Category: Toilet Repair

 A Brookhaven running toilet is annoying.

Running toilet plumbing problems happen for many reasons. But of all toilet issues, a running toilet is one of the most common and annoying. A running toilet still flushes, but after that, it continually runs. This issue wastes water and makes annoying sounds. Few household plumbing sounds are quite as irritating as the hissing of a running toilet. When a toilet refills too often, or the toilet runs constantly, the flapper may be the issue.

How to catch a running toilet.

While you cannot typically prevent toilet parts from getting old, there is something you can do. Inspect the toilet tank parts regularly to ensure they all work properly. Doing this will help you catch a running toilet sooner rather than later.

A running toilet can cause a huge water bill.

In Brookhaven, one of the most common reasons for a sky-high water bill is a running toilet. A continuously running toilet can waste up to two hundred gallons of water every day.

What causes a running toilet in Brookhaven?

An incessantly running toilet often occurs when the toilet’s internal parts no longer work well. The flapper valve will let the water run, trying to fill the tank if it no longer fits properly. More potential causes include an imbalanced float, loose-fill tube, or a toilet leak. Check for a toilet leak by placing seven drops of food coloring in the tank. After twenty minutes pass, check the toilet bowl for food coloring showing a tank leak.

How to fix a running toilet.

Inspect each toilet part to figure out the exact problem. Ensure the fill tube, a thin, flexible tube inside the tank, stays connected and aimed toward the overflow tube. Examine the chain attached to the flapper. Make sure it is the proper length and untangled. Adjust the float to ensure the fill valve shuts off correctly. If easy modifications fail, replace all the internal tank components. Toilet repair kits typically fit standard models and are available at home improvement shops and hardware stores. Follow the instructions for relatively easy installation.

What is a toilet flapper?

The flapper or flush valve seal is the plug that falls against the drain hole or flush valve drain seat on the bottom of the tank. It holds water in the tank until the next time you flush. When the flapper or flush valve seat wears out, water can trickle out. Sensing that the tank is not full, the water valve opens to refill the toilet tank. And the toilet runs.

Flappers come in two sizes.

Typically, toilet flappers are either a two or three-inch size. A lot of toilets take a two-inch flapper. However, for toilets made since 2005, a three-inch flapper will do. If you decide to replace the flapper in your running toilet, make sure you get the right size. To do this, after removing the current flapper, take it to the store to buy an identical replacement part.

Tip for installing a new flapper.

When you install the new flapper, you will need to adjust the chain. Make sure the chain is slightly slack when the flapper is down. Turn the water on, let the tank fill, and then flush. If the flapper does seat properly after the tank fills, adjust the chain. Normally, you can adjust the length of the chain to get the flapper to work correctly. Lastly, cut off any excess chain to keep it from slipping under the flapper. If you miss this step, you will have a running toilet all be it with a shiny new flapper.

When to hire a local Brookhaven plumber for toilet repair.

Whether you try toilet repair DIY or not, running toilets need fixing. Obviously, you need a plumber if you replace the toilet parts in the tank and the running continues. Likewise, if toilet repair is not in your wheelhouse, call a plumber for help. Any respectable local plumber should be able to fix a running toilet right the first time. If you have plumbing problems and you live in the Brookhaven area, contact The Plumbers Guild. Whether you have a running toilet, leaking water heater, or broken sewer, we supply reliable plumbing services at affordable prices. For the best local plumbing repair from The Plumