It’s never a good thing when the toilet flushing mechanism quits working right. This frequently leads to water waste and clogs. It can also translate into problems with water pressure that cause incomplete flushing. Fixing a broken flushing mechanism is sometimes an easy task. Other times, it’s more complex and requires professional help. Let’s look at the different ways to handle these issues.
Worn-Out Flapper
Flappers are rubber pieces that, during a flush, let water drain from the tank into the bowl. Over time, they age, distort or break. As a result, water slowly seeps out since it won’t seal correctly. The result is a poor flush or a toilet that runs continuously. The only solution is to get a new flapper. A plumber can generally replace it in a few minutes, and it’s not expensive.
Chain Problems
There’s a little chain that goes from the flush handle to the flapper. If it’s too short, the flapper won’t seal. If it’s too long, the flapper won’t lift at all. You can check the chain if your toilet acts up. It might be tangled or loose; adjusting or reconnecting the chain might fix the problem immediately.
Faulty Fill Valve
After flushing, you can adjust the amount of water that returns to the tank using the fill valve. If this component is malfunctioning, you may have poor flush strength or find that the tank never completely refills. You might also hear weird hissing noises. A plumber can replace the fill valve anytime it leaks, stops working or causes constant running water.
Low Water Level in Tank
If the toilet tank doesn’t have enough water in it, you won’t get a powerful flush. A lack of water could stem from a partially closed shut-off valve or a poorly adjusted float. The ideal level of water in a tank is about an inch below the top of the overflow tube. A plumber will check the shut-off valve and adjust the float to address low water levels.
Broken Flush Handle
There are situations when the handle itself is the problem. It might be stuck, loose or broken. A plumber can check whether to repair or replace the handle. It’s an inexpensive job that only takes a few minutes to perform.
Cracked Overflow Tube
In the center of your toilet tank, you’ll see the overflow tube, which is a tall pipe. It lowers the water level and stops it from overflowing. You’ll notice weak flushes or continuous running when this part becomes cracked, misaligned or damaged. Changing the whole flush valve assembly is typically necessary to repair this but not always. Replacing the tube or assembly can be tricky, so it’s best to have a professional handle the job.
Mineral Buildup or Clogs
When you have hard water, minerals will accumulate in the little holes beneath the toilet bowl’s rim and within the flush valve. This diminishes the flush power and decreases the water flow. A plumber will fix this by cleaning the mineral buildup and replacing any damaged components.
Leaky Flapper Valve Seat
Corrosion or pitting can occur on the valve seat that the flapper sits on. If the flapper is unable to form a tight seal, water will seep out and cause the toilet to run. A specialized kit for fixing valve seats may be necessary to fix this. It’s not as easy as just changing the flapper, so you’ll probably want to hire a plumber.
Float Problems
Your toilet knows when to stop filling up thanks to the float, but it must be in the correct position. When it’s too low, the flush won’t be strong enough. When it’s set too high, the water may flow continuously. Altering the float height can sometimes cure weak flushes. However, a plumber may need to replace the whole fill valve if the float becomes stuck or broken.
Air or Vacuum Issues in Trap or Vent
To flush correctly, your toilet requires air pressure. Gurgling, sluggish flushing or no flushing at all can all be indications of a clogged vent stack. These signs can also be a symptom of an air bubble in the trap. Fixing this problem might require climbing on your roof or navigating intricate drain systems, so it’s best left to the pros.
Fix-A-Leak offers a variety of plumbing services to enhance your home’s energy efficiency, convenience and comfort. Our customers in the Bohemia, NY community rely on us for leak detection, drain cleaning, toilet repairs and more.
Contact Fix-A-Leak now to book reliable plumbing services for your Suffolk County home.
