FACTS ABOUT TOILET REPAIR

 A leaking, running toilet wastes more water than a dripping tap. In fact, fixing toilet problems by repairing a leak can save hundreds of litres of water per day.

Signs of toilet problems include the sound of running water and the fact that the toilet turns on and off without flushing. The following is some information on toilet repair and tips for solving the most common problems.

CLOGS

Clogs are the most common toilet problems. Usually a plunger can clear minor clogs. 

REPLACING THE DOOR

From time to time, you may hear that the toilet starts to fill up, as if someone has flushed the toilet. A toilet that turns on and off by itself, or that works intermittently, has a problem that plumbers call a ‘ghost flush’. The origin is a slow leak from the tank to the bowl, almost always caused by a faulty door or door seat. The solution is to empty the tank and bowl, check and clean the flapper seat and replace the flapper if it is worn or damaged. 

HISSING

If you hear a constant hissing sound coming from the toilet, it is likely that water is seeping into the tank through the supply line. First, check whether the float is blocked or needs adjustment. Next, make sure that the filling tube is not inserted too deeply into the overflow pipe. If neither adjustment solves the problem, the ball valve assembly probably needs to be replaced.

WEAK FLUSHING

A slowly draining bowl, also known as a weak flush, is often the result of clogged holes under the rim of the bowl. You can use a curved piece of wire, such as a hanger, to gently push in each drain hole and remove the debris.

BROKEN GASKETS

A standard toilet has several gaskets, each of which is potentially prone to leakage. The solution is to locate the faulty gasket and tighten it or replace it. The most important gasket is the one between the tank and the bowl. Replacement involves draining and removing the tank.

Smaller gaskets on the mounting bolts and at the base of the ball valve can also break and cause leaks. These can also be replaced. Tightening the mounting bolts or nut is often sufficient to stop the leak.

Another seal is the wax ring mounted on a plastic flange under the base of the toilet. If this seal breaks, water leaks under the base of the toilet and can cause serious damage to the floor. To repair a leak around the base of the toilet, the toilet must be removed and the wax seal replaced. If the leak is due to a broken flange, it is best to call a professional plumber.

Call the Emergency Plumber in Cardiff. We are 24 hours available.