Repairing Guides

how to repair my toilet

by Golda Nolan Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Instructions

  • Check the Bolts First. Sometimes a rocking toilet can be fixed by tightening the two bolts at the base of the toilet, called flange bolts or closet bolts.
  • Look for Leaks. Start the repair by confirming that your toilet is not leaking. Check carefully for water around the base of the toilet.
  • Locate the Gaps. Examine the base of the toilet, and identify any gaps between the toilet and the floor. It may help to rock the toilet from side to side.
  • Insert the Shims. Level and steady the toilet by inserting shims into any gaps you've identified. ...
  • Trim the Shims. Trim the shims close to the base of the toilet, as needed, using a sharp utility knife. Be careful not to cut into the flooring.
  • Caulk Around the Base. Apply a thin, even bead of caulk around the base of the toilet to cover the gap along the floor and hide the shims.
  • Let the Caulk Dry. Allow the caulk to cure as directed before using the toilet. Once it dries fully, your toilet should be as good as new.

Part of a video titled How To Fix a Toilet - Ace Hardware - YouTube
1:20
3:35
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?

Method 2 Method 2 of 7: Making a Drain Cleaner

  1. Heat half a gallon of water. If the toilet tends to clog easily as the result of trying to flush too much waste, using a combination of hot water, ...
  2. Pour 1 cup baking soda and 2 cups vinegar into the toilet. The baking soda and vinegar create a chemical process that help to dissolve clogs.
  3. Pour the hot water into the bowl. ...

More items...

How to fix a wobbly toilet in 5 easy ways?

We all learn every day, so it’s important to remember these things when you got a wobbly toilet:

  • Identify the problem
  • Get new replacement
  • Remove the toilet
  • Fix the damaged or faulty part

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.

Why is my toilet not Flushing properly?

  • Full sewer tanks thus creating a backup. ...
  • The bowl might be clogged by materials such as toys, tampons, wet wipes, dead plants, and too much toilet paper.
  • In some cases, the flapper is either bent or warped.
  • There might be something stuck in the trap. ...
  • Dirt or other objects in the tank. ...
  • Old or worn-out Flapper and Fill Valve
  • Insufficient water supply. ...

More items...

image

How do you troubleshoot a toilet?

1:021:53How To Fix Common Toilet Problems - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou begin if your toilet won't stop running start by replacing the flapper if the flapper is looseMoreYou begin if your toilet won't stop running start by replacing the flapper if the flapper is loose or damaged. Water will keep running out of the tank.

How do you fix a toilet that stays running?

4:446:50Fix a Toilet That Keeps Running - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFrom happening is lower this float arm by turning the screw on top of the diaphragm fill valveMoreFrom happening is lower this float arm by turning the screw on top of the diaphragm fill valve clockwise. So turn it clockwise.

What are common toilet problems?

Toilet does not fill/ bowl water level dropDamaged fill tube. A fill tube is a plastic hose that is responsible for sending water back into the toilet tank after it has been flushed. ... Cracked toilet bowl. Cracked toilet bowls are quite rare but they still happen. ... Faulty vent. ... Damaged fill valve.

How do you diagnose and repair a running toilet?

Check the Fill Valve for a Leak Flush the toilet and look for a fill valve leak. Lift up on the toilet float arm when the tank is filling to see if the water stops. Bend or adjust the toilet float arm so the tank stops filling when the water level is 1/2- to one-inch below the top of the overflow pipe.

Why is my toilet running off and on?

A toilet that cuts on and off by itself, or runs intermittently, has a problem that plumbers call a "phantom flush." The cause is a very slow leak from the tank into the bowl. This problem is almost certainly caused by a bad flapper or flapper seat.

What does it mean when your toilet runs randomly?

If a toilet randomly runs for a few seconds and empties without flushing, it's likely the result of a cracked toilet flapper, the chain being caught, the float needing to be lowered, or the refilling tube needing to be repositioned.

What causes a toilet to lose suction?

Low Water Levels The correct amount of water has to enter the toilet bowl to create enough suction. Low water pressure, a malfunctioning toilet valve or flapper, or blocked rim holes can impede water flow into the bowl, says Amarco Plumbing.

Why does my toilet flush so weak?

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.

Is it bad if my toilet keeps running?

According to the United States Geological Survey, a leaking toilet that is allowed to run continuously can waste up to 22 gallons of water a day. If allowed to run a full year, that's a leak that amounts to over 8,000 gallons of water.

How much does it cost to fix a running toilet?

Homeowners pay an average of $250 to fix a broken toilet. Project costs typically range from $148 and $360. In some cases, a professional plumber will charge a flat rate for a project. Depending on location, a pro might charge anywhere from $45 to $200 per hour for their services.

Why is my toilet still running after replacing flapper?

If you've tried replacing the toilet flapper but the toilet still runs, the flush valve seat is probably rough or pitted. You can replace the entire flush toilet flapper valve, but it's a big job.

Why does my fill valve keeps running?

A constantly running toilet is typically due to an issue with the flush valve assembly, so one of the first parts to inspect should be the chain and flapper. If the chain is too short, then it won't allow the flapper to close properly, but if it is too long it may get trapped underneath the flapper, causing it to leak.

How do I stop my toilet bowl from trickling?

Remove the tank cover and observe the water level. If it's at the level of the overflow tube, it's too high, and water is probably draining into the tube. Reset the level by adjusting the float, which may be attached to the overflow tube or may be a ball on the end of a metal rod.

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 causes a toilet bowl to overflow?

A clogged commode will cause the bowl to overflow onto the bathroom floor, but the fix—which happens to be the most common of all toilet repairs—doesn’t have to ruin your day.

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.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9