Replacing
a toilet is a messy and sometimes expensive ordeal. If you have an
issue with your toilet, you will want to deal with it as soon as
possible. And whenever possible, repairing the toilet is best, but
sometimes toilet replacement is the only answer. There are many common
toilet problems and if you have one of them, you can determine whether
you need toilet repair or complete replacement.
Your toilet can be repaired if any of the following issues pop up.
-Constant running
If
your toilet runs continuously and never seems to stop, the flush valve
is likely not closing completely inside the toilet. The other option is
that the float ball is out of position. Take a peek inside the toilet
tank and check to see that the chain that connects the flush valve is
untangled. Try to adjust the float ball so it is halfway submerged. If
you cannot fix the issue yourself, you can always call Village Plumbing
for help.
-Incomplete flushing
If
your toilet does not complete the flush cycle efficiently, the flush
valve might not be opening all of the way. One cause of this issue is
lack of water in the tank. Take a peak in the tank and see if the chain
is broken or loose. Adjust the float ball and get the water level to go
about an inch over the overflow pipe. If this doesn't allow the toilet
to flush completely, call a plumber.
-Clogged toilet
When
your toilet clogs up, the drain pipe or the trap has an obstruction in
the way. This can be a very messy situation that you want to take care
of as quickly as possible. Get out a plunger and put it over the bottom
of the bowl. Plunge the area and if that doesn't do the trick, put some
dishwashing liquid and a bucket of hot water into the bowl and let it
sit for several hours. If the clog persists, ask a professional for
help.
-Slow tank fill
If
the tank fills up extra slowly, the shut off valve might be loose. You
can check the valve handle to make sure it is connected to the wall
allowing the toilet to fill to the line. If filling has gradually become
slower, the fill line might have to be replaced.
-Water under tank
Take
a peak around the tank and find the source of the water. It could be
leaking from the feed line or tank bolts. You may have a fix as easy as
replacing the washers.
The above
problems, while never convenient, can easily be fixed. But there are
some issues that require total toilet replacement instead of toilet
repair. Here are a few such situations.
-Cracked bowl
If
your toilet tank or bowl are cracked, you will have to get a new
toilet. The toilet might hold for a while, but eventually the crack will
break and that could lead to a flood and major damage.
-Trap Jam
If
there is something jammed in the toilet trap and you cannot access it,
either from inside the bowl or up from the bottom, you have no choice to
get a new toilet. Consult with Henderson Plumbing to make sure even a
professional cannot remove the item before you go for total replacement.