Troubleshooting a Toilet Problem

We all have them and we all experience a number of problems – toilets! With toilets, several things can go wrong, causing issues with flushing, leaking water, and more. To keep your toilet in the best working order as possible, we have provided you with some great tips on some of the common things that go wrong. With this, you would not have to go out and buy a new toilet simply fix the one you have.

First off, if you have a toilet that will refill or flush all its own occasionally, you might need to check the flapper valve, the tank bolts, the water line connection, and the tank gasket. Another problem could be a slow lead somewhere that is causing the toilet water to gradually lower in the tank. When this happens, it will appear as if it is refilling on its own, or even flush. Now, if you hear water running or dripping, check all of these same things, as well as the fill level.

A common problem with the toilet is to have to jiggle the handle to get the water from running. In this case, the problem usually has to do with the link around the handle. For this, simply replacing the old handle with a new one will do the trick. However, the toilet may have a bad flapper valve or tank float. Both of these items are inexpensive and easy to replace. If the toilet did not overflow but you see water around the base, then you want to check the water valve and tank connection. Other possible problems with the toilet could be loose tank bolts, the tank gasket may need to be replaced, as well as the wax seal.

If you push or pull the handle on the toilet but nothing happens, start by checking the lift chain. It is possible the chain broke or came disconnected. For this, all you need to do is replace the chain or reconnect it at the handle or flapper valve. You might also try tightening the handle and if that does not work, go ahead and replace it. Finally, for this problem with the toilet, make sure the water valve is turned to the on position.

If your toilet fills after flushing but not with enough water, just increase the fill level. The same is true if the bowl flushes but not all the water goes out. Chances are the fill level in the tank needs to be checked. On the other hand, the toilet may have some type of clog in the drain. However, if the tank is not filling, recheck your water valve, along with the tank valve and tank float. One of the worst toilet problems is noticing an unpleasant odor. If the odor is not coming directly from the toilet, it could be that the wax ring is not sealed properly or that you are smelling sewer gas from the drain.