The bowl unit, which sits on the floor, and the upper tank that contains water released every time you flush the toilet are the two main components of your home toilet. If your toilet is clogged, overflowing, or just not working properly, don’t despair!
These tips help you figure out what’s wrong and get your toilet back in tip-top shape.
Contents
How the Toilet Tank Works
The toilet tank is the part of the toilet that holds water. It is connected to the bowling unit by bolts and gaskets.
The tank has two main components:
- The fill valve, which controls the flow of water into the tank
- The flush valve controls the release of water from the tank into the bowl when you flush the toilet.
The fill valve is a float-operated valve connected to the water supply. As the tank fills with water, the float rises, and when it reaches a certain level, it shuts off the fill valve.
The flush valve is a large plastic or metal fitting connected to the drainpipe. When you flush the toilet, the handle trips a mechanism that lifts a rubber flapper at the flush valve bottom. This allows water to flow from the tank into the bowl, and as the water level in the tank drops, the flapper falls back into place and stops the water flow.
Common Toilet Problems and Fixes
The most common toilet problems are clogs, leaks, and running toilets.
Replacing a Ballcock Assembly
If your toilet is constantly running, or the tank’s water level is too high or too low, you may need to replace the ballcock assembly. This is a relatively easy repair that you can do yourself.
The term ballcock refers only to two types of fill valve—the diaphragm-type and the plunger-type. The two most common valving types include the lever and butterfly valves, which both utilize a floating ball to operate a valve via a long arm connected to the ball.
Repairing the Flush Valve
The problem may be with the flush valve if your toilet is not flushing properly. The most common problem is a leaky flush valve, which can be repaired by replacing the rubber flapper at the bottom of the flush valve.
If your toilet is flushing by itself, or if the water level in the tank is too high, you may need to adjust the float. The float is a small plastic or metal ball that sits on top of the water in the tank.
Fixing a Clogged Toilet
If your toilet is clogged, there are a few things you can do to try to clear it yourself before calling a plumber. First, try using a plunger. Then, if that doesn’t work, try using a toilet auger.
If your toilet constantly clogs, you may need to replace the entire flush valve. This is a more difficult repair that a professional plumber should do.
Fixing a Running Toilet
The problem is most likely with the fill valve if your toilet is running. The first thing you should do is check to see if the float is set properly. If it is, the problem may be with the ballcock assembly. This is a relatively easy repair that you can do yourself.
If your toilet is still running after checking the float and ballcock assembly, the problem may be with the flush valve. The most common problem is a leaky flush valve, which can be repaired by replacing the rubber flapper at the bottom of the flush valve.
Solving a Loose Flush Handle
Over time, the metal rod can become loose, causing the handle to wobble. This can be fixed by tightening the nut that holds the metal rod in place.
If the handle on your toilet is loose, the problem is most likely with the flush valve. The flush valve is a large plastic or metal fitting that is connected to the drainpipe. The handle is attached to the flush valve with a metal rod.
Fixing Leaks at the Toilet Base
The wax ring is a rubber gasket that sits between the bottom of the toilet and the flange. If your toilet is leaking at the base, the problem is most likely with the wax ring. The flange is a metal or plastic fitting that is attached to the drainpipe.
For the situation where the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor are loose, you can simply tighten them with a wrench. You will need to replace the flange if it is broken or damaged.
Replacing a Toilet Bowl
You will need to replace your toilet bowl if it is cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged. This is a more difficult repair that a professional plumber should do.
Toilet bowls are made of porcelain, which is a type of ceramic. They are also made of vitreous china, which is a type of glass. The bowl is attached to the floor with bolts.
Fixing a Toilet Tank
The most common problem with toilet tanks is that they leak. This can be fixed by replacing the tank-to-bowl gasket. The gasket is a rubber or plastic ring that sits between the tank and the bowl.
Another common problem with toilet tanks is that the water level is too high or too low. This can be adjusted by adjusting the float. The float is a small plastic or metal ball that sits on top of the water in the tank.
Preventing Toilet Problems
The best way to avoid toilet problems is to prevent them from happening in the first place. To do this, you should:
- Never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet.
- Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes.
- Make sure everyone in your household knows how to use the plunger and auger so they can be used if a clog occurs.
- Regularly check for leaks around the toilet’s base and have them repaired as soon as possible.
Final Words
Toilet problems are a fact of life, but with a bit of know-how, they can be easily fixed. By following the tips in this article, you can keep your toilet in good working order for years to come.
We hope this article was helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us.
