While some toilet issues might seem insignificant, they can lead to much bigger problems down the road, including leaks, water damage, and hundreds of gallons of wasted water. If you notice any of the following problems with your toilet, make sure to repair them right away to avoid spending more money in the long run.
The Toilet Keeps Running
It’s normal for your toilet to run for a minute or so after you flush. If your toilet runs much longer than that, there’s an issue. In some cases, the chain inside your toilet tank is stuck, preventing the flapper (attached to the chain) from shutting. Wiggling the flush handle can sometimes loosen the chain and help the flapper close.
If this solution doesn’t work, the flapper might be worn out and in need of replacement. There might also be an issue with your toilet’s fill valve (the component that refills the toilet tank and bowl to adequate levels after you flush).
The Toilet Moves or Tilts
Your toilet should never move. If your toilet moves when you sit on it or push it, this can lead to water and waste leaking out from underneath your toilet. To prevent your toilet from “having an accident” on your bathroom floor, its best to contact a plumber to inspect the problem. A rocking toilet can be caused by any number of issues, including a worn-out wax ring, a broken flange, broken flange bolts, or a sagging floor.
The Toilet Bowl Is Cracked
Cracks in your toilet bowl can lead to leaks. To prevent leaks, you can seal hairline cracks on the outside of the bowl or tank with plumbing epoxy. A plumber can also repair cracks inside the bowl or tank as long as they are less than 1/16 of an inch wide. If the cracks are larger than that, it’s best to replace the cracked part of your toilet to prevent it from breaking and leaking water all over your bathroom.
Bad Smells Won’t Leave Your Bathroom
More likely than not, your bathroom won’t smell like a clear, spring morning 100 percent of the time. However, if there is a lingering, foul smell in your bathroom, even after no one has used it for some time, this could indicate a problem with your toilet or another aspect of your plumbing system. The bad smells might be the result of a broken flange or a worn wax ring seal in your toilet. They could also indicate a problem with your home’s drain or sewer line.
Whenever you can’t determine the cause of your toilet trouble, contact the expert plumbers at EZ Flow Plumbing, LLC: (480) 351-1820.