HyperSmash

Total Pageviews

Friday, June 28, 2013

Problems with Your Toilet? Try These Simple Fixes!

Plumbing problems in the bathroom may cause you to worry, but many of the most common toilet issues are easy to spot and fix. Keep reading to learn more about these issues and how they are best solved on your own. If you encounter a problem you can’t identify or don’t feel comfortable addressing, call in your plumber in Prescott, AZ to make the right fix.

Running Toilet
Running toilets are common bathroom plumbing issues.
A running toilet occurs when there is a leak between the toilet’s tank and the bowl. These leaks can waste up to two gallons of water per minute, which can really add up on your water bill over time. If you suspect you could have a running toilet or other toilet tank leak, place a couple of drops of food coloring into the toilet’s tank. Come back twenty minutes later; if the food coloring has made it into the bowl, you've got a leak. Check the flapper valve, which is attached by a chain or lever to the handle on the outside of the tank. This is the valve that opens each time you flush, and the most likely place to develop a leak. If the valve is simply misaligned, align it properly and try a few flushes. If the valve won’t stay aligned or seems to be degraded, it will need to be replaced. You can replace the flapper yourself or call in your plumber in Prescott to do it for you. If the flapper valve doesn't appear to be the problem, the leak is elsewhere and may require a plumber to identify.

Flushing Trouble
A toilet bowl that is slow to drain when flushed indicates a clog somewhere in your plumbing. It’s best to address this issue, if possible, before the toilet stops flushing and backs up altogether. The best fix is to use a plunger to loosen any clogs in your plumbing. Make sure there is enough water in the bowl to cover the head of the plunger when it is placed in the toilet. If not, add water until the level is high enough. Press down on the plunger about twelve times, then pull it up and away from the toilet in a single, smooth motion. If the water drains away or the toilet flushes normally, you've successfully cleared the clog. It may take a few attempts to clear away a plumbing clog, so don’t give up if you aren't met with success on your first try. If plunging doesn't solve the issue, call in your plumber to take a look. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, which can damage your toilet’s finish or your plumbing.


Would you like more Prescott plumbing tips to keep your toilets, showers, and sinks running smoothly? Check out the Mrs. Rooter blog to read through our helpful home plumbing articles. For more information about professional drain cleaning, water heater installation, and other plumbing repairs in Yavapai, Coconino and Maricopa Counties, please visit our website

No comments:

Post a Comment