Even though it’s one of the most used fixtures of any home, many people don’t have a great understanding of how toilets actually work. On a daily basis, this doesn’t really tend to be an issue. However, the moment a toilet stops flushing, or begins overflowing, panic can and will quickly set in. For those who do have a basic (or even advanced) understanding of how these fixtures work, you probably know that there are some issues which can be handled at home with relative ease, and some that you should hire a professional for.
Should You Be Concerned About Possible Toilet Repair?
The aspects of any toilet repair will vary from one person to the next. Some might need a simple component replacement, while others could have a seemingly easy fix that turns out to be a much bigger problem. Whatever issue you’re running into, try to determine if it’s something you can handle on your own or if you’re better off hiring a professional plumbing company.
Inspect A Running Toilet
If you have a toilet that’s constantly running or leaking, there are a few basic inspections you can perform to try and find the source of the problem. Make sure you check less visible areas such as the back and sides of the bowl, and around any of the tank bolts or the flush valve. Also check the water source to spot any leaks. When the pressure is turned too high, it can impact the integrity of the piping. Try lowering the pressure slightly and flush to see if the same spots are still leaking.
Leaks can come from cracks in the tank as well. However, they can be difficult to spot at first glance, so make sure you have a flashlight and inspect from different angles to ensure there are no large or small cracks that may have started. Unfortunately, the only thing that can really solve the problem of a cracked tank is a replacement toilet. If you don’t notice anything in the bowl or on the outside of the toilet, you need to lift the tank cover and inspect the interior components.
The Flush Valve and The Fill Valve
While there are a number of smaller components, the tank of a toilet really has two main aspects: the flush valve and the fill valve. The toilet handle is tied directly to the flush valve, and when pressed, the flush valve is what allows the water to rush into the bowl. The fill valve then allows water to enter the tank, and will stop the source of water once a certain water level is reached. Each of these main components has a series of smaller parts that contribute to their overall function. If you’re able to spot a problem with the flapper, the boat arm, or the float adjustment screw, you might be able to resolve the issue yourself. However, if you feel like you’re just staring into an abyss with no idea about what to do next, it’s time to call a professional.
Don’t Take Any Chances With Toilet Repair
For any and all plumbing services, you always want to find and hire a team of experts who can effectively diagnose the issues you’re encountering. Then, they’ll be able to provide you with a fair cost estimate, along with a time frame for repair. Don’t leave a small problem untouched, since it could become worse before you realize it.
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