Top Tips for Easy Toilet Repairs

Today, we’re going over one of the most used and important fixtures in your home—your toilet. It can also be one of the easier things to fix in terms of plumbing repairs, as long as you know what you’re doing. So, let’s get to know your toilet.

How a Toilet Works

Understanding how your toilet works can help you diagnose and fix problems more easily. Here’s a quick rundown:

1. Flushing Mechanism: When you flush your toilet, a component called the flapper lifts, allowing water from the tank to flow through the valve and into the bowl.
2. Refill Process: Once the bowl is full, the flapper closes. The tank then refills through the fill valve. A float mechanism (a cup on newer toilets or a rubber ball on older models) stops the water flow when the tank is full.

Safety First: Turning Off the Water Supply

Before you make any repairs, always turn off the water supply valve located on the wall behind the toilet. This is also crucial if you have a water emergency. Simply turn the valve a quarter turn to shut off the water.

Handling the Lid

Remove the lid of your toilet tank carefully and place it somewhere safe to avoid dropping or cracking it. This may seem like a small step, but a cracked or broken toilet lid can be surprisingly costly to replace.

Common Toilet Issues and Fixes

Toilet Won’t Flush

• Check the Flush Handle: If the flush handle is loose, tighten the nut inside the tank. A loose handle is a common problem and usually an easy fix.
• Inspect the Lift Chain: Ensure the lift chain is connected to both the handle and the flapper valve. If it’s disconnected, reconnect it. If the chain is damaged or doesn’t fit properly, consider calling a professional like Goettl for help. Chains can be tricky and need to be adjusted just right for the toilet to flush properly.

Toilet Won’t Stop Running

• Check the Flapper Seal: Look for any nicks or tears in the flapper seal. If damaged, replace the flapper with one designed for your specific toilet model. A damaged flapper can cause water to continuously leak from the tank into the bowl.
• Inspect the Overflow Tube: Ensure the tube running water into the overflow pipe is positioned correctly. It should be in the pipe but not shoved too far, as this can create a siphon effect, making it seem like the toilet is constantly flushing.

Additional Tips

• Addressing Weak Flushes: If your toilet’s flush seems weak, it might be due to clogged rim holes. These holes under the rim of the toilet bowl can become blocked with mineral deposits. Use a piece of wire or a small brush to clean out any debris from these holes.
• Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect your toilet for leaks. A simple way to check for leaks is to add a few drops of food coloring to the tank and wait 15-20 minutes without flushing. If the color appears in the bowl, you have a leak that needs to be addressed
• Use the Right Cleaners: Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners that can damage the internal components of your toilet. Instead, use mild, non-abrasive cleaners to keep your toilet clean and functioning well.

Conserving Water

Beyond repairs, your toilet can also be a significant factor in water conservation. Here are a few tips to make your toilet more efficient:

• Install a Low-Flow Toilet: Consider upgrading to a low-flow toilet, which uses significantly less water per flush compared to older models.
• Dual-Flush Systems: A dual-flush toilet gives you the option to use a half-flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste, saving water with every use.
• Fix Leaks Promptly: A leaking toilet can waste a lot of water. As mentioned earlier, regularly check for leaks and fix them as soon as possible to conserve water and reduce your utility bill.

When to Call Goettl

By understanding the basic workings of your toilet and knowing how to address common issues, you can save time and money on repairs. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to minor issues can prevent major problems down the line. And remember, if a problem feels too complicated, don’t hesitate to reach out to the professionals at Goettl Air Conditioning and Plumbing. Happy fixing!