DIY Toilet Fixes from Island Lake Toilet Repair Specialists

When you have a minor toilet problem, you probably don’t want to call a plumber unless you find that you can’t fix it yourself. So, we’ve put together a list of DIY tips and tricks for common toilet repairs to help you out!

Running Away

If your toilet is running constantly, you can do a dye test to check whether your flapper is leaking. Add a few drops of liquid food coloring to the tank water. Then wait a bit and ensure no one flushes it while you’re waiting. If the color appears in the bowl, then you’ll know there’s a leak. Most often this is due to a worn-out flapper. Buy a new universal flapper, unhook the old chain, remove the worn flapper, and install the new one. Ensure that the slack on the chain is correct – you want it to be loose enough that it allows a full seal but not so loose that it gets stuck on itself and doesn’t close correctly. While you’re in there, check the float to ensure that’s working properly also.

Clog

When you have a stubborn toilet clog, use a flange plunger (i.e. a “regular plunger”) to try to dislodge it. Create a seal, push down gently to create suction and then pull up sharply to get maximum plunging action. You may need to try this 10-15 times before you get the clog moving. For more serious clogs, you can try putting some dish soap into the bowl and then adding hot (not boiling) water and letting it sit for 15-30 minutes. This is a safe way to try to break up the clog. However, if this doesn’t work either, you can try a toilet auger (i.e. a “toilet snake”) to bore through the clog. When using an auger be careful not to scratch or chip the inside of your bowl.

Slow Flushing

A weak or slow flush is usually due to mineral buildup on the small holes under the bowl rim, which can prevent water from coming out well. Use a toilet brush or an old toothbrush to scrub these holes with toilet cleaner or a vinegar solution to clear them so water can flow out of them more effectively. 

Loose Flush Handle

A wobbly flush handle is an easy fix. Tighten the reverse-threaded nut inside the tank by turning it counterclockwise to fix a loose handle. If the handle or the nut is broken, buy a new universal handle and swap it out.

If these tips don’t help fix your toilet problem, give us a call at 1 (800) 674-9130 and we’ll send someone out to take a look and get your toilet fixed fast! Everyday we do Island Lake toilet repair, so at this point we can pretty much guarantee that there’s nothing we haven’t seen before. Let our team of experienced Island Lake plumbers help!

Additional resources:
Should You Replace Your Toilet?
How Much is a Replacement Toilet in Island Lake?
How Do You Fix a Whining Toilet?
Fixing a Toilet that Won't Stop Running
The Cost of Installing a Toilet
Toilet Seal Replacement Costs
Should I have a Plumber Fix My Toilet?
Can Your Toilet Tank Be Repaired?
How Much is a New Toilet Installation?
Should You Have Your Toilet Replaced?
Wax Ring Replacement Costs in Island Lake
What does a Plumber Charge for Toilet Installation?
Find a Plumber to Install a Toilet in Island Lake
Replacing a Toilet Flush Button
Who Can Fix a Toilet in Island Lake Right Away?
Fixing a Toilet Blockage