Common Toilet Bowl Problems
PLUMBING SERVICE SINGAPORE | PLUMBERS TIPS
PROBLEM 1: WATER TRICKLING INTO THE BOWL
Symptom:
Also known as Dzphantom flushesdz you may periodically hear your toilet begin to spontaneously refill, as though someone had flushed it. A toilet that cuts on and off by itself, or runs intermittently, has a problem that plumbers call a phantom flush.
Cause
A very slow leak from the tank into the bowl is causing the problem, which is almost certainly caused by a bad flapper or flapper seat.
Solution
Drain the tank and bowl, check and clean the flapper seat, and replace the flapper if it’s worn or damaged.
PROBLEM 2: WATER TRICKLING INTO THE TANK
Symptom:
If you hear a sustained hissing sound coming from your toilet, it’s probably a result of water trickling into the tank via the supply line. In this case the parts to check are the float, the refill tube and the ballcock or inlet-valve assembly.
Cause
The sound is typically caused by water coming through the inlet valve.
Solution
First check to see whether the float is sticking or needs adjusting. Next, check to make sure the refill tube isn’t inserted too far into the overflow tube. (It should extend only about 1/4″ below the rim of the overflow tube.
Plumbers Expert Tip
If neither of these adjustments solves the problem, you’ll probably need to replace the ballcock assembly as described above. Contact professional Plumbers for assistance.
PROBLEM 3: THE BOWL EMPTIES SLOWLY
Symptom:
If you hear a sustained hissing sound coming from your toilet, it’s probably a result of water trickling into the tank via the supply line. In this case the parts to check are the float, the refill tube and the ballcock or inlet-valve assembly.
Cause
A bowl that empties slowly (also known as a weak flush) is typically the result of clogged holes underneath the rim of the bowl.
Solution
Use a curved piece of wire to poke gently into each flush hole to clear out any debris. Coat-hanger wire works fine, and a small mirror will help you see under the rim.
Plumbers Expert Tip
You can also use wire to loosen any suspected debris that may be blocking the siphon jet in the bottom of the drainage. Be careful not to scratch the bowl.
PROBLEM 4: THE DREADED CLOG
Solution
Clogs are the most common bathroom problems. Several tools can help you clear a clogged drain. A force-cup plunger is more effective than the familiar standard type for clearing minor clogs. Insert the bulb into the drain, and pump forcefully. Slowly release the handle, letting a little water in so you can see whether the drain is clear. Repeat if necessary.
Plumbers Expert Tip
If the clog persists, use a closet auger. Insert the end of the auger into the drain hole, and twist the handle as you push the rotor downward. Use caution not to scratch the bowl.
PROBLEM 5: LEAKY SEALS
Cause
A standard toilet has multiple seals with the potential for leaking. In each case, the solution is to identify the faulty seal and tighten or replace it. The largest seal is the one between the tank and bowl. A break here will cause a major leak, with
water shooting out from underneath the tank at every flush. Replacing this sealinvolves draining and removing the tank.
Solution
Turn the tank upside down for better access. Remove the old seal and pop on a new one. The smaller seals at the mounting bolts and the base of the ballcock may also fail and cause smaller leaks. Replace these in the same way. Tightening the bolts or mounting nut occasionally is enough to stop the leak. The final seal is the wax seal mounted on a plastic flange underneath the toilet base. If this seal fails, water leaking underneath the toilet base will eventually rot the floor. Caulking around the base of the toilet without repairing the leak will only trap the water, making matters worse. To repair a leak around the base of the toilet, you’ll need to remove the toilet and replace the wax seal.
Plumbers Expert Tip
If you find that the leak is caused by a broken flange, get the help of a professional Plumbers.
