Toilet Troubleshooting and Repair

Another common issue you might run into with your home plumbing is trouble with your toilet. Most toilet replacement parts are readily available and easy to install. No matter how old the toiled is, if it’s cracked it needs to be repaired or reinstalled. However you may also want to replace one that’s out of style.

To determine what's wrong with your toilet, start by looking under the tank lid. If flushes are incomplete, check that the water level reaches the proper level -- an inch or less from the top of the overflow tube. If the toilet constantly hisses or if water seeps into the bowl, the tank water level may be too high. The excess water is slowly overflowing into the overflow tube and into the bowl. Adjusting the water level is usually a simple matter. In some cases, however, the fill valve may need to be repaired or replaced.

• Bowl overflows or doesn’t flush freely: Clear the clog with a plunger, pressure plunger or toilet auger.
• Toilet does not flush: Check that the handle is connected to the flapper via a chain or to the stopper via a lift rod. Check that water is turned on and running into the tank.
• Incomplete (short) flushes: Check the water in the tank and adjust the float ball, chain, or lift rod. Flush the toilet to check the stopper, if it goes down too quickly, replace it.
• Handle is loose: Tighten the nut holding the handle to the tank. Check the handle's connection to the wire or the lift rod.
• Water sprays out of the tank: Reattach the refill tube to the overflow tube.
• Run-on: Adjust the float ball, stopper, or cup. Replace a leaky float ball or stopper. If the water level still rises above the overflow tube, repair or replace the fill valve.
• Water continuously seeps into the bowl, making it necessary to jiggle the handle (you hear occasional "phantom flushes"): Clean the flush valve seat and adjust the flapper or stopper. You may need to replace the flapper or stopper.
• Leak from the tank: Check and tighten water supply connection. Tighten tank bolts. Replace the tank if it is cracked.
• Leak from the base of the bowl: Remove the toilet, replace the wax ring, and reinstall the toilet. Replace the bowl if it is cracked.