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Common Toilet Issues – Part 2

This is the second part of a three-part series on common toilet issues that homeowners and renters often encounter. If you missed part one, check it out here.

Common Toilet Issues – Part 1

Here is the second set of common issues.

Toilet won’t Flush at all

There is nothing more annoying than going to the bathroom and discovering after the fact that your toilet won’t flush. For whatever reason, the handle isn’t doing its job.

If your toilet won’t flush at all, there are several things to check:

• The connections – make sure the flush handle, level/lift arm, chain and flapper valves are all connected correctly
• Handle – make sure the handle isn’t too loose or too tight
• Lift arm – make sure the lift arm isn’t broken
  Note: the lift arm is the piece that connects the flush handle to the lift chain
• Lift arm and lift chain – make sure the connection is not broken or out of alignment

Toilet won’t Flush all the way

While not as annoying as a toilet that won’t fully flush, a toilet that only flushes partially is still a nuisance.

There are multiple culprits for when your toilet flushes some, but not all the way.

• Too much slack in the lift chain
• A low water level in the tank
• Improper installation of the flapper
• Incorrect flapper model

Water on the Floor

One of the worst experiences is coming into your bathroom and finding water on the floor by your toilet. Where is the leak coming from? How do you even start to figure it out?

There are several reasons for an external leak, so make sure to check the following:

• The connections – are all the tank bolts, the fill valve, and supply tubing nuts? If not, you would need to tighten or replace them
• Condensation – if it’s during warm weather, it could just be condensation on the outside of the tank
• Cracks – are there any cracks on the tank? If so, you’ll need a new tank
• Wax ring – is the wax ring still sealed? If not, you will need to replace it

Stuck or Loose Handle

Sometimes the toilet handle will just not budge. You rattle and nothing. Alternatively, the handle could be too loose. If you encounter any handle issues:

• Make sure the mounting nut located inside the tank (behind the handle) is clean
• Make sure there is no lime buildup around the mounting nut

Suction sounds in the Tub or Sink

Have you ever flushed your toilet and then immediately heard creepy gurgling noises coming from your tub or sink? If not, great! If you have, then you know that this happens when the toilet vent pipe is clogged – fully or partially. This one is hard to troubleshoot on your own – call Marines Plumbing to diagnose and resolve the issue, ensuring you don’t hear more of those suctions noises.

As always, if you are having any of these issues and cannot troubleshoot them yourself, give us a call. Marines Plumbing is here for you and we are happy to help diagnose and fix any plumbing issue you are encountering.

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