Common Toilet Tank Problems and How to Solve Them
When it comes to your home, the last thing you want to experience problems with is your toilet. Unfortunately, toilets contain lots of parts that can break or wear out over time, leading to a variety of problems with flushing, filling, and other functions. Here at Boss Plumbing, our team of licensed and experienced plumbers help customers every day with toilet tank problems and other common toilet tank issues.
To make sure you know not only what the problem is with your toilet but also whether it can be repaired as a DIY project or only by an experienced plumber, here’s all you need to know about various toilet tank problems and other issues.
What Two Components Fail Most Often in a Toilet Tank?
When we are called to the homes of our customers here in Los Angeles to repair a toilet that is not working properly, we often find toilet tank repair will focus on either the flush valve or fill valve.
When a flush valve has stopped working properly, there are usually two reasons why. First, it may not be positioned properly in its opening within the tank itself, or the rubber flapper that is attached to it has worn off.
As for the fill valve, the most common reason why you may encounter this common toilet problem is that the fill valve has simply worn out and needs to be replaced. Today’s fill valves generally last about five years, but this can vary based on the quality of the part and how often your toilet gets flushed.
When you encounter either of these problems with your toilet tank, the good news is that these are very easy DIY repairs to make. Of course, if you don’t feel comfortable doing so, feel free to call us here at Boss Plumbing so that one of our experienced plumbers can come to your home and provide these crucial residential plumbing services to your home.
What is the Difference Between a Fill Valve and Flush Valve?
The fill valve and the flush valve are the two main components of your toilet tank, and each serves an important function. The flush valve, as its name implies, is responsible for allowing water to come back into the toilet bowl during the flush. As for the fill valve, this allows the toilet tank to refill with water after you flush your toilet.
The Most Common Toilet Tank Issues and Solutions
Whether it’s a toilet that’s leaking or a toilet that keeps clogging up after being flushed, we’ve dealt with these and many other problems during our more than 30 years of being in business here at Boss Plumbing. If you’re curious about the most common toilet tank issues and whether they can be fixed DIY or only by a plumber, here is what you should keep in mind.
1. Water Level is Too Low
When the water level in your toilet tank is too low, chances are you have a fill valve that needs to be replaced. However, it could also be caused by such things as a sewer vent that may be blocked, a damaged fill tube, or even a cracked toilet bowl, although this is rarely the case. Generally, the fill valve, flush valve, or flapper will need to be replaced, all of which can be done as a DIY project if you wish.
2. Broken Flush Valve
If you have a broken flush valve, your toilet bowl likely won’t be able to fill up with the proper amount of water following a flush. Like the fill valve, you can either replace the flush valve yourself or call on us at Boss Plumbing to do the repairs for you at your home.
3. Ballcock Needs to be Replaced
Also known as the float valve, a ballcock that is broken may have you dealing with an overflowing toilet that can create quite a mess in your bathroom. Like the other valves, this can be a DIY project or a job you prefer be handled by our Boss Plumbing toilet repair experts.
4. Toilet Tank Leaking or Running
When your tank is leaking or running, there are two main things you’ll need to check. First, check the tank-to-bowl connection to make sure everything is secure. If it’s not, this is a guaranteed way to have your toilet tank leaking. If the connection is okay, replacing the nut behind the valve will often solve the problem. Should the problem persist, give us a call here at Boss Plumbing.
5. Sweaty Toilet Tank
Often a problem when humidity levels get very high, a sweaty toilet tank can be remedied by replacing the aircon to keep condensation levels regulated. If this is a persistent problem, you can contact us here at Boss Plumbing to install a toilet tank that is insulated specifically to reduce condensation.
6. Whistling Noise from Tank When Flushing
If your toilet is whistling while at work, this means it has a fill valve that is past its prime and needs to be replaced. If you procrastinate about replacing the valve, this can lead to increased water usage, meaning you’ll have a higher water bill month after month until the problem is fixed.
7. Clogging Toilet
A clogged toilet can be very messy to deal with as well as frustrating, especially if it keeps happening on a regular basis. In many of these situations, the problem is flushing the wrong things down your toilet, such as paper towels or sanitary wipes. In many cases, children will send small toys or other items down your toilet’s drain, resulting in a clog. Also keep in mind that even things that say they are flushable, such as cat litter, often lead to clogs over time. In most cases, you can use a plunger or drain auger to rid your toilet of its clog. However, if the clog seems particularly stubborn, it’s best to let our expert plumbers handle the job.
Need More Help? Call Boss Plumbing Today!
If you need more help with your toilet’s problems, contact us here at Boss Plumbing to schedule a service call or to learn about our affordable prices, excellent customer service, and guaranteed work.
