Homeowner’s Guide To Solving Common Toilet Problems (Part 2)

In the last post, we discussed some of the most common toilet issues and how to solve them. However, there are several more problems that homeowners experience that, if not properly dealt with, can cause the need to hire a residential plumbing services professional. Here’s part two of our homeowner’s guide to solving some of the most common toilet issues.

Leaking Seals
You may think that the only cause of toilet leaks are a result of a clogged toilet that overflowed, but that’s not quite the case. There are actually about five different seals from which a toilet can leak, so in order to solve this issue, you’ll have to do some troubleshooting and check the different seals. Once the leaking seal is identified, it can be repaired or replaced.

“The largest seal is the one between the tank and bowl. A break here will cause a major leak, with water shooting out from underneath the tank at every flush. Replacing this seal involves draining and removing the tank. Turn the tank upside down for better access. Remove the old seal and pop on a new one. The smaller seals at the mounting bolts and the base of the ballcock may also fail and cause smaller leaks. Replace these in the same way,” writes DIY Network.

If you still haven’t located the leak, check the final seal, which can be found mounted on a plastic flange under the base of the toilet. Letting this seal keep leaking can cause the floor underneath to become rotted. You’ll need to repair the leak before caulking, or else you’ll just be causing more damage. In this case, it’s usually best to contact a plumbing repair service.

Weak Flush
Finally, a toilet bowl that empties slowly has what’s known as a weak flush. It’s usually the result of clogged holes under the rim of the bowl, but it could also be the simple fact that your toilet is outdated. If the problem persists, consider investing in a low flush toilet, which can save you up to 18,000 gallons of water per year.

Ultimately, understanding how to navigate these common plumbing problems can help you troubleshoot the issue yourself. Of course, it’s always best to contact a toilet repair company for ongoing issues like clogged toilets and drains. For more information about plumbing services, contact HJ Pertzborn Plumbing and Fire Protection.