If there’s one thing every homeowner needs, it’s a functioning toilet. It may seem like a simple device, but even minor problems can disrupt your day significantly. That’s why we’ve put together the following list of 20 common toilet problems you might encounter and their troubleshooting solutions, as well as when you should call in a professional plumber. Let’s dive right in!
Contents
- 1. Constantly Running Toilet
- 2. Toilet Not Flushing
- 3. Weak Flushing Power
- 4. Partial Flushing Issues
- 5. Toilet Tank Refills Slowly
- 6. Whistling Sounds While Filling
- 7. Flushing Causes Water Surges
- 8. Unusual Sounds After Flushing
- 9. Toilet Tank Leaks
- 10. Broken Flush Handle
- 11. Bowl Water Level Drops
- 12. Sewer Smell Around Toilet
- 13. Frequent Toilet Clogs
- 14. Rust or Sediment Deposits
- 15. Water around Toilet Base
- 16. Toilet Moving or Wobbling
- 17. Crack in Toilet Bowl
- 18. Overflowing Toilet Issues
- 19. Persistent Bowl Staining
- 20. Inefficient Water Conservation
- Wrapping Things Up
1. Constantly Running Toilet
A perpetually running toilet is often due to a faulty flapper or fill valve. The flapper creates a water-tight seal within the tank, and if it’s compromised, water will constantly flow into the bowl. Try checking the flapper for any damage and ensure that it’s sealing correctly. If this doesn’t help, consider replacement.
2. Toilet Not Flushing
If your toilet isn’t flushing, it could be because of a broken handle or lift chain. If the handle feels loose or doesn’t lift the flap within the tank when you press down on it, you could be facing either issue. Examination of the internal parts would help decide if it can be mended or replaced.
3. Weak Flushing Power
A lack of flushing power is usually caused by a blockage in the plumbing system or limited water in the tank. First, check for any visible obstructions in your bowl and then examine your toilet’s water level. If neither is an issue, you might benefit from professional assistance.
4. Partial Flushing Issues
Partial flushes often suggest a problem with your toilet’s flapper valve or an incorrect water level setting. If the valve isn’t lifting high enough or the water level in your tank is low, the results would be incomplete flushes.
5. Toilet Tank Refills Slowly
When your toilet tank is refilling slowly, the fill valve might not be operating correctly. It could be blocked by debris or suffer from wear and tear over time. Replacement of the fill valve often solves this problem.
6. Whistling Sounds While Filling
A whistling sound might indicate that your fill valve’s gasket is worn out or its washer is misaligned. If you’re comfortable with performing minor repairs, replacing the gasket or the washer can usually resolve the issue.
7. Flushing Causes Water Surges
If water surges in your sink or shower whenever you flush, there might be a blockage in your vent pipes. This requires expert attention because left untreated it can lead to serious plumbing issues.
8. Unusual Sounds After Flushing
Strange noises after a flush often point to a problem with the refill mechanism or the water supply line. If you’re unable to determine the source of the noise, consider calling a plumber to investigate further.
9. Toilet Tank Leaks
Leaks in your toilet tank could be due to cracks within the tank or damaged seals at the connecting points. Look for visible signs of fractures and if none are apparent, check the seals around the fill and overflow tubes. Remember, leaks can escalate quickly, so do not hesitate to call a professional.
10. Broken Flush Handle
A broken flush handle might seem like an easy fix initially but it can be tricky if it involves intricate parts such as lift wires. If you’re not familiar with these components, we’d recommend calling a licensed plumber to ensure that repairs are carried out correctly.
11. Bowl Water Level Drops
Are you noticing the water level in your bowl drop a bit unexpectedly? It’s a common issue many homeowners face. This usually happens when there is a slow leakage into the toilet bowl or some form of blockage in the vent pipe. Simple issues can be resolved by replacing old worn-out parts like the fill valve or flapper. For more complicated issues, it might be beneficial to call a professional like us at Dan’s Plumbing who can diagnose and rectify the problem.
12. Sewer Smell Around Toilet
No one likes unpleasant odours, especially not in their own home. But if you start smelling sewer gas around your toilet, it might indicate a broken or dry trap letting gases escape into your bathroom air. Alternatively, a loose fitting toilet or damaged wax ring might cause this issue as well. If the odour persists after trying DIY methods, it’s best to call a licensed plumber.
13. Frequent Toilet Clogs
Clogging of toilets from time to time is common but frequent occurrence needs attention! It could be due to an obstruction in the drain pipe or because of low flow toilets that don’t provide enough pressure for efficient flushing. Do consider switching to high power flush toilets but if the problem persists, it’s wise to count on professional help from our team at Dan’s Plumbing.
14. Rust or Sediment Deposits
Notice rust or sediment in your toilet bowl? This could be due to ageing pipes or excess minerals present in your water supply causing sediment build-up over time. To tackle this issue, descaling solutions can help but they are temporary fixes. A licensed plumber could identify if there are any underlying problems such as faulty pipes warranting replacement.
15. Water around Toilet Base
If you notice water pooling around the base of your toilet it might indicate a faulty wax seal. However, sometimes, condensation can also cause water pools due to factors like high humidity. Replacement of the wax seal often solves the problem, but if it doesn’t, contacting us at Dan’s Plumbing for expert advice is recommended before the problem escalates.
16. Toilet Moving or Wobbling
A wobbling or moving toilet is more than just an annoyance; it can be a major red flag indicating a failing wax seal or deteriorating floor around the toilet base. With time, it may cause water damage to your floor. Timely intervention is required and this might be a job best left for professionals at Dan’s Plumbing.
17. Crack in Toilet Bowl
A crack in your toilet bowl or tank can be due to drastic temperature changes or use of harmful chemicals. Small hairline cracks might not seem threatening but can gradually grow causing major leaks over time. While minor cracks can be repaired with plumbing epoxy, larger ones might call for toilet replacement.
18. Overflowing Toilet Issues
An overflowing toilet is a nightmare nobody wants to face! This usually occurs due to a clog further down the sewer line making water overflow from the lowest point- often your toilet bowl. Immediate attention is required and if plunging fails to solve the issue, you might need professional help from us at Dan’s Plumbing.
19. Persistent Bowl Staining
Persistent stains on your bowl are often due to excess minerals such as iron found in your water supply. Using a mild cleanser should remove the stains but take care not to use harsh chemicals that could damage your porcelain finish. If staining persists, it may indicate a more serious underlying issue that needs professional attention.
20. Inefficient Water Conservation
Older toilet models are not designed with efficient water conservation in mind compared to modern toilets. If you are committed to conserving water, consider replacing your old unit with newer, more efficient models. A professional plumber can guide you on the best options suitable for your home.
Wrapping Things Up
As we conclude, it’s important to understand that while small toilet issues can be easily handled, major problems require judgement and understanding of the plumbing system where professionals like Dan’s Plumbing can bring their expertise to meet your needs. Never hesitate to ask for help because a little professional aid is a small price to pay for a living space that is in tip-top condition.
Dan’s Plumbing is a leading name in emergency plumbing across Australia. We ensure prompt and effective plumbing solutions for residents across Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast.
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