You can initiate DIY and resolve plumbing issues if you have a running toilet. This four-step strategy addresses around 90% of seat flush complications and dripping issues. The budget can be controlled by indulging in DIY, and other toilet-related problems can be settled. For DIY-related projects, the following tools will be required:
- Pliers
- Cutting pliers
- Rubber gloves.
In addition to that, you can also make this experience by adding safety tools and accessories.
For DIY projects, you must bring your tools, equipment, and materials. In addition, a replacement fill valve and toilet flappers are mandatory.
The mechanism of a toilet flush
The primary mechanism and function of the toilet have remained the same since the initial times. After using the bathroom, surplus water fills the water tank that lifts the float, preventing the water from reaching a particular level. This is operated through a flapper, which is opened with the help of a lever, causing the flow of water during flush and returning as the water level plunges.
Because of this, the flush is too weak, resulting in leaks. In addition, sometimes the tank does not fill up with water adequately, which causes another set of problems.
How to Stop a Toilet From Running?
To stop a toilet from running, replace the flapper if it leaks or flush the valve. In rare cases, you must repair the Bent Lift Arm in a Toilet. See the video on how to stop the toilet from running:
How to Check the fill tube?
If you face an overflow tube problem in your seat, remove the tank lid and look for a fill tube. The fill tube is a small, flexible tube that originates from the fill valve and goes to the toilet overflow tube. During the tank refill procedure, the flexible tube pushes water to the toilet overflow tube to refill the toilet bowl once it has been flushed.
However, if, for some reason, the tube fails to perform its mission or the water stream does not enter the overflow tube, the bowl will not be filled with a standard supply of water for the next flush. This would result in a soft flush with less noticeable pressure. Therefore, to address this issue, you must re-attach the fill tube and reinforce it directly to the fill valve. The tube should be secured to about 1 inch slightly above the rim of the overflow tube. A water stream will enter the toilet overflow tube, enabling the flush to be performed efficiently.
Check the float and modify the fill height settings.
An adjustable float determines the level of water in the tank. The float position, if low, leads to a feeble and ineffective flush. Similarly, if it is higher, the water stream will spill and enter the toilet overflow tube, keeping the fill valve open and leading to a running toilet. To address this issue, check the fill level hint on the back of the tank. It can be marked to identify the toilet overflow tube quickly. If you fail to find it, you can manually measure it and keep it about 1 inch on the overflow tube. After manually setting the standard, check if the water touches the mark after flushing the toilet. If it is still not flushing correctly and there is a noticeable leak, you must work on the toilet tank and adjust it further. For old and worn toilets, brass rods are directly connected to the float ball to make the amendments easier and quicker.
With newer plumbing technology and innovative toilet seats, a rod can be adjusted with the help of a screw and clip. Check if the toilet bowl is running correctly on flushing after adjustments, and keep screwing or sliding the clip until there is no more leak. The watermark should be an inch below the critical common area and highlighted on the fill valve. The required level can be tuned to a different height that can be moved according to the necessary standard. If the fill valve does not shut off, it is probably defective and needs to be replaced. Ensure the water supply is turned off and replaced with a replacement valve.
Work on the flush handle or flapper chain.
A chain inside the toilet can also be an obstacle to effectively flushing the toilet. If the chain is short or not organized adequately within the tank, water or more is likely to leak. A long or mixed-up chain within the tanks will produce more water leaks. The reason is that the fill valve uses full force to refill the tank. Similarly, a long chain or a flush rod constantly touching the tank will prevent the proper opening of the flapper, resulting in a good flush flow. To clear this issue, you need to adjust the chain and its linkage so that external pressure is not applied to the flapper. You can take out the extra chain and make sure that the chain is only about an inch more in size to reduce the possibility of tangles. In addition, the flush rod should not touch the lid upon pressing the lever. Even after adjusting the chain, if the toilet bowl still leaks, try changing it and look for expected tangles or cut the length of the chain.
Replace the flapper if it is leaking.
Even after constant readjustments, assessing the float, and checking the entire tube, you need to change your flapper if the toilet bowl is still leaking. If all the above options have failed, there is a high probability that the flapper has expired, and it is time to purchase a brand-new one for effective flushing. You can have a close replica at hardware stores. However, you may find difficulty finding the reproduction of that flapper. This is a determinant of the toilet seat model and brand updated constantly. Certain flappers are also universal and fit easily by acting as the best match for their flappers. After installing the new flapper, it should open and close properly. It would help if you had an excellent flapper with a non-wimpy flush. The last option would be to replace the entire toilet seat or the overflow tube.
Common house plumbing problems
Clogged drains and toilets
Investigate the drain pipes and look for clogged drains that have been blocked from any debris. This is indicated when water is backed, and the level increases often. For example, a clogged toilet bowl raises the water level after regular flushing, which tends to overflow in some situations. First, however, you need to identify the leading cause of the problem, which is usually a partially or wholly blocked drain. For sinks and showers, hair is the main issue of blocked drains. You can clear this issue using simple DIY plumping tools that are available at hardware stores. The plunger is specifically created to help remove the clogged hair debris, wholly done with the help of suction. Moreover, you can also use bleach and pour it down the toilet bowl to clear any blockage, which creates obstacles for regular flushing.
Leaking pipes
Another plumbing problem is leaking in seats and pipes. Be it washroom sinks or kitchen taps, dripping water is always annoying, resulting in water leakage and adding to your utility bills. According to a recent analysis, leaking faucets will accumulate more than 3000 gallons of water per year if it drips per second. However, this issue can result in structural damage if not addressed urgently. You must call the plumber dorm a DIY to check if the tiles are still intact or damaged. The seal may tear, dislodge, or stiffen no longer holding the tap tightly in its original position. Also, check the joint location of the pipes and the valve seat. Other sink-related leaks may be observed due to shifting, intense water pressure, and corrosion.
From 2022 onwards, Mark has also been contributing author of home repair articles at nimblefreelancer.com.
Read more on Mark Brown's biography page.
Contact Mark: mark@nimblefreelancer.com