Just about everyone has gone through some kind of problem with their toilet. This can be frustrating and annoying. It is one of those things that you don’t want (or cannot) put off.
Any number of things can go wrong in the toilet. It may not be something that happens to you frequently, but when something does happen, you need to do something about it and pretty quickly. Sometimes, the problem can get worse very quickly and you will have a crisis on your hands. Here are some common toilet issues and what you have to do about it.
1. Not Flushing
A toilet not flushing can be caused by a number of reasons. Sometimes it can be as simple as the water supply not being turned on. Always check this first. If this is the reason, just turn it back on. It could also be because the handle is loose. You will need to tighten the locknut that is inside the tank. Sometimes, the handle may need to be cleaned. Sometimes, stuff could have been building over the years. Remove the handle assembly and give it a thorough cleaning.
Sometimes, the lift chain may be broken. Other times, it may have just got loose. If it became loose, just re-attach it. If it is broken, then you will have to get another one. Sometimes, the flapper has a little place where the chain is attached. This may be made of rubber and it can break or tear. You may as well replace it if this happens.
Other problems include the ballcock valve being broken. You will need to get another ballcock assembly to replace it. The water level may also be low. Just adjust it so that the water level is higher.
2. Problems With Water
If there is a clog, the water may overflow. One hopes that this will never happen because it can be a rather horrible mess to deal with. If this happens, you will have to try to unclog the toilet.
Sometimes, the toilet may empty rather slowly. Perhaps the water level in the tank is low and the siphon holes may be clogged. First, try to adjust the water level. Then, get a metal coat hanger and use this to try and unclog the siphon holes.
Another common thing you may have come across is the water running constantly. This could be because the handle may be stuck, in which case, you need to loosen it. The lift chain may also have become tangled, so untangle or adjust it properly. Perhaps the float ball leaks. If this is the case, you must replace it. If the ballcock is broken, it needs to be replaced too.
3. Leaks
Sometimes, there can be water drops on the tank. This is a condensation problem. This water can drop on the floor. You will need to insulate the tank. If the tank or the bowl leaks, check to see if water connections are loose or if the tank nuts are loose.
There are some things you can do by yourself. Others may be much bigger problems. Obviously, the best thing to do is to call an emergency plumber for major issues which you cannot handle.
