One of the most important fixtures in your home is the toilet. It's frustrating when it's not working properly, but fortunately, there are some easy fixes you can do yourself that will save you the cost of hiring a plumber. In this post, we'll guide you through fixing a broken toilet flapper valve, as well as spotlighting a few other common toilet issues and how to address them.
Fixing A Broken Toilet Flapper Valve With A Better Alternative
One of the most common issues with a toilet is a broken flapper valve. This is the part that sits at the bottom of the tank and allows water to flow into the bowl. If it's not sealing properly, then water will keep flowing into the bowl, causing the toilet to run constantly.
You can fix a broken flapper valve by purchasing a replacement at your local hardware store. Simply turn off the water supply to your toilet, flush it to empty the tank, and then remove the old flapper valve. Replace it with the new one and turn the water supply back on. Your toilet should be running properly once again.
However, a better alternative to the flapper valve is a newer product called a "toilet fill valve and flapper kit." This kit comes with both the fill valve and the flapper valve, and it's designed to be more efficient and longer-lasting than traditional flapper valves. It's also easier to install since it's an all-in-one kit.
To install the toilet fill valve and flapper kit, simply follow the instructions on the package. You'll need to turn off the water supply to your toilet, remove the old fill valve, and install the new one. Then, remove the old flapper valve and replace it with the new one that comes with the kit. Turn the water supply back on, and your toilet should be running smoothly and efficiently.
Janitor Fixing Broken Lamp
Another common toilet issue is a continuously running toilet. This is often caused by a faulty fill valve, which is the part that lets water into the tank. To fix this issue, you'll need to either replace the fill valve or adjust the float arm so that it's sitting at the correct level. This will allow the water to shut off once it reaches the correct level in the tank.
If the toilet bowl isn't filling up properly, this may be due to a clog in the toilet flange or trapway. These are the parts of the toilet that direct water from the bowl into the drain pipes. You can usually remove the clog by using a plunger or drain snake to dislodge the blockage.
If your toilet is leaking at the base, this may be due to a faulty wax ring. This is a seal that goes around the base of the toilet and prevents water from leaking out. To replace the wax ring, you'll need to remove the toilet from the floor and replace the ring. This is a more advanced repair job and may require the assistance of a plumber if you're not comfortable doing it yourself.
In conclusion, there are several common toilet issues that can be easily fixed without the need for a plumber. Whether it's a broken flapper valve, a continuously running toilet, or a clog in the flange, these issues can usually be fixed with some basic tools and a little bit of DIY know-how. If you're not comfortable doing these repairs yourself, don't hesitate to call a professional plumber to ensure that your toilet is running efficiently and safely.
