If you own a home in Commerce, you know that problems arise from time to time. You use your toilets several times a day so you can expect parts to wear out. There are several toilet problems that are common that you need to know about. If you notice any of these issues, you should not hesitate to call a plumber so that you can restore your toilet’s functionality and not waste any more water.
Continuous Running
If your toilet is constantly running, this will reflect on your water bill since it wastes gallons of water. You will also hear it running so this can be disruptive when you are trying to sleep or relax.
If the flapper valve is faulty, water can continuously leak into the bowl. This part works to seal the flush valve. It may not work properly due to deterioration or misalignment. Your plumber will either need to replace it or adjust it to restore the seal.
A chain connects the flapper valve to the flush handle. If it is not the right size, the valve will not close properly. Your plumber will inspect it and make adjustments so that it has the right amount of slack.
A faulty fill valve can also cause continuous running since it is responsible for the tank’s water level. If it is not working properly, it may not properly shut off. If your plumber sees that it is faulty, they may replace it. However, sometimes they just need to adjust it.
Slow Draining and Clogs
If you have either of these issues it can render your toilet unusable until you fix it. These problems might also cause unpleasant smells in your bathroom.
One of the most common causes of clogs is using too much toilet paper. This can lead to a clog in the drain pipes. If the clog is minor, a plunger might be enough to free the clog. However, if this does not work, a plumber will need to come in and take care of it.
There are times when foreign objects get into the drain pipes. This may be something like a feminine hygiene product or a small toy. If a blockage happens, especially deeper in the plumbing, a plumber might have to use a snake or an auger to alleviate the obstruction.
If you have hard water, the minerals can accumulate over time. Clogs might develop due to the mineral deposits trapping debris in your pipes. After removing the blockage, you might consider a water softener to prevent this issue in the future.
Problems with your sewer line could cause your toilet to drain slowly. You might also notice other water fixtures draining slowly when the main sewer line is to blame. Have a plumber come to inspect the line to let you know if you need to replace any part of the line to solve the problem.
Phantom Flushing
If your toilet is just randomly refilling even though you did not flush it, you are seeing phantom flushing. This can cause you to waste a lot of water if you do not fix it quickly.
Your toilet has an overflow tube and excess water can spill into this if your water level is too high. This essentially tricks the valve and makes it think you flushed the toilet. A plumber can make adjustments to your water level so that this does not occur.
If the flapper valve is leaking, water can slowly escape. Eventually, the fill valve will intermittently refill the tank. A plumber will inspect the flapper valve so that there is a proper seal.
If there is a misalignment or any damage to your toilet’s float, it might detect the water level incorrectly. When this happens, phantom flushing results. Your plumber will need to look at the float to determine the issue. To ensure proper water level detection, they can either readjust a misaligned float or replace one that has damage.
Bowl Does Not Refill
When you flush your toilet, the bowl will refill with water. However, there are times when it does not refill. This can cause bad odors and incomplete flushing.
After flushing, the fill valve works to allow water to flow back into the bowl. When this valve is not working properly, it might not let enough water back into the bowl. Your plumber will usually recommend replacing this part to ensure proper functioning.
After you flush your toilet, the refill tube is what the water goes through to get into the bowl. It may not allow enough water if there is a misalignment or blockage. A plumber will ensure that there is a proper connection. If there is a blockage, they can clear it so that water can flow freely.
A clog in any of the rim jets will prevent proper refilling of your toilet bowl. Your plumber can look at the jets and locate any clogs. They will use a special tool to free any clogs to ensure the proper flow of water.
Sweating Tank
If you notice moisture on the outside of your toilet tank, it might be sweating. This could result in mold growth and water damage if you allow the problem to continue.
If there is a considerable difference in your bathroom temperature and the coldness of the water in the tank, condensation can start to accumulate on the outside of the tank. Your plumber can determine if this is the issue and insulate your tank. They do this using either foam insulation or a tank liner kit. You should also make sure that your bathroom maintains a consistent temperature.
Humidity can also cause this problem. The condensation on the tank’s exterior worsens when your bathroom’s humidity levels are particularly high. Your plumber will want to improve your bathroom’s humidity levels. They might recommend ways to improve the ventilation in the room or suggest that you use a dehumidifier.
Strange Noises
Unless you are flushing it, your toilet should not make any noise. When you do flush it, it should sound the same. If you hear whistling, banging or hissing noises, this generally indicates that there is a problem. It is usually a problem with water pressure, the fill valve malfunctioning or loose parts.
Your plumber will do an inspection to determine the issue. If there is whistling or hissing, they will usually want to replace the fill valve or make adjustments to normalize your water pressure. They will tighten any loose components if they hear a banging sound.
Expert Plumbers in Commerce
If your toilet is not functioning properly, do not hesitate to contact a plumber in Commerce. Since toilet issues tend to worsen with time and can cost you a lot of wasted water, it is important to take care of issues immediately. Once we solve your toilet issues, our team can help with several other tasks around your house, such as your air conditioning and heating as well as your water heater and checking your indoor air quality.
Call Matheson Heating, Air & Plumbing in Commerce today to discuss your toilet problems.