottom (called a “flapper”), which connects via a chain to the lift arm. If the chain comes unhooked from the lift arm, the flapper won’t lift to allow water to drain from the tank, preventing the flush. The same problem can occur if the nut that secures the handle to the lift arm (just inside the tank) has worked loose. A simple four-step toilet repair will get your bathroom back in working order.
Turn off the shut-off valve that supplies water to the tank located on the small hose behind the commode.
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According to HomeDepot.com:
“There are a several possible reasons for a low water level in a toilet bowl.
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TheSpruce.com has a few suggestions:
“While most toilet problems originate in the tank, there's one that involves the base of the toilet: water seeping out around the base of the toilet bowl, along the floor.
While a little condensation is normal in the summer months, an actual puddle of water at the base of your toilet indicates a real problem. There is a great chance this water is dirty, so to keep the problem from worsening, it's best to avoid using your toilet until it's fixed.
Normally this problem is caused because of problems with the wax ring that seals the base of the toilet (the horn) to the drain opening set into the floor. You'll have to remove the toilet in order to replace the wax ring. Although this might seem like a major project, it's actually not all that hard. You can save a lot of money by doing the work yourself rather than calling the plumber.”
Read More at the Spruce
From BobVila.com:
"A clogged commode will cause the bowl to overflow onto the bathroom floor, but the fix—which happens to be the most common of all toilet repairs—doesn’t have to ruin your day. Clearing the clog is super simple, and you probably have a toilet plunger already on hand. Simply insert the plunger into the bowl while it’s still full of water, pressing the mouth of the plunger firmly against the opening at the bottom of the bowl to form a seal. Then use a rhythmic push-and-pull pumping motion to create pressure in the drain and free the clog. Don’t be overly enthusiastic; forceful plunging is likely to splash dirty water all over the bathroom. After eight to 10 pumps, lift the plunger away from the bottom of the bowl. If you’ve freed the clog, the water will drain—it usually takes just one or two attempts to free a clog."
Read more at BobVila.com
These are some tips for those who love to DIY, but if you’ve changed your mind about wanting to fix your own toilet, call a Chico area plumber today! To stay updated on more home construction, remodeling and maintenance topics subscribe to our blog.