The last thing any homeowner wants to have to deal with is toilet repair. Let's face it, most people do not even want to think about a toilet, much less have to deal with a leak or some other form of damage. A seasoned professional plumber is the best person to call for fixing a broken toilet or inspecting a system. Toilet damage can cause even more damage in the bathroom, and even worse, can lead to significant cost when it comes to repairs.
It is important to remember that the toilet is connected to the main plumbing lines in the house. Therefore, a leak can spread to other areas of the property.
How a toilet works
In order to get a better understanding of how the toilet works, homeowners can take the lid off the tank and flush the toilet a few times. This will give them a good idea of the mechanisms that are in play every time one flushes a toilet.
Here is what typically happens:
1. The homeowner pushes the handle that connects and pulls a chain to lift the flapper valve. The flapper valve is also known as the stopper or the tank ball that has the appearance of a large rubber ball.
2. Once the stopper has been displaced, water will flow out of the tank to the flush valve opening and into the toilet bowl.
3. As the water is flowing into the toilet bowl, it creates a pressure that then forces the waste water in the toilet bowl into the trap, and into the main drainage.
4. As soon as the tank is empty, it causes the flapper valve to close and the fill valve, also known as the ballcock, to refill the tank.
5. Once the tank is full, the float ball shuts off the fill valve or ballcock so that the homeowner once again has a full tank for the next usage.
Any of these mechanisms can break or malfunction, leading to a need for toilet repair.
Identifying a need for repairs
Homeowners can become aware that they are in need of toilet repair by any number of signs. Some of the main ways that homeowners know that the toilet is in need of repair, include:
- Water on the floor around the toilet
- The toilet will not flush
- The toilet begins to leak
- The toilet makes strange noises
- The toilet handle is either loose or is stuck
- Slow filling toilet
Call a plumber
Regardless of which of these items brings it to the homeowner's attention that they may need toilet repair, it is highly recommended that a professional plumber be called in to deal with any and all toilet issues. Additionally, it is highly recommended that the homeowner not delay in contacting a professional plumber if they notice one of the above signs.
This will help prevent excessive costs, increased damage potential to the home, and the disgust many people feel of having to deal with a broken toilet.
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