Fix 5 Common Problems With Your Toilet

Count on Cardinal Home Center for those simple fixes that maybe you as a homeowner can do yourself. Below are tips to fix 5 common problems with your toilet without calling a plumber. Our stores in Crozet and Madison will very well have the plumbing parts you need as well.

Before you start, a few quick pointers:

• If it’s an emergency, call a plumber (Shut off running water before it does further damage)
• Be careful not to overtighten nuts, bolts, and connectors
• Remove the tank lid carefully and put it in a safe place
• Verify the size of the parts you purchased by referring to the parts that are already on your toilet
• Take a picture on your phone of what you think needs to be replaced and show it to one of our Cardinal Team Members for assistance, if needed
• Bring in the old part to assure what you are purchasing matches

1. Toilet won’t stop running, and water continually flows into the tank

If the water level in your tank is dropping, the flapper may need to be replaced. If that is in good shape, check the flush valve assembly. Sometimes, the tank might not be leaking, or the water is high enough to spill into the overflow tube, and the fill valve might need to be cleaned or replaced.

2. Toilet Won’t Flush

First, check to see if your toilet is clogged. This blockage can sometimes be partial, and you may not see it initially. Turn off the water supply valve located at the bottom of the toilet, and then use either a plunger or toilet auger to break up any clogs.

If you try to unclog it and still doesn’t flush, there may be a few other adjustments. Check the lift chain to see if there is any slack, and remove it. Also, check the fill level and adjust as needed – as a rule of thumb, it should be one to two inches below the fill valve and overflow tube. The fill level can usually be changed by adjusting the float. Ensure the flapper is installed correctly – most flappers are attached to pegs on the sides of the flush valve tube, or they have a ring that slides over the overflow tube. Finally, replace the flush handle if it is broken.

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3. Toilet fills slowly

Try to turn back on the shut-off valve first. If you don’t have any luck, there might be sediment in the pump and valve that needs to be cleared off. For toilets that have a ball cock assembly, install a new fill valve and float cup assembly.

4. Noisy toilet when not using

Check that the water supply valve is completely open. If it is, check that the flapper is not warped and is still sealing. If there is something wrong with either of these, it might be time for a new flapper.

5. Stuck or loose toilet handle

If the handle is stuck in the down position, causing the toilet to run continuously, ensure the handle is not attached too tight, and clean debris from around the handle mounting nut. The arm or chain may need to be replaced, or the handle might need to be adjusted if it is too loose.

Have questions about our tips to fix 5 common problems with your toilet or any other repair around the house?  Our teams in Madison and Crozet can answer any questions over the phone or in the store. We provide comprehensive solutions utilizing expertise, inspiration and top-industry building supplies.  Count on Cardinal!