Toilet Trouble

Probably one of the most talked about problems in plumbing is toilets.  I am going to make a list of the problems and the solutions on this page.

Problems and Solutions

1.  Have to told the handle down to get a good flush. (to empty the tank)             
1a. possble cause....The chain or rubber where it is attached to the handle is too long.  Shorten the chain or rubber where it is attached to the handle.  This will allow the flapper or flush mechanism at the bottom of the tank to lift properly.

2.  You have to flip the handle in order for the flap to go back down.
2a. possible cause....Amerian standard toilets have a cannon mechanism in the tank and in this tube shaped part there is a small hole in the bottom of it that is more then likely plugged and if so a small piece of wire will clear this opening and allow the trip mechanism to fall back down after the flush.

2b. possible cause....With other style toilets it could be the float needs to be adjusted up after all the water has left the tank because if the float has dropped to low it will not allow the flapper to drop back down.  There is usually 2 adjusting screws on the top of the ballcock.  The screw to adjust the rod to prevent it from dropping down to low is the small brass one. The screw for adjusting the height of the water in the tank is the one directly in the centre of the ballcock.  American Standard toilets have a plastic float and rod that can be adjusted by backing off the plastic bolt and nut that attaches the rod to the ballcock...Once this is set on this style toilet they usually don't have to be adjusted.

3,  Toilet  continues to run.

3a.possible cause....Flapper in the tank is worn and does not sit flush on bottom of tank opening. New plapper required.

3b.possible cause....Water is running into the standpipe in the tank.  Try adjusting the ballcock by adjusting the centre screw on top of it. Turn the screw clockwise to lower the level. There is a waterline height in the tank usually found on the back of the tank. Adjust water to that level. If this does not work, it is possible to replace the ballcock which is not difficult task.

4.  Toilet will not flush properly and remove everything in the bowel.

4a. possible cause....Water level is not high enough in tank.  Adjust water to proper level by turning centre srew on ballcock counter clockwise that allows more water to enter the tank.

4b. possible cause....If this does not rectify the problem;try taking a bucket of water and pouring it in the bowel to see if the bowel drains properly. If the bowel does drain well;it could be the jets in the bowel are partially plugged.  I have seen it before in toilets that use the blue tank blocks for cleanig and toilets on wells that have high mineral counts and the jets get plugged.  For the blue block cleaners it is just a waiting game until all the blue has been used.  Where minerals are the problem I personally suggest a new bowel although CLR may do the job.

5.  Toilet is plugged.

5a. possible cause....Time to take out the plugger.If the plunger does not do the job; a toilet auger is the next step.When you think you have unplugged it, lift off the cover on the tank and just lift the handle slightly to allow water to enter the bowel slowly.  Flushing the entire tank of water and not knowing for sure the bowel is unplugged could cause the bowel to over-flow.  The auger can turn a pen or toothbrush sideways and allow the water to go down very well but, this type items may still be there.  Pens ,toothbrushes and toys are the biggest instigators.  I have a little trick I usually do by rolling up a few small pieces of toilet paper and give it a flush. This will give you a good test.  If the toilet is still acting up, its time to get out the the tools and lift the toilet

When lifting a toilet ,shut-off the water, empty the water in the bowel, flush the tank and empty the remaing water in the bowel.  Place rags around the water connection and disconnect the line from the tank.  Pop the covers on either side of the toilet bowel, undo the nuts on the T-bolts, and lift the bowel and place it in a large garbage bag.  At this point it is a good idea to get an extra pair of hands to help tilt the bowel back and remove the old wax seal and find the obstruction.  Once this is done it is time to reverse the procedure.  Use a new wax seal and T-bolts everytime you set a toilet.

good luck...the old plumber

Toilets can be a pain in the butt,but its hard to live without one....leave a question if you wish