When a toilet breaks down, we realize how vital its services are.
Whether we want to admit it or not, toilets are an absolute essential in all of our day-to-day lives. It’s an incredible household item that we take for granted all too often. When a toilet breaks down, we realize how vital its services are. It is important to know what to do to get it functionally flushing again. Here are four easy tips on how to complete a toilet repair at home.
Fixing Clogs: The Snake and the Plunger
The most common problem in most toilets is when it gets clogged up. We’ve all been there, and as embarrassing as it is, it’s also a huge inconvenience. The two most straightforward methods for dealing with a clog is with two tools known as a plunger and a snake. Most of you probably know what plungers are, but in case you don’t know how to work one here’s how:
- The first step should be to wear gloves and protective clothing.
- Secondly, keep enough water in the bowl so that the plunger is covered. The first plunge should be a gentle one.
- Thirdly, force the plunger in and out vigorously to loosen most clogs
Then there’s the snake. A snake is a long wire coil with a sharp tip that you can extend down your pipes until it reaches the clogged area. These are commonly used for much larger clogs, but they are helpful for a toilet repair.
Broken Toilet Handles
A broken toilet handle might seem like something that’s impossible to fix, but it’s a lot easier than you think. Whether it’s stuck or loose, the methods are very comparable. First, you should remove the tank cover and clean the mounting nut. The mounting nut is a large screw that’s attached to the pipes inside under the tank cover. Typically, the buildup of debris on the nut can cause the handle to get stuck. Once you clean it out, it will work. If it is loose, tighten the same nut clockwise to ensure that it doesn’t loosen any further. Its a little bit of work, but it’s one way to conduct a toilet repair without the assistance of a plumber.
Phantom Flushes
If you’ve heard your toilet refill randomly as if it’s been flushed lately, it was more than likely a ghost coming to haunt your house for the Halloween season. Just kidding, but when that does occur, it’s known as a “Phantom Flush,” and it’s a huge waste of water. It happens when the water rises out of the top of your toilet’s tank. A quick fix is to drain the tank, the bowl, and change the flapper seat if it’s been damaged.
Get in Touch With B&D Today!
Dealing with any plumbing concerns that require a professional to step in? Struggling with an absolute plumbing emergency that can’t wait? Let B&D Plumbing know. B&D Plumbing Inc. services the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia. Get in touch with us by calling (301) 595-1141 or follow us on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. As a small, family-owned business, we understand how important your home is—and we offer exceptional service that matches!