Expert Plumbers for Toilet Repair and Installation Services
The toilets in your home serve as some of its most important plumbing fixtures. When something goes wrong, fast and effective repairs are a must. A professional
plumber
can easily handle the often-unpleasant task of toilet repair.
We’ve shared some information below for toilet repair and toilet installation. Every now and then, DiY solutions are possible. But you might be surprised to learn that quality toilet services take a lot more than a plunger.
Toilet Repair is More Complex Than You Think
While your home’s toilets are comparatively simple fixtures, even minor problems may require specific tools and professional repair experience. Our certified plumbers have everything they need to understand the problem and handle repairs quickly and safely. Whether you’re struggling with clogs, poor water pressure or something else, professional service is just what you need.
Here are some of the most common problems you may experience with your home’s toilets.
5 Common Toilet Repair Problems
Most toilets consist of two primary components: the bowl and the upper tank. Damage to the toilet bowl could crack the porcelain, causing a leak. If the upper tank is the source of your problem, it’s most often because of a damaged valve. The upper tank contains several important valves including the flush valve and fill valve.
1. Toilet Constantly Running
A continuously running toilet wastes a lot of water. A professional plumber will first shut off the water supply line. This is done by closing the water supply valve, which can be found at the base of the toilet.
Constant running water is frequently a sign of a broken fill valve. This component ensures the water level fills to normal levels after each flush. If it becomes damaged, water will slowly fill the upper tank.
But the source of your problem could also be a broken flush valve. This valve moves stored water from the tank into the toilet bowl after you flush. When it breaks or cracks, water will constantly flow into the toilet bowl. Until it’s replaced, you’re constantly wasting water. A professional plumber can seamlessly replace broken flush valves with a new replacement.
2. Toilet Won’t Flush
Is nothing happening when you flush the toilet? A quality plumber will check the flush handle, also known as a flapper. It can detach itself from the rest of the upper tank system, stopping the flush mechanism from working as intended.
Resolving the problem is sometimes as easy as reattaching the chain that connects the handle to the fill valve system. If the chain is still attached, the plumber will instead check the nuts mounted within the tank. These might shake loose and will have to be refastened.
While this is sometimes something you can do on your own, a professional is often needed if these steps aren’t working. They can handle more complicated tasks like replacing the flapper.
3. Toilet Plumbing Is Leaking
Leaks
are one of the most common problems that affect your plumbing. There are many places your toilet can leak, but some of the most visible spots include water supply lines and around the base of the toilet. Your plumber will still check for leaks in the upper tank since they’re not as immediately noticeable. Dripping sounds coming from the upper tank are sometimes a sign there’s a leak.
If the base of the toilet is leaking, the plumber will check the wax ring that seals the base of the toilet against the bathroom floor. If this wears down, water can pool around the base of your toilet. This could also happen when the toilet flange is damaged. The toilet flange sits underneath the base of the toilet, connecting the flush system to your home’s plumbing.
4. Malfunctioning Fill Valve or Refill System
If the fill valve doesn’t seem to be damaged, the actual problem may be debris deeper within the water system. Some cleaners can remove this debris, breaking it apart and pushing it into the rest of your plumbing. When this doesn’t fix the issue, professional equipment is generally required.
5. Toilet Is Clogged
A clogged toilet is a very common plumbing problem you may encounter. A trusty plunger can break down the clog, producing enough pressure to remove it from your plumbing. Out of the many issues your toilet can experience, a clog is the one you can most likely handle by yourself.
But larger clogs should be approached with caution. Otherwise, wastewater can overfill the bowl and spill onto your bathroom floor. Many professional plumbers have specialized drain snake tools, also known as closet or toilet augers.
Sometimes Replacing a Toilet Is the Best Option
When the damage is especially severe, replacing a toilet is usually more cost effective. Toilet installation should be handled carefully to prevent leaks or other problems somewhere else in your home’s plumbing.
Well-trained plumbers can easily handle new toilet installation, relying on a specific order designed to ensure secure connections.
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Remove the old toilet:
An experienced plumber will check the old toilet for bolts and other parts that are still in working condition. These can be reused on the new toilet.
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Secure the new toilet seal:
The toilet seal or wax ring should be carefully lowered on top of the toilet flange. If this is handled too quickly, you can crack the bathroom tile or end up dealing with a leak right after installation.
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Place the new toilet bowl on the flange and secure it with the correct nuts and bolts:
The base of the new toilet should be correctly aligned with the flange. Plumbers will be careful not to move the base after it’s placed on the wax seal, since this might damage it and cause a leak.
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Attach the upper tank:
Some models separate the upper tank from the toilet bowl. If the tank is not securely attached, it can grind and wear down the porcelain.
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Install accessories like the seat and lid:
While a toilet missing a seat still technically works, it’s not exactly as comfortable as sitting down. A plumber can make sure these sit firmly against the rest of the toilet.
Once toilet installation is complete, your plumber will test the new toilet for signs of damage or leaks. They will open the water supply valve and watch as the upper tank begins to fill. Plumbers will then flush the toilet to make sure water isn’t leaking anywhere surrounding the base of the toilet bowl.
Toilet repair and installation aren’t tasks you want to mess up. Don’t hesitate to contact the professional plumbers at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, who can fix or install a wide range of toilet models.
Learn more by getting in touch with our staff at 866-397-3787 today!