How to Handle a Broken Toilet
Is your toilet acting up? Don’t make the problem worse! Toilet problems should be taken seriously because one wrong move could lead to a plumbing catastrophe. It’s normal for toilets to become clogged from time to time. Some issues are easy to resolve on your own. However, some underlying issues are caused by problems with your home’s plumbing or water lines. You could also be dealing with a damaged or broken toilet. Here’s what to do if your toilet needs repairs.
What to Do If You Need Toilet Repairs
The answer depends on what has gone wrong with your toilet. If you believe you have a surface-level problem, you may be able to use simple products and techniques to get your toilet working again. However, many problems require a diagnosis from a local plumbing expert. Here are some common toilet issues to be on the lookout for:
Running toilet: Constant running indicates constant water flow into your fill valve. Areas to check include the flapper, flush valve assembly, and fill valve.
Leaking toilet: Once the leak area has been identified, the fix can range from tightening the supply line to replacing the bolts and gasket. If you find a crack in the toilet, you’ll need to replace either the tank or toilet.
Improper flushing: While a clog is the most common culprit, this could also be caused by a broken flapper, lift chain, or handle.
Slow-filling tank: If it’s taking a while for the tank to fill, the supply valve or fill valve assembly could be stuck or filled with debris.
Water level: If the water level in a toilet appears to be either too high or too low, the culprit could be a clog, misaligned ball or cylinder float, or hairline crack in the toilet bowl.
As a homeowner, you can first try to identify the source of the issue. However, it’s important to avoid impulsively attempting a DIY repair. Next, we’ll look at some of the ways an improperly repaired toilet can cause serious damage at your home.
Ways a Toilet Can Damage Your Home
Toilets and piping that are under pressure can cause flooding in your home. While it may look like you’ve successfully repaired a toilet at first, you could come home to a flooded bathroom anywhere from a few hours to a few days after a repair was mishandled. Unfortunately, flooding in your bathroom can destroy flooring and drywall. It can also cause long-term mold issues in your home.
Trying to handle a potential leak on your own can expose you and your household to dangerous wastewater. It’s also possible that you could miss a small leak that’s already happening if you misdiagnose your toilet troubles. That’s why bringing in a local plumbing company that can detect leaks when inspecting a malfunctioning toilet is so important.
How to Handle Toilet Repair
If your toilet is acting up, avoid using it until you get the problem looked at by a professional. You should also inspect the toilet frequently to check for signs of leaks or water damage. Keep towels on hand just in case you do notice water on the floor. Consider using the shutoff valve that is located near the toilet base to disconnect your toilet from your home’s water supply.