Repairing Guides

how to repair a toilet

by Concepcion Rempel Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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  • Replacing a Toilet Seat. The easiest toilet repair task is replacing the lid and seat. ...
  • Clearing a Clogged Toilet. You can generally clear a clogged toilet with a plunger, otherwise known as the plumbers’ friend. ...
  • Toilet Tank Problems. Compared with a clogged toilet, tank troubles can seem relatively insignificant. Yet strange noises or continuous water running can be more than annoying.
  • Fixing a Toilet Ballcock Assembly. The ballcock assembly looks more complicated than it really is. ...
  • Solving Common Toilet Problems. What can you do if too little water comes from the tank to flush the toilet bowl clean? ...
  • Replacing a Toilet. Removing and replacing a toilet is not a task to be undertaken without good reason, but it is certainly not beyond your capabilities.

Part of a video titled How To Fix a Toilet - Ace Hardware - YouTube
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If your toilet won't flush or you have to hold down the handle to get it to flush check the armMoreIf your toilet won't flush or you have to hold down the handle to get it to flush check the arm connecting the flush lever to the flapper chain replace.

Full Answer

How to unclog a toilet in 7 ways?

Pour a gallon of hot water into the toilet at once. Pour 1 cup of baking soda and 2 cups of white vinegar into the toilet then flush with a gallon of hot water after 15 minutes. Remove water from the toilet bowl with a squirt gun then flush it with a gallon of hot water. Untwist a wire hanger leaving the hook on one end intact.

How do you troubleshoot a toilet?

  • The two main parts to focus on are the fill valve and the flapper.
  • Remove the lid of the toilet tank and set it to the side, out of the way.
  • If water is constantly running into the tank and to the overflow tube, the toilet valve is likely the issue.

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What is the best plunger to unclog toilet?

The Three Main Types Of Plungers

  1. Common Sink Plunger or Cup Plunger This is the stereotypical plunger that often comes to mind. ...
  2. Accordion Plunger This revolution in plunger design encompasses a bellows section for more concentrated power over a conventional style plunger. This additional volume is perfect for blasting toilet blockages! ...
  3. Toilet Plunger or Flange Plunger

What causes a toilet not to flush completely?

There could be several reasons behind it, but the followings are the most common reason:

  • The Toilet Is Clogged.
  • Low water level in the toilet tank.
  • Problematic flapper of the toilet.
  • Clogged Rim Holes.
  • Problematic Lift Chain.

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How do you fix a toilet that keeps running?

0:223:31How to Fix a Running Toilet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you notice that water runs constantly into the tank. And into the overflow tube you most likelyMoreIf you notice that water runs constantly into the tank. And into the overflow tube you most likely have a fill valve that either needs adjustment or replacement.

Is fixing a toilet easy?

Replacing and installing a new toilet isn't as hard as it sounds. All you need are a few hours, a helper and the right tools and toilet parts for the job.

How do you replace a toilet fill valve?

1:023:58How to Fix a Toilet - Fill Valve Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipReach behind the fill valve and snap the lock ring down into place then attach the refill tube toMoreReach behind the fill valve and snap the lock ring down into place then attach the refill tube to the overflow tube and adjust the new fill valve for optimum water level.

How do you fix a weak flushing toilet?

5 Ways to Fix a Weak Toilet FlushClear clog in the trap. As with most toilet issues, the most logical place to start is by checking to make sure there isn't a blockage or clog. ... Open the water valve. ... Adjust the float. ... Fix or replace the flapper. ... Unclog the rim. ... Plumber for weak toilet flush.

Can I replace a toilet myself?

If you're an experienced DIYer with plumbing knowledge and the required tools, installing a toilet yourself may be a great option. Not only will you save money, but you'll have the satisfaction of completing the toilet installation yourself.

How long do toilets usually last?

around 50 yearsMost plumbers agree that an average toilet can last around 50 years. However, this is only when the toilet is well maintained and gently used. If it was improperly installed or frequently misused, it may not last as long.

How much does it cost to replace a toilet fill valve and flapper?

Toilet Repair Cost by Type of ReplacementPartReplacement Cost (Labor Included)Flapper$60 - $120Seat$60 - $150Flush Valve$60 - $150Fill Valve$60 - $1509 more rows•Mar 28, 2022

Can a toilet fill valve be repaired?

Fixing a toilet fill valve (once referred to as a ballcock) is relatively easy to repair if you happen to have a common Fluidmaster brand valve. Often, repairing a fill valve is done by simply replacing the entire fill valve, but Fluidmaster fill valves can be repaired by just replacing a seal inside the unit.

How much does it cost to replace toilet valve?

A simple toilet valve replacement typically costs $70 to $150. A complete rebuild of the closet tank which includes the flush handle, flush valve, flapper, ballcock, and tank bolts costs around $275.

How do I make my toilet flush more powerful?

0:131:38TOILET HAS WEAK FLUSH? - EASY FIX!!! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI have it so this bead of water is right at the top and what's gonna happen is when I go to flush myMoreI have it so this bead of water is right at the top and what's gonna happen is when I go to flush my toilet all that extra water is going to equate. Into a stronger flush. There you go right there.

Why is toilet not flushing strongly?

If you have a toilet that doesn't fully flush, common causes include a clog in the trap, a worn-out flapper, blocked rim jets, a faulty float, or an issue with the handle and chain.

Why do toilets lose flushing power?

Toilets usually lack flushing power because the waste pipe, siphon jet, or rim jets are partially clogged, or the water level in the tank or bowl is too low. In those cases, clear the blockage and adjust the system to correct the water levels.

How to reset a toilet?

