Toilet Troubleshooting: Fixing the 3 Most Common Issues

There are few things we need in our homes more than toilets, so when one goes down, it’s very aggravating. Here are three of the most common issues and how to fix them, and if it’s time for a new toilet installation for your Northbrook, IL home, call us at Bill’s Plumbing and Sewer.

Three Common Toilet Issues

Constant Running

Most of the time, the culprit with a running toilet is a worn-out component inside the tank. It could be a flapper, which is that rubber seal that controls the water flow from the tank into the bowl, or you might have an improperly adjusted fill valve. Occasionally, the issue is that the float is misaligned.

How to Fix

To fix this, first turn off your water supply valve behind the toilet, flush the toilet to drain the tank, and then lift the lid and take a look at the flapper at the bottom. If it looks warped or cracked, gently remove it by detaching the chain from the flush handle arm and sliding it off the overflow tube pegs. Replace the old flapper with a new one.

If that’s not the issue, check the fill valve. If water continues trickling even after the tank is full, adjust the float by bending the metal arm slightly downward (for older models) or turning the adjustment screw (newer plastic ones) to lower the water level.

Clogs

Clogs are usually caused by excessive toilet paper or non-flushable items in the toilet. Fortunately, most clogs can be cleared without dismantling anything.

How to Fix 

Get your home a flange plunger. This type has an extended rubber lip and is designed specifically for toilets to create better suction than a standard cup plunger. If the bowl doesn’t have enough water in it, then fill it until it covers the plunger head. Position the flange directly over the drain hole and press down firmly to form a seal. Pump vigorously up and down for about 15 to 20 seconds, maintaining the seal to build pressure to dislodge the blockage.

Pull up slowly on the last plunge to avoid splashing and check if the water drains. If it does, flush it once to test it. If not, repeat the process a few times. Don’t use chemical drain cleaners on your toilet: they can damage the porcelain or your pipes.

Weak Flushes

Weak flushes are often due to low tank water levels or mineral clogs in the rim holes.

How to Fix

Remove the tank lid and observe the water level; it should sit about an inch below the overflow tube. If it’s too low, adjust the float arm or screw to raise it. A loose chain connecting the handle to the flapper can also cause partial lifts, so shorten or lengthen it as needed.

Another possibility is clogs under the rim of the toilet, which can happen if you’ve got hard water. Use a small mirror to inspect the tiny holes and gently poke each one with a straightened coat hanger or stiff wire to dislodge any buildup.

Get New Toilet Installation in Northbrook, IL

If you’re ready for a new, trouble-free toilet, talk to us at Bill’s Plumbing and Sewer in Northbrook, IL. We serve Issaquah and all of Cook County and surrounding areas.

Tags: broken toilet, fix toilet, toilet problem, toilet repair
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