Toilet Repair Options
Few things are more frustrating than a broken plumbing fixture. While you could call a plumber for toilet repair, they will charge hundreds of dollars for a service that you can do with only a few tools. Toilet repair usually takes one of three forms: repairing the bowl, repairing the pipes, or repairing the back tank. If you have a set of pliers and a wrench, you should be able to do most of the repairs: some caulk might be necessary to patch holes.
Toilet Repair – Tips
You do not need to take apart a toilet fixture to find out the problems. If you place a dye tab in the bowl, you can follow any leaks from where the color emerges. If the bowl will not fill, check the back tank to see if there are clogs or disconnected parts of the apparatus. If necessary, turn off the water to your bathroom and run a gallon or two of water through the system to check for possible clots. Keep the water turned off if you plan to replace part of a plumbing pipe.
Toilet Repair – Leaking
If you find water dripping from the bowl onto the floor, an easy solution may be to tighten the nuts that attach the bowl to the entire fixture. Use a flat head screwdriver to keep these nuts from loosening and apply a small amount of waterproof glue if problems persist (not too much — you may need to remove the bowl in the future). If water leaks through the toilet handle, you need to reposition the floating arm in the tank, as the bobber is being lifted too high. You can use a hammer to bend the metal slightly, though most arms are weak enough that they can be bent with your hands. If water is leaking out of the refill tube on the tank, you will have to replace the pipe and cut it to a proper length.
Most toilet repair issues stem from improper flushing. If your toilet flushes too slowly and a plunger does not help, use an auger (also known as a snake) to force the obstruction down. Push it multiple times in order to remove an obstruction. If the float ball in the tank does not rise high enough, bend the wire to ensure that it does not rub against the tank or rises to the point where enough water is flowing into the bowl.
Toilet Repair – Overflowing
When you need toilet repair because the water will not stop running, the problem lies in the handle. Tighten the locknut on the outside edge of the handle with a wrench: do not turn it too much or else you will be unable to work the handle. The flush valve may be damaged from mineral buildup or similar obstructions, but you may need to purchase a new valve — try to simply clean it off with soap or alcohol first. In the case that the valve is deformed or warped, it is necessary to replace the part.
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