Reset the toilet by lowering it straight down with the base holes aligned over the protruding toilet bolts. It’s important to keep the toilet base level as you set it or you could damage the wax ring and have to do the whole thing over again. Recruit help, if necessary, to set the toilet.

How to clear a clogged toilet bowl?

Clearing the clog is super simple, and you probably have a toilet plunger already on hand. Simply insert the plunger into the bowl while it’s still full of water, pressing the mouth of the plunger firmly against the opening at the bottom of the bowl to form a seal.

How Does a Toilet Work?

The average toilet works via gravity and a siphoning effect. Water fills the toilet bowl about halfway, while additional water is stored in the tank. When someone depresses the toilet handle, the seal between the tank and the bowl (called a flapper) lifts, and water from the tank floods into the bowl. The water pressure forces the contents of the bowl to flow out of the toilet through the drain.

How to drain toilet water?

Turn off the water supply, and then flush the toilet to drain the tank and bowl. Some residual water will remain in the bowl after flushing—be sure to bail it out with a cup or use a wet-type vacuum. There should be no water in the toilet tank.

What is the lever that raises the flapper in the tank when the toilet is flushed?

Handle: The outwardly visible lever that raises the flapper in the tank when the toilet is flushed to allow water to run into the bowl.

Why does my toilet stop flushing?

If the toilet starts to flush but then stops, the chain may be too loose (causing the flapper to close prematurely) or the fill valve may be allowing insufficient water into the tank. Here, toilet repairs can be as simple as adjustments made to these components. If you find yourself having to hold the handle down for the entire flush, the following steps will get your commode flushing correctly again.

What happens after a toilet flush?

After the flush, the flapper settles back into place, and clean water from a water supply line flows into the tank until the water level reaches a predetermined point , which causes the water flow to cease until the next flush. Here are the various parts you may encounter when repairing a toilet:

What is the bowl of a toilet?

Your home toilet consists of two major parts: the bowl unit that rests on the floor, and the upper tank that holds the water that is released each time you flush the toilet. The bowl is little more than a solid piece of porcelain drain fixture with no moving parts at all. With only a few exceptions, there aren't many repairs that involve the bowl.

Why is there a puddle of water in my toilet?

While a little condensation is normal in the summer months, an actual puddle of water at the base of your toilet indicates a real problem. There is a great chance this water is dirty, so to keep the problem from worsening, it's best to avoid using your toilet until it's fixed.

How does a toilet flush valve work?

Integrated into the flush valve is a vertical overflow tube that extends up into the tank from the base of the flush valve. The role of the overflow tube is both to prevent water from overflowing the tank, and also to allow a small amount of water to flow down into the toilet bowl as the tank is refilling. A small refill tube placed into the top of the overflow tube allows a small stream of water to flow down into the bowl during the refill cycle. This restores the level of standing water in the toilet bowl, keeping the trap sealed.

What is the function of a flapper in a toilet?

The flapper or float ball seats against the val ve opening and keeps water in the tank until the flush handle is operated. When the handle is depressed, a chain or lift wire connected to the handle rod lifts the flapper away from the valve seat and allows the water to flush down out of the tank and into the toilet bowl.

Why is my toilet running?

The problem occurs either because the flapper is not seating itself correctly in the opening of the flush valve, or because the water level in the tank is too high and allows water to flow over the top of the overflow tube and down into the tank.

How does a toilet tank work?

The toilet tank's function is to hold a quantity of water until you flush the toilet, at which time the water in the tank rushes down through an opening in the bottom of the tank and into the bowl, forcing waste out of the bowl and into the home's drain and sewer lines. There are two major components in the tank ...

How does a floatless fill valve work?

Floatless fill valves operate by sensing water pressure at the bottom of the tank.

How do I reinstall a toilet?

Reinstall toilet by using Johni-bolts (the bolts that connect the toilet to the floor) as a guide. Make sure you hold the toilet as level as possible when placing it onto the new wax seal. The toilet tank should be parallel to the wall behind it.

How to stop a toilet from leaking?

Use a water absorber, like LiquiLock, to temporarily solidify the remaining water, turning it into a gel, which will help prevent drips and leaks when removing the toilet fixture. The gel will dissolve when additional water is added.

Can you rock a toilet?

Do not rock the toilet as it is placed on the new wax seal. Use a slight side-to-side twisting motion until the toilet bowl is resting on the bathroom floor.

Can you use knockout plugs on cast iron?

For new construction or remodels, there are flanges with knockout plugs that allow you to test the system without having to use a test ball or plug, while also keeping sewer gases from escaping.

Can you repair a toilet flange?

The good news? With the proper tools, a little know-how and a trip to the local hardware store, most people can effectively repair their own toilet flanges without breaking a sweat (or the bank!)

How to fix a loose toilet flange?

Check the flange bolt at each side of the toilet, using a pair of pliers or a small wrench. If a bolt is loose, tighten it slowly just until it is snug. Check the other bolt to make sure it is equally snug, then test the toilet for rocking. ...

How to level a toilet?

As you work, check the toilet for stability by sitting on the seat and rocking in all directions. Repeat until the toilet doesn't move in any direction.

What does it mean when a toilet horn leaks?

But if there are signs of leaking around the base, it likely means that the wax ring sealing the toilet horn to the toilet flange has become old and compressed.

Why do plumbers leave the backside of the toilet?

For this reason, some plumbers leave the backside of the base—the side you can't see—without caulk so that leaking water will announce itself by running out onto the floor.

Why do toilets rock?

Toilets usually rock because they are not resting flush against the floor. Underneath the toilet base is a round toilet flange that connects the toilet to the drain pipe.

How to keep shims in place?

You can add a dab of caulk below the shims to help them stay in place. Let the caulk dry overnight before trimming the shims.

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