A functioning toilet is essential for any home, and encountering issues can be inconvenient and stressful. As a homeowner in Long Beach, California, it’s important to be familiar with common toilet problems and their possible solutions. Knowing how to troubleshoot these issues can save you time, money, and frustration.
As a renowned HVAC and plumbing company based in Long Beach, Power Pro Plumbing Heating & Air is here to guide you through identifying and addressing the most frequent toilet problems. From minor adjustments to more extensive repairs, our expert advice will help you determine the necessary course of action and when to call in professional assistance.
Learn about several common toilet problems and their troubleshooting tips, ensuring you’re well-equipped to maintain a well-functioning and efficient bathroom in your Long Beach home.
Constantly Running Toilet
A common toilet issue is the toilet running continuously, which can lead to increased water bills and unnecessary water waste. This problem is typically caused by a malfunctioning flapper or fill valve. Here’s how to troubleshoot this issue:
1. Check the Flapper: Inspect the rubber flapper, ensuring it’s properly covering the hole at the bottom of the tank. It may be time to replace it if it appears damaged or warped.
2. Adjust the Chain: The chain connecting the flapper to the flush handle should have some slack but not be too long. An improperly sized chain can prevent the flapper from sealing correctly. Adjust the chain length, and test the flush to ensure the flapper can seal the opening properly.
3. Inspect the Fill Valve: If the above steps don’t resolve the problem, you might need to replace the fill valve. Turn off the water supply, remove the existing valve, and bring it to a hardware store for a suitable replacement. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the new fill valve.
If you’re unsure about any of these steps, it may be time to contact our professional plumbers for assistance.
Toilet Won’t Flush Properly
There could be various causes of your toilet not flushing correctly. Follow these steps to troubleshoot the issue:
1. Examine the Flush Handle: If the handle feels loose or doesn’t engage the flush mechanism, the problem may lie in the handle assembly itself. Ensure the nut that secures the handle to the tank is tight, and check for any damage to the handle’s components.
2. Check the Lift Chain: A disconnected or overly slack lift chain can prevent proper flushing. Reconnect the chain if necessary, and adjust the length so that it has some slack but not too much.
3. Inspect the Flapper: Ensure that the flapper is lifting when the toilet is flushed. If it’s not, the chain may require adjustment, or the flapper itself might be damaged and need replacement.
If the problem persists, it may be due to a more complex issue such as a clog or deteriorated internal parts, requiring professional help.
Clogged or Slow-Draining Toilet
A clogged or slow-draining toilet is one of the most common plumbing issues. To address this problem, follow these steps:
1. Use a Plunger: Place the plunger over the drain hole, making sure it fully covers the opening. Push down gently, then pull up sharply. Repeat this process a few times, maintaining a good seal to create suction.
2. Utilize a Toilet Auger: If the plunger doesn’t resolve the issue, a toilet auger (or closet auger) can be used to break up the clog. Insert the auger’s cable into the drain hole, turning the handle clockwise as it’s fed into the pipe. Once the clog is reached, carefully break it up and retrieve the auger.
3. Enlist Professional Assistance: If neither plunging nor using an auger resolves the problem, it could be a sign of a more severe clog or issue with your sewer line. In these cases, call our plumbing professionals for expert assistance.
Leaky Toilet Base
A leaking toilet may seem like a small problem, but if left unchecked, it can cause significant damage to your bathroom’s flooring, subfloor, and even the ceiling below. To troubleshoot a leaky toilet base, perform these steps:
1. Check the Mounting Bolts: Inspect the bolts on either side of the base, ensuring they are tight and secure. If one or both are loose, tightening the bolts may solve the problem. Be careful not to overtighten, as it can cause the toilet to crack.
2. Inspect the Wax Ring: If adjusting the mounting bolts doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need to replace the wax ring that seals the toilet to the sewer pipe. Turn off the water supply, disconnect the water line, and remove the toilet from the floor. Replace the wax ring according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and reassemble the toilet.
While some homeowners may be comfortable performing these steps, consulting with our professional plumbers is recommended to ensure proper repair and avoid unintentional damage.
By understanding the most common toilet problems and their troubleshooting steps, you’ll be better equipped to maintain a functioning and efficient bathroom in your Long Beach home. However, some issues might require the expertise of professional plumbers, especially when dealing with clogs, leaks, or deteriorating internal components.
Trust Our Plumbers for All Your Toilet Troubleshooting Needs
Being familiar with common toilet problems and their troubleshooting steps can save you time, money, and frustration. However, certain issues may require the expertise and experience of professional plumbers to ensure a proper repair.
Trust our skilled technicians at Power Pro Plumbing for all your toilet repair needs in Long Beach. From simple fixes to more complex issues, our team is here to provide prompt and reliable service. Don’t let toilet problems cause stress or inconvenience in your home; Contact our expert plumbing team today and experience the quality workmanship and excellent customer service that sets us apart in the industry!
