Troubleshooting Your Toilet

Tips For Troubleshooting Your Toilet

What could be more frustrating than a toilet that doesn’t work properly? In homes with a lot of people and a small number of bathrooms, in particular, a malfunctioning toilet can prove practically unbearable. Often, of course, a toilet that doesn’t work properly will require a plumber to inspect, diagnose, and repair it—but there are a few things you might look for as you try to troubleshoot your toilet issues.

Running Toilets

One common problem with toilets is that they just run all the time—long after they’ve actually been used. If this is what you’re dealing with, there are a couple of possible causes. One is that the flush valve is not closing properly. Open up the tank and see if there is a kink or a crimp in the chain, which could be the culprit.

Another possible cause: The float ball could be rubbing up against the side of the tank, or it could just be set too high. Tweak the float arm, making sure about half the float ball is underwater and that it can move about freely.

Non-Flushing Toilets

Even more frustrating than the toilet that runs all the time is the toilet that won’t flush, or at least that won’t flush completely. The problem here may be that the chain won’t open the flush valve, either because the chain has come loose or has broken, or because the handle arm has been broken or has fallen off. Whatever piece isn’t staying connected as it should be will obviously need to be replaced.

The alternative is that the tank is not filling with sufficient water for a good flush—and the reason for this is likely that the ball so set too low. See our guidelines from above on setting the appropriate height.

Clogged Toilets

Perhaps there’s not much that needs to be said about this problem. If your toilet is clogged and you just can’t get it unclogged, there is obviously a problem with a deep and persistent  obstruction somewhere in the pipes. This may be something for which you need to call a professional plumber, to get the drain cleaned.

There are some other potential toilet problems, too, of course, that we just don’t have the space to cover here. For further toilet questions or diagnoses, please don’t hesitate to contact our plumbers today. We’re happy to assist however we can, and as quickly as possible!