Toilet Repair & Replacement
The last thing any of us wants is issues with our toilet. While there’s no good time to have a problem with the toilet, it always seems to occur at the worst of times. Here’s some information about the signs of some of the most common problems and what to do while you’re waiting for professional help.
Clogged Toilet
A clogged toilet can be a nightmare and you can’t just ignore it and hope the problem will evaporate. In fact, a clogged toilet can be a health issue and cause damage to the home and pipework. There are some things you can watch for though. First is a slow draining toilet. This is often the first sign because the drains are backing up. In other cases, it will take longer than usual for the water level in the bowl to drop and, in some cases, it may drop lower than normal due to the vacuum effect.
Another sign is if the toilet bowl is full or overflows. That one should be pretty obvious. This can be caused by excess toilet paper, toys, or foreign objects. Typically, this means that the toilet trap has contained the problem and the rest of the sewer drains are okay. A less obvious sign is a gurgling sound from other water fixtures. When one drain to the home is blocked, the liquid to air ratio is changed. This means that sewer gases are escaping. You may also notice a foul smell. This odor can be from other fixtures in the home, but be caused by the toilet. This smell is caused by a build up of sewer waste, leading to gas production and emission through vent pipes. The final cause may be an overflowing gully trap. If you see this in the ground around your gully trap, you’ve got a clogged toilet. These gully traps to act as an exit point for your sewer if there is a blockage, which prevents sewage from discharging inside the home. The grate on top of the gully trap should fit loosely and not be obstructed.
Leaking or Running Toilet
This is typically due to either a faulty fill or flush valve. However, be aware that there could be more problems going on than simply a faulty valve. First, you need to know the difference between a leaking or running toilet. The problem might be your flapper. Hold it down and listen to the water run. If there’s nothing, your flapper needs to be replaced. If that’s not the problem, it might be the fill valve. Flush the toilet, lift the toilet float arm, and see if the water stops. If it doesn’t stop 0.5 to 1 inch (2.54 cm) below the overflow pipe, the fill valve needs to be replaced. You’ll want to get these problems fixed because of the potential for a high water bill.
While a running toilet may not seem that significant, it can quickly turn into a major problem. A simple leak can lead to gallons of wasted water within a few days, increasing the water bill. The age of a toilet is a significant factor of the problems that develop. Porcelain can eventually weaken, which means that the structure can crack, leading to opportunities to leaking. Hard water can also impact the toilet and plumbing due to the deposits that can form.
As you can imagine, running or leaking toilets need to be fixed as soon as possible. Not just is it financially expensive to your water bill, but you can also have damage to the home if there is an actual leak. Internal leaks (those within the toilet) are typically caused by a faulty flapper or old gasket. A tank or bowl crack can lead to a leak onto the floor, causing problems with the flooring and subflooring. A running toilet can run you in excess of $60 per month on your water bill, and a leaking toilet can run you in excess of $50 per month. So, you’ll want to get help as soon as you can.
Problems with your toilet? The two most common are a clogged toilet, or a leaky/running toilet. However, both can have tremendous consequences for your bathroom, your home, and your wallet. It’s best to address these problems as soon as possible. In fact, though it may seem extreme, this may be the most cost effective way to prevent problems. This is one headache that you don’t want to have to deal with in the long run. The time of day (or day for that matter) makes no difference to us! Contact Red Rooter Plumbing to see how we can help you get your toilet running in good repair today. We have the experience you need and courtesy you expect — where you need it and when you need it.
Call us at (561) 462-2724 for fast, reliable emergency plumbing services! Find your local Red Rooter today for fast, reliable emergency plumbing services in your area!