The average person goes to the bathroom 6 to 10 times a day. The fact that toilets receive so much daily use means that problems are bound to arise at some point. While you may be able to fix some toilet issues on your own, it’s always best to hire a plumber when dealing with any of the following problems.
Frequent Clogging
Toilet clogs are among the most common plumbing problems. Most clogs are caused by using too much toilet paper or flushing non-dissolvable items. When dealing with this type of clog, you can usually fix the issue simply by plunging your toilet.
If you’re facing persistent clogs, it usually indicates there’s an issue, such as an obstruction or mineral deposit buildup in the toilet trap, poor flushing power, or a clog in your main sewer line. All of these issues generally require a professional plumber to diagnose and fix them. In cases where there’s a major obstruction in the toilet trap, you may even need to replace the toilet.
Water Pooling Around the Base of the Toilet
Water leaking and pooling around the base of the toilet are almost always issues that a plumber will need to fix. This issue usually indicates that the wax ring, which creates a watertight seal between the toilet and the drainpipe underneath it, is worn out and must be replaced. It can also occur because the toilet flange, which secures the bowl to the floor and connects the toilet to the drain, is broken.
In either case, the only way to fix the problem is to remove the toilet from the floor to access the wax ring or flange. While you could potentially do this yourself, you risk breaking the toilet if you’re not extremely careful. As such, the better option is to hire a plumber to ensure your toilet isn’t damaged and that the problem is fixed properly.
Toilet Is Loose and Wobbles
Along with the toilet flange, there is also a bolt on each side of the base of the toilet that secures it to the floor. If your toilet is loose and wobbles or rocks when you sit on it, it means that one of these connections is loose or broken. You can try to fix the issue by using a wrench or socket to carefully tighten the nut on each of the bolts at the base. However, you must be extremely careful, as you can easily crack the porcelain if you use too much pressure or overtighten the nuts. If the issue is a broken or loose flange, you’ll want to have a plumber remove the toilet and replace the flange.
Toilet Keeps Running
There are a few different issues that can cause a toilet to constantly run or to run and refill every so often. If the toilet occasionally runs, it usually means that the rubber flapper is worn out, allowing water to leak slowly from the tank into the bowl. Depending on the model of the toilet, replacing the flapper can be a simple process that you can do yourself in just a few minutes. However, some toilets are more complicated and require you to disassemble most of the flush assembly before you can remove the flapper.
If your toilet won’t stop running, either the float needs adjustment or the fill valve is faulty. Adjusting the float is straightforward, but if the fill valve is the issue, it’s best to hire a plumber. Mineral deposits can sometimes cause the valve to remain open, which a plumber can typically fix without a replacement. Valves can also wear out or break, preventing them from opening or closing. If it can’t open, the toilet won’t refill. If it’s stuck open, water will continuously run.
In these cases, you need a plumber to replace the valve. If it’s stuck open, turn off the water using the shut-off valve next to the toilet to prevent wasting thousands of gallons of water daily.
With more than three decades of experience, Frontline Plumbing is the company to call when you need any plumbing services in Henderson or the greater Las Vegas area. Whether it’s toilet repairs, drain cleaning, sewer line services, or anything else, you can trust us to do the job right. To schedule an appointment, contact Frontline Plumbing today.
