Diagnosing And Repairing Toilet Plumbing Issues
There are usually only a few reasons why a toilet might not function properly. Nearly all of the toilet’s moving parts are inside the tank. This includes the flapper, handle, and the flush valve assembly. Any problem could occur inside the tank, that could be easy to fix, or a worn-out problem that would require a total reconstruction of the interior of the toilet tank.
In addition, there can also be a problem with the wax seal of the toilet. This is where the flange on the floor comes in direct contact with the base of the toilet. At the place where the toilet bowl flushes into the drainage pipe below, the wax seal helps to prevent any water leakage onto the floor or floor substrate.
In addition, the hose that provides the supply of water to the tank can often leak due to wear and tear. Diagnosing any of these plumbing issues of why the toilet will not operate properly can usually be accomplished in just a matter of minutes.
If there is water leaking out of the base of the toilet, it is usually a direct result of a faulty wax ring. This type of problem usually requires pulling the entire toilet off the floor and exchanging the old worn out wax ring for a new one. Even though the wax ring cost less than five dollars, an extensive process is involved in the procedure.
It requires the removal of the toilet by emptying the tank’s water into the bowl. The screws are then backed off to remove the toilet from the floor. The toilet then needs to be lifted up, tilted forward where the old wax ring is removed and the new wax ring is installed, before replacing the toilet back over the bolts and onto the flange of the sewer drain. Lastly, the bolts will need to be tightened securely (but not too tightly as to crack the porcelain), to make sure that the toilet rest comfortably on the floor. Only then can the water be refilled and checked to make sure that it is no longer leaking.
If the water is leaking from the tank and the bowl it may be a worn-out flapper. This is a simple solution the cost less than five dollars to replace. However, it is important to make sure that the right flapper is purchased at the local home improvement store. By simply turning off the water supply, the flapper can be removed and taken to the store to make sure it is the right one.
The problem might also be adjusting the chain. The chain that connects to the handle to the flapper might have become damaged, broken or worn out. With a few simple adjustments of a newly installed chain, the toilet can be back to running properly within minutes.
The entire assembly of the water supply with the float valve might need to be changed. This is a more complex process that often requires the skills of a licensed contractor or a skilled do-it-yourself homeowner.
