Common Toilet Problems
Most residential or commercial buildings experience toilet problems on occasion. Whether it’s “phantom flushing,” clogged toilets, or leaky seals, several DIY “solutions” are posted online with the claim they can fix these issues. While some suggestions may be practical and useful, a professional plumber can immediately target the root cause of a toilet problem, saving your business or household repair or replacement costs.
Regular issues with toilets:
1. Clogging. Common causes of toilet clogs include “flushable” wipes, hair, and feminine hygiene products. To prevent frequent clogging, place these items in the proper garbage bins. Clogs may be loosened by using good plungers, but frequent clogging problems require the help of a plumber and a thorough inspection.
2. Phantom flushes. When your toilet cuts on and off by itself or runs intermittently, the cause is likely a very slow leak from the tank into the bowl. It’s often due to a worn, dirty, or damaged flapper seal — this could call for cleaning or a complete replacement.
3. Weak flushes. When the toilet empties slowly after a flush, clogged holes underneath the rim of the bowl may have debris blocking the siphon jet.
4. Hissing toilet. Hissing sounds coming from a toilet may indicate there’s water trickling into the tank through the supply line. In this scenario, check the float, refill tube, and ballcock/inlet-valve assembly. Any or all may require adjustments or replacement.
5. Leaky seals. Most toilets have about five seals. The largest is the one located between the tank and the bowl. When the largest seal is broken, major leaks can occur with water shooting underneath the tank during every flush. Smaller seals experience smaller leaks. In order to repair seal problems, replacement is needed after draining and removing the tank.
If you have toilet issues, check the tank’s water levels, the tank ball on the flush valve seat, the rims of the toilet bowl, and the wax rim seal that connects the bowl to the drain outlet. Prevent costly future repairs by calling a professional plumber for regular maintenance and check-ups.
Abbey Plumbing and Mechanical understands common toilet problems in Mississauga and other areas may indicate potential plumbing issues in the future. Call us at (905) 822-0521 to handle leaky toilets and fix any damage you may have inflicted with a “DIY solution.”