9 Common Toilet Repairs & How To Do It Yourself

Toilets are an essential fixture in every household, but they are prone to malfunction due to constant use. There are several toilet repairs that you can do yourself, without needing to call a plumber. Here are 9 common toilet repairs and how you can do them yourself.

Toilet Won’t Flush

If your toilet doesn’t flush properly, it could be due to a clog or a faulty flapper. Check the flapper first to see if it is in good condition and seal the flush valve. If it is damaged or worn out, replace it. If the flapper is fine, try using a plunger to clear the clog.

Running Toilet

A running toilet can be caused by several things, including a faulty flapper, a damaged fill valve, or a loose flush handle. Check the flapper first to see if it is sealing the flush valve properly. If it isn’t, replace it. If the flapper is fine, check the fill valve to see if it is damaged or needs adjustment. You can also try tightening the flush handle to see if that stops the running.

Toilet Bowl Doesn’t Refill After Flushing

If your toilet bowl doesn’t refill after flushing, it could be due to a clog or a faulty fill valve. Start by checking the fill valve to see if it is damaged or needs adjustment. If it is fine, try using a plunger to clear the clog.

Weak Flush

A weak flush can be caused by several things, including a clog, a faulty flapper, or low water pressure. Check the flapper first to see if it is sealing the flush valve properly. If it is fine, check the water pressure in your home. If it is low, you may need to contact your water company to address the issue.

Leaky Toilet

A broken fill valve, a defective flapper, or loose bolts can all result in a leaky toilet. To make sure the flapper is properly sealing the flush valve, you can check it first. If it’s not, change it. If the flapper is functioning properly, examine the fill valve to see if it needs to be adjusted or repaired. Another option is to try tightening the bolts holding the tank and bowl together.

Toilet Won’t Stop Running

If your toilet won’t stop running, it may have a damaged flapper or a broken fill valve. Check the fill valve first to see if it needs adjusting or fixing. If all is well, confirm that the flapper is successfully sealing the flush valve. In that case, change it.

Water Keeps Refilling After Flushing

After flushing, if the water keeps refilling, a broken flapper or faulty fill valve may be to blame. To begin, make sure the flapper is effectively sealing the flush valve. If it’s not, change it. If the flapper is functioning properly, examine the fill valve to see if it needs to be adjusted or repaired.

Loose Toilet Seat

A loose toilet seat can be caused by loose bolts. To fix it, start by tightening the bolts that hold the seat in place. If the bolts are damaged or stripped, replace them.

Toilet Tank Won’t Fill

If your toilet tank won’t fill, it could be due to a clog or a faulty fill valve. Start by checking the fill valve to see if it is damaged or needs adjustment. If it is fine, try using a plunger to clear the clog.

Overall, these ten common toilet repairs are all manageable and can be done yourself without needing to call a plumber. However, if you’re not comfortable with any of these repairs, it’s always best to consult with a professional to ensure the job is done correctly.

In addition to the specific repairs listed above, there are a few general tips to keep in mind when it comes to toilet maintenance. Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

• Regularly clean your toilet to prevent build-up and blockages.
• Don’t use harsh chemicals to clean your toilet, as they can damage the flapper and other parts of the toilet.
• Use a plunger to clear small clogs before they become larger problems.
• Don’t flush anything other than toilet paper and human waste down the toilet.
• If you’re not comfortable with a repair, don’t attempt it yourself. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

By following these tips and tackling these common toilet repairs yourself, you can save money and ensure that your toilet is functioning properly. Remember, if you’re not sure how to do a repair or if it seems too complicated, it’s always best to consult with a professional plumber to ensure that the job is done correctly.