Preparing for Summer

There are many things that are very inconvenient, and an improperly-working toilet is one of them. When you have a toilet that is giving you problems, it is important to get it repaired as soon as possible. This is particularly true if you have a household with only one bathroom. It is not at all uncommon for toilets to show some problems every now and then, and as a homeowner, it is important that you are able to identify what the issue is and understand what steps you should take to get your toilet back in good working condition. Keep reading to learn what three common issues are with residential toilets and what you can do to get your toilet back up and going again.

Clogged Drain

One of the more common issues that homeowners will experience with their toilet is a clogged drain. If the clog is minor, a force-cup plunger will generally do the trick. This type of plunger is better suited for the job than an accordion or standard sink plunger. If you are unable to eliminate the blockage yourself, a plumbing professional will need to be contacted to come out to your home and repair the issue.

Constantly Running Toilet

When a toilet is constantly running, it can be noisy, and you will find that your water bills are higher. One reason that you may be experiencing a running toilet is an improperly sealing flapper, which is located on the interior of the toilet tank. If water from the tank is seeping into the toilet bowl, then the flapper will need to be replaced. However, the flapper is not the only potential culprit. Another possible problem could be a valve leak. This is not as easy for the average homeowner to diagnose, so if the flapper does not seem to be the problem, you will need to contact a professional plumber for an inspection and necessary repairs.

Spontaneously Flushing Commode

If your toilet is refilling without anyone flushing it, this is referred to as a phantom flush. This occurs due to a very slow leak from the tank to the bowl. As a general rule, the leak is a result of a defective flapper or flapper seat. You may be able to diagnose this issue on your own, but if you do not feel comfortable doing so, contact a plumber who can quickly detect the problem and replace the part that is damaged.

For more information about residential toilet problems, contact a plumbing service near you.