The Most Common Toilet Problems in Union, and How to Fix Them

When you’re having toilet problems it’s important to know whether you can fix them yourself or if you need to call a professional. As experienced Union plumbers we see problems with toilets every day! So, we can confidently tell you that these are the most common issues we see:

1. Clogging – If the water won’t go down because of a blockage, you have several options to clear it. Most people will start by plunging the toilet, but some serious clogs will require snaking the toilet with a toilet auger to bore through the clog. If neither of those techniques work, you can try using hot (not boiling) water or soap to help loosen the clog. (But you should NEVER pour chemical drain cleaner into a clogged toilet!) Ultimately, if you can’t remove the clog yourself, call a local plumber to come unclog your toilet! They have the tools and experience needed to get your toilet back in good working order.
2. Leaking – Water leaking from the base or tank of your toilet can cause significant home damage. Typically, water leaking from the base indicates that the wax seal or flange is broken. This is something that a plumber will need to fix because doing it wrong can cause far more damage to the toilet or your home. Water leaking from the tank is most often due to a crack, which means your toilet will need to be replaced. Again, while you can technically do this yourself, you’ll almost certainly want to hire a plumber to replace your toilet to ensure the job is done right!
3. Weak Flushing or Slow Filling – If the woosh of water that’s meant to remove waste when you flush isn’t powerful enough to do the job, it’s likely due to clogged jets along the rim. Cleaning them with vinegar and a toilet brush is the best way to unclog them so your toilet can flush with the proper power. However, if you try this and are still experiencing weak flushing action, a plumber can help determine if there’s something else going on, like a plumbing system venting problem. If your toilet is taking longer than normal to fill with water, there may be build up on the fill valve. Check the valve to ensure it’s working properly and replace it if it isn’t. If you need help replacing any of the internal components of your toilet, that’s an easy job for a plumber to come assist with during regular business hours.
4. Rocking – A wobbling toilet may be the result of an uneven floor but is most likely due to loose mounting. Carefully tightening the floor bolts should help, but if it doesn’t, call a plumber to check the toilet flange to ensure it’s not leaking underneath. If the problem is an uneven floor (due to home settling or past water damage), a plumber can help level it by shimming the base and resealing it.

If you have toilet problems, give us a call at 1 (800) 674-9130 today! Our team can get your toilet working again or replace it, if needed. Don’t be embarrassed – when it comes to toilets we’ve seen it all!