Ah, the joys of home ownership! Discovering the toilet is clogged makes no one happy. But it can feel good to fix a plumbing issue on your own – plus you save money. Here are some common toilet troubles you can fix yourself. We’ve also included information about when it really is a good idea to call the plumber.
Toilet Trouble #1: The Toilet Is Clogged
It’s a common situation: the toilet clogs up and won’t flush. Sometimes this is a DIY situation: a little work with a plunger can dislodge stuck waste material and everyone is happy. However, if the clog is really persistent or you find yourself having to plunger out the toilet every few days, it’s time to call in the plumber for drain cleaning. Having your sewer drains cleaned removes the obstructions that are causing the recurring clog.
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Toilet Trouble #2: The Toilet Never Stops Running
When the toilet never stops running, you feel it in your wallet. A constantly running toilet can add significantly to your water bill. The most common cause of a constantly running toilet is the flapper mechanism that’s connected to the toilet’s handle is no longer operating properly. When the rubber flapper no longer seats correctly, the toilet tank can’t fill to the proper level and winds up running constantly. People who enjoy DIY projects have been known to replace the flapper mechanism themselves – you can find the components at most home improvement stores and instructions on YouTube – but this is also a job your local plumber can address efficiently for you.
Toilet Trouble #3: The Toilet Is Leaking
You can not live with a leaky toilet. A leaky toilet is a health hazard. If the toilet is leaking around the base, don’t waste any time. Call your plumber right away. When a toilet is leaking around the base, it means the wax ring that seals the point where the toilet connects to the drain pipe has failed. The problem will continue to get worse and worse. Toilet replacement is a messy job that’s not a lot of fun – especially when you consider that the average toilet weighs well over fifty pounds. Definitely worth calling the pros!
