Toilet issues are frustrating and wasteful for homeowners in the US, with the average toilet leak wasting over 180 gallons of water weekly. With energy and utility bills rising, most homeowners can’t afford to throw precious resources and money down the drain. One of the most effective ways to save money is by learning how to troubleshoot your toilet flushing mechanism.
Fixing your toilet issues with DIY skills saves you money, but you must know how to diagnose your toilet blockage and broken flush valve to resolve the issue. Several things can go wrong that cause your toilet not to flush properly.
Fortunately, you’re in the perfect spot to learn more about troubleshooting common toilet problems. Continue reading this illuminating guide for more tips and tricks to get your toilet flushing again!
Clogged Toilet
A clogged toilet prevents your toilet from flushing as it’s designed. There are several culprits to consider behind a clogged toilet as a homeowner. A home with small children in it could flush toys down the toilet.
Flushing of absorbent and large items like sanitary pads and paper towels is another common way homes develop flushing issues. Avoid flushing anything down your toilet that isn’t toilet paper or feces.
Most toilet clogs happen near the top of the drain. It’s welcome news to homeowners because most of these clogs can be resolved with a simple toilet plunger. Use a flange plunger if the object causing the clog is lodged in the toilet’s siphon for the best results.
Toilet Leaks
Toilet leaks are dangerous for your home because they’re often subtle. Your toilet could leak for weeks before noticing changes to the smell and appearance of your home’s bathroom. When you flush, the toilet tank holds water that gets released into the bowl.
It’s a common toilet issue for extra water to leak when the toilet is flushed. Many homeowners don’t notice this leak, but it wastes hundreds of gallons of water annually. Test your toilet for leaks by putting a small amount of food coloring in the reservoir.
If your toilet leaks, you’ll see the food coloring leak into the bowl. The most common cause behind the leaks is a problem with the flapper. Toilets leak when the flapper doesn’t settle into its valve.
Your toilet’s leaks could also be related to a failing gasket. Try replacing the flapper and gasket to determine if the replacement parts have solved the leaks. You can also use upgraded Advanced Plumbing Technology to resolve the issue.
Toilet Does Not Fill
A toilet that doesn’t fill as designed presents several potential issues you should look into to resolve your toilet problems. A damaged fill tube could be the root cause behind a half-filled toilet. The fill tube sends more water into the toilet tank after each flush.
The fill tube connects to your overflow tube. With repeated flushing over several months or years, the fill tube may disconnect from the overflow tube. The tank will fill with water quickly, and the valve will shut off the water flow into the bowl before it fills.
It helps if you’re mindful of a cracked toilet bowl. A crack in your toilet bowl will prevent the bowl from filling as designed after each flush. Look for signs of a leak on your bathroom floor and confirm that no one in your household has missed the target.
The sewer vent is another potential culprit behind your toilet’s lack of water in the tank. The vent performs a vital function of releasing toxic gases and smells from your plumbing outside the home. Issues with the vent line will cause your toilet to only partially fill.
Take steps toward resolving the issue by lifting the lid off the reservoir and inspecting it for damage. Contact a professional plumber if you discover a crack in your toilet bowl. You can also use a plumbing snake to remove anything blocking the vent line.
Sluggish Flush
A sluggish flush indicates that you have issues with toilet flushing in your home. The primary reason behind slow flushing is a blocked leach field. It’s a concerning development if your home uses a septic system for your plumbing needs.
The water you’re flushing won’t percolate as designed if the leach field is blocked by debris. It’s also a sign that something is clogging your plumbing if you’re not using a septic tank. The best approach to resolve a toilet that is not flushing correctly is to hire a reputable plumber near you.
Toilet Refilling
Your toilet should never refill on its own. Many homeowners have experienced toilets that fill themselves without human interaction, and it’s a clear sign that your toilet is losing water related to an internal or external leak. It’s a toilet issue that can happen several times throughout the day.
If you don’t find any water on the floor surrounding your toilet, it’s a sign that the leak is internal. Water from an external leak from your toilet problems will be more pronounced, and it’s best to clean it up as soon as possible to prevent warping and other water damage.
Check your refill tube to ensure it’s fitted properly. A refill tube inserted too deeply into the overflow pipe is likely to cause your leaks. It’s also best to check the flapper for any signs of damage or malfunction. If those two steps don’t resolve the issue, working with a plumber and replacing the entire flush valve and mechanism is best.
Fix Your Toilet Flushing Issues Today
A toilet that isn’t functioning as designed damages your bank account, environment, and home. Some problems, like clogged bowls and external leaks, are more prominent and straightforward to fix. Others, like ghost flushing and a sluggish flush, are challenging problems to resolve.
Examine your toilet for damage within the tank and cracks in the bowl. You can also use food coloring to look for and track leaks from your toilet.
Resolving the issues you face in your household starts with hard work, positivity, and the best advice. Read more of our Health and Technology tips to fix the problems in your home for a healthier lifestyle!
