Toilets are essential household necessities, but they can sometimes become a source of frustration when issues arise. However, many emergency toilet problems can be fixed if you know their causes. From toilet unclogging to fixing noisy toilets, learn what causes such problems and how to address them.
- Clogged Toilet
Toilets can be clogged by various reasons such as flushing sanitary products, debris and mineral buildup, and excess toilet paper usage. You can use the following methods to unclog the toilet:
- Use a Plunger: Place a plunger to form a strong seal and push and pull to remove the clog.
- Use a Toilet Auger: If the plunger doesn’t fix the problem, use a toilet auger. Insert the flexible end of the auger into the toilet bowl and turn the handle to break down the clog.
If the problem doesn’t go away, you should call for emergency plumbing services.
- Running Toilet
Having a running toilet can mean losing thousands of gallons of water per day. It could mean not only wasting water, but also increasing your utility bill. If you can find the root cause of the problem, it is possible to fix it.
Some of the common causes behind a running toilet include:
- Faulty Rubber Flapper: The flapper may not be sealing properly, causing water to leak.
- Incorrectly Adjusted Float: This can cause an overflow of water into the overflow tube.
- Faulty Fill Valve: A fill valve may not shut off, causing uninterrupted water flow.
Common fixes for a running toilet include:
- Replacing the rubber flapper
- Lowering the float that has been set too high
- Repairing the fill valve or replacing it
It is further recommended to inspect for leaks in the toilet’s system, as other damaged parts can also cause a running toilet.
- Toilet Not Flushing
A toilet that stops flushing can be caused by a problematic flushing mechanism or an issue with the water supply. Other factors can include:
- Faulty flappers
- Faulty flush handle
- Flogged trapway
Some of the common solutions for a toilet that is not flushing include:
- Cleaning or replacing a blocked flush valve
- Replacing the fill valve
- Setting the proper water level in the tank for a strong flush
- Leaking Toilet Base
Any leak at the toilet base should be fixed immediately to prevent severe water damage to the bathroom floor.
Some of the common causes of this problem include:
- Damaged or loose wax ring
- Loose bolts
- Damaged toilet bowl
A leaking toilet base can be fixed by replacing the old wax ring, tightening the bolts securing the toilet, or replacing a cracked toilet.
- Toilet Odors
Unpleasant toilet odors should not be taken lightly, as they can cause more than just an uncomfortable environment. Common problems that may be causing your toilet to emit odors include:
- Organic matter buildup in the toilet bowl
- Sewer gas leaks
- Faulty wax ring
Regularly cleaning the toilet can help prevent the buildup of organic matter and bacteria. If the wax ring is damaged, it can allow gases to escape. Replacing it can stop the bad odor in your toilet.
If the problem is difficult to diagnose and fix, it is recommended to seek emergency plumbing services. Experienced emergency plumbers can identify the root cause and fix it to prevent further damage.
While being able to identify toilet problems can be helpful, it is also important to ensure timely preventative action. Regular maintenance can help identify potential issues before they turn into costly plumbing problems. While you can handle many toilet issues yourself, some situations require professional handling. This is where expert emergency plumbers come into the picture.
