Flush Away Common Toilet Concerns

March 30, 2022

From a logistics standpoint, the bathroom is probably one of the most-used rooms in the house. And the toilet, while not the most ideal topic of conversation, is an important part of your daily routine. It’s one of those things you don’t always think about – until there’s an issue. Some problems are standard. So, the professionals at Hanson’s wanted to address a few of those and offer tips to flush away common toilet concerns.

Faulty Handle Operation

Let’s begin where the process starts – with the handle. When you push down on the handle, the chain inside the tank lifts the flapper that seals the opening between the tank and the bowl, initiating the flushing action. Issues with the handle – whether it’s loose or stuck – can hinder the procedure.

If the handle is loose, check the mounting nut on the inside of the tank. Clear away any debris or buildup that might prevent a tight, secure connection. Tighten the nut carefully so as not to overtighten and strip or otherwise ruin the hardware.

A handle that’s stuck can cause your toilet to run nonstop. Loosen the mounting nut slightly and clean it to provide effortless handle function. Then, adjust the handle arm and chain if needed to ensure they will properly lift the flapper.

Toilet is Constantly Running

A toilet that won’t stop running is both an annoyance and a waste of resources. Most often, the constant running is because the water level in the fill tank is low. Check to make sure the flapper properly covers the opening of the flush valve.

The flapper acts as a stopper to seal water in the tank. If the flapper is defective, replace it. And if doing so doesn’t solve the issue, the whole flush valve structure may need to be replaced. A trusted plumber can help with this if you don’t feel comfortable attempting the repair yourself.

Difficulty Flushing

There may be a few reasons why the toilet doesn’t flush or doesn’t flush completely.

Clogs. Toilet clogs are common and can often be remedied using a plunger. If that doesn’t do the trick and the clog persists, turn off the water supply to the toilet and contact a plumbing expert who can assess and tend to the problem.

No flush. If your toilet won’t flush, check to make sure the handle isn’t stuck or too loose. Check to make sure the handle arm lifts as it should and that the chain is at an adequate length to lift the flapper. If the flapper is warped or otherwise damaged, it cannot seal water in the tank, which could also be the cause. Once you’ve checked the obvious steps, consult a professional if the toilet still won’t flush.

Doesn’t flush completely. A few things might be the reason your toilet won’t flush all the way. Is there too much slack in the chain? Is the flapper the right size for your toilet tank? And is the flapper installed correctly? Make sure it completely seals the flush valve opening. If you still have issues, have a plumbing specialist take a look.

You Notice Water Leaks

Water leaks can cause extensive damage that’s costly to repair. If you notice water leaks in or around your toilet, address them as soon as possible. Try to determine where the leak originates.

• Check for a tight connection to the water supply line. Replace the line if it’s old or damaged.
• Water around the base of the toilet could mean the mounting bolts aren’t tight enough or the gasket sealing the toilet to the waste pipe is damaged.
• Is there condensation on or around the tank? This may happen if your bathroom is warm and humid, or the flapper in the tank could be leaking.
• Check for cracks in the tank or bowl.

Some water leaks may be more difficult to fix and require a professional to assess and repair.

Rely on the Experts

Your schedule is too busy to be inconvenienced by toilet issues, so turn to the professional and trusted team at Hanson’s at the first sign of trouble. From faulty handles to water leaks and everything in between, our experienced crew can flush away common toilet concerns with the best and most honest solutions. We even offer 24-hour emergency service to our coverage area, offering you peace of mind for your home comfort and safety. Contact us for all your plumbing needs.