The toilet is one of the most important appliances in the home, but only when it is functioning correctly. When it isn’t, it can be a nightmare, and there are lots of ways that a toilet can malfunction. Whether the malfunction is minor (though costly in the long run), like a leak, or major, like a disgusting overflowing mess, it is important to get repairs done quickly. A toilet repair is usually best left to the professionals, though if you are handy around the house these are some you could probably tackle yourself.
Phantom Flushes
Imagine this scenario: you’re home alone, reading an article on your phone, when you hear the sound of your toilet tank refilling as if it had been flushed. You haven’t been near the bathroom, so what is making this happen? The answer is that it is what plumbers call a phantom flush. Essentially it is a case where water is leaking down out of the tank, usually due to a faulty flapper or flapper seat, so that eventually the tank has to refill. This isn’t a problem that will result in water all over your floor, but it can get expensive very quickly. In fact, this issue could potentially cost you hundreds of dollars a month in wasted water. To check the problem, simply drain the tank and check to see if the flapper is worn or damaged. If it is, replace it. If it is not, call your plumber so that they can conduct a proper toilet repair.
Broken Handles
Toilet handles can prove to be the source of some annoying minor toilet issues. Sometimes the handles stick and sometimes they get loose. Either way, fixing the issue is actually really straightforward. Once you remove the toilet tank cover, you should be able to access the mounting nut for the handle. If there is a lot of built-up gunk, you will need to remove that. That alone can solve the issue of a handle that sticks. If the handle is loose, tightening down this nut should fix that issue.
Recurring Clogs
A clogged toilet is likely the most common toilet issue that anyone will encounter. If your toilet overflows after you flush, you’ve got a bad clog, but if it is just slow to drain, you might still have a partial clog. You likely have a plunger in your homeowner’s tool chest (or you should), and that might be enough to unclog the toilet. If a plunger doesn’t do the trick, renting a snake (kind of like a long corkscrew that you send down to break up the clog) from a hardware store might also work. However, if recurring clogs are an issue, you should get the toilet and your whole plumbing system checked out by a licensed professional plumber to be safe. A toilet repair is crucial for your home’s plumbing system!
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!
