{"id":1472,"date":"2024-06-17T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-17T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ace-plumbing.ca\/blog\/?p=1472"},"modified":"2024-06-14T12:14:09","modified_gmt":"2024-06-14T16:14:09","slug":"toilet-problems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ace-plumbing.ca\/blog\/plumbing-service\/toilet-problems\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Toilet Problems. How To Repair The Phanthom Flush"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Toilets are an essential part of our daily lives, yet they often create problems that can be both annoying and disruptive. Whether the toilet is plugged, a slow fill, or one of those mysterious phantom flushes. These are problems every homeowner will encounter at some point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, this week our topic is about five common toilet problems that homeowners will encounter. Jack DeVetten, the Professor of Plumbing will provide you with five actual case studies, their symptoms, and then some practical solutions. The names in the case studies have been changed for privacy reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the time you have finished reading this guide, you’ll have the confidence to handle these repairs yourself, saving both time and money. So, let’s dive in and get your toilet running smoothly again. Grab your tools, and let\u2019s master the art of toilet repairs together!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Disclaimer:<\/strong> The following information is just that. Information. Do not attempt to do any of the following repairs if you do not have the proper tools and if you are not confident in a positive outcome. Now, let\u2019s get into the five common toilet problems.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plugged Toilet<\/h2>\n\n\n
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One morning, Jane woke up to find her toilet plugged. She had guests arriving in an hour. What to do? Then she remembered her dad’s advice. Always have a good plunger on hand. Jane grabbed the plunger, and created a tight seal around the drain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then after flushing the toilet several times, she finally heard the sound of the clog loosening. After flushing one more time, the water swirled down perfectly. Jane breathed a sigh of relief. She was grateful to her dad, because that plunger saved her from an embarrassing situation. And a costly repair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look for these symptoms.<\/strong>
\u2022 Water rising to the brim
\u2022 Slow draining
\u2022 Gurgling sounds<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are some common causes<\/strong>.
\u2022 Excessive toilet paper
\u2022 Foreign objects
\u2022 Flushing non-flushable items<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some basic solutions to unplug a toilet.<\/strong>
\u2022 Use a flange plunger to create a seal and then push down and pull up several times to dislodge the clog.
\u2022 For stubborn clogs, use a toilet auger to break up the blockage.
\u2022 A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can help dissolve minor clogs.
\u2022 If none of these methods work, call Ace Plumbing to avoid damaging the toilet.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Slow Filling Toilet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sam noticed his toilet was taking forever to refill. Frustrated, he decided to investigate. He found the shut off valve, then turned off the water supply to the toilet, and opened the tank. There, he saw that the float valve was completely covered in sediment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carefully, he cleaned and reassembled the float valve. Turning the water back on, he watched as the tank filled quickly and quietly. Sam realized that a little maintenance could go a long way in keeping things running smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look for this symptom<\/strong>
\u2022 Refill time after flushing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are some common causes.<\/strong>
\u2022 Faulty fill valve
\u2022 Water supply issues
\u2022 Sediment buildup<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some basic solutions<\/strong>
\u2022 Adjust, and make sure the float valve is set correctly to allow the proper amount of water into the tank.
\u2022 Make sure the water supply valve is fully open and there are no blockages.
\u2022 Sediment buildup can block the float valve. Clean it thoroughly or replace it if necessary. If you get stuck. Ace Plumbing can help with that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mysterious Phantom Flush<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Late one night, Emma kept hearing her toilet flush on its own. This weird sound was very unsettling. But determined to solve the mystery, she inspected the toilet. Consequently, she found that the flapper was cracked and not sealing properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She called Beth at Ace Plumbing and immediately set up an appointment.<\/a> Before she new it, the doorbell rang, and Brian replaced the old flapper with a new one. Emma was glad she called Ace Plumbing. That night, she slept peacefully without any phantom flushes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look for these symptoms.<\/strong>
\u2022 Toilet flushing on its own
\u2022 Water running intermittently<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are some common causes.<\/strong>
\u2022 Flapper seal deterioration
\u2022 Water level adjustment
\u2022 Sediment buildup<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some basic solutions<\/strong>.
\u2022 Check the flapper for wear and replace it if it’s not sealing properly.
\u2022 Make sure the water level in the tank is set correctly.
\u2022 Clean or replace flapper if sediment buildup is the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Incomplete Flush<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mark was annoyed by his toilet’s weak flush. He decided to have it fixed and called Ace Plumbing it before hosting his friends for the weekend. Gordon arrived later that morning, he saw the water level was too low when he checked the tank. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He adjusted the float valve to raise the water level and cleaned the rim holes to ensure proper water flow. After these adjustments, he tested the flush. It was powerful and complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The moral of this story is that getting professional help can solve frustrating issues and prevent further inconvenience. Mark’s decision to call Ace Plumbing<\/a> resulted in a swift and efficient solution to his weak-flushing toilet, so that he and his friends had a problem free weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look for these symptoms.<\/strong>
\u2022 Weak flush
\u2022 Water not draining fully<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are some common causes.<\/strong>
\u2022 Low water level
\u2022 Clogged rim holes
\u2022 Flapper issues<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some basic solutions.<\/strong>
\u2022 Adjust Water Level and make sure the water level in the tank is correct.
\u2022 Use a wire hanger or brush to clean out mineral deposits from the rim holes.
\u2022 Inspect and replace the flapper and make sure it is sealing properly. Replace if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Loose Toilet Handle<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Lily’s toilet handle had been loose for weeks, making flushing to toilet a constant struggle. Because she did’nt want to buy a new toilet, she decided to tackle the problem herself. After lifting the tank lid, she saw that the mounting nut was loose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a wrench, she carefully tightened the nut, making sure not to overtighten it and crack the porcelain. After testing the handle, she found it worked smoothly. Lily was pleased with this small victory, because she realized that even minor issues can be easily fixed with a bit of effort. And by being proactive, Lily also saved hundreds of dollars by not having to buy a new toilet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look for these symptoms.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n