It can be a huge nuisance if your toilet flush fails to work properly. It causes inconvenience and at times may cost you a lot, including the charges of a plumber and the repair parts of the toilet. But, there is nothing to worry about as you can easily repair toilet by yourself. If you know the different parts of the toilet and their functions, it will be easy for you to fix the toilet by yourself. Here’s a guide that will assist you in doing the task very effectively, all on your own. Read on.
Complexity Level: Moderate
Time Required: 15-30 minutes
Resources Required:
- Wrench
- Plungers
- Sponge
- Bucket
- Vinegar
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Toilet parts (if they need to be replaced)
Instructions:
1. Identifying the problem with the toilet
- Check your toilet to see where the problem of flushing lies. Make sure that all the parts of the toilet tank are functioning. It may be that one of the tank parts is not working, leading to poor flushing.
- Check the supply valve, the flapper, the ball cock, the lift wire, and the valves inside the toilet bowl. See if they are all working as they should.
2. Emptying the toilet tank of water
- Once you locate the problem, the first thing you should do is to empty the tank. For this, turn off the water supply.
- Place a bucket underneath the tank so that the water does not fall on the floor directly. Flush the toilet once or twice to drain the tank of all water.
- The tank should be wholly devoid of water. If necessary, use a sponge to soak up the water at the bottom of the tank.
3. Cleaning or replacing the toilet parts
- Check the lift wire. If the lift wire has come off, replace the wire on the handle. Ensure that the lift wire is of correct length.
- If the wire is too short, water will trickle out, and if it is too long, it will not lift the flapper. Trim the wire using pliers if required. Clean or replace the refill valve of the tank if water does not fill up the tank as much as it should.
- If the handle of the flush does not move smoothly, clean it using vinegar. Use a screwdriver to detach the ball cock and clean or replace it. Its diaphragm may be damaged and may need replacement.
- Check the flapper valve to see if it is being sealed else it may cause the flush to not work. If not, you may need to change the valve.
- Clean the valves inside the toilet bowl by using a sharp object to unclog them. If the water supply does not shut off after the tank is full, try bending the float arm a little. This depresses the plunger at a lesser water level in the tank.
4. Checking the parts and the flush
- After every step, try flushing the toilet once to see all the parts are operating properly. If you are installing new parts, test your flush to see if all the new parts are working fine.
- If you are taking off the valve, the wire or the handle, make sure they are linked with each other the way they should. The wire should be able to lift the flapper valve properly and should also be attached to the handle.
- Make sure the flapper valve is fully sealed. Adjust the water level of the tank if necessary. Plunge the drains if there isn’t any problem with the toilet itself. Your toilet should flush properly once you have done the above. If it continues to malfunction, you may need to call a plumber.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How do I fix the gurgling noise in the sink when the toilet is flushed?
A gurgling noise in the sink when the toilet is flushed indicates that there is some kind of blockage in the main sewer line. In this case, check the vents and the main sewer lines to make sure they are not blocked. If they are, use a plunger to unblock the sewer or get help from a plumber.
2. What precautions should I take so that the toilet flushes properly?
To make sure that your toilet flush functions without a hitch, clean the toilet tank and the main sewers as suggested. This will prevent any kind of blockage in the drains. Also, check the toilet parts from time to time to make sure they are all functioning properly. Replace any part as soon as there is a problem with it.
3. How do I repair a crack in my toilet tank?
If there is a crack in your toilet tank, chances are that it cannot be repaired to function properly. It is recommended that you replace your tank if there is a crack.
4. When should I call the plumber?
You need to call your plumber if you cannot fix the problem or if the problem does not get solved despite the repairs that you have made. Do not fix the toilet flush without being sure of what the problem is. Also, call the plumber if your tank overflows or if you need to deal with a pressure tank. If there are leaks under the tank, then your tank may need to be replaced. In this case, you will need the help of a plumber.
Quick Tips:
1. Get an idea of the price of toilet parts. A new flapper costs $5 whereas a new toilet handle comes for $6.
2. Make sure you locate the problem correctly before you begin the repair.
3. In most cases, a defective toilet flush can be repaired easily and inexpensively, and does not require you to call a plumber.
4. Get your septic system to be drained once every 2 years.
5. Clean the tank regularly to prevent any kind of blockage.
Things To Watch Out For:
1. It is essential to turn off the water supply before you start repairing the flush.
2. Wash your hands with antiseptic after cleaning a toilet.
3. For a pressure tank, it is recommended that you call a plumber and not try to deal with it yourself. Also, call a plumber if water overflows from the toilet.
4. Do not use pellets in the tank that clean the toilet as these may cause the toilets to malfunction.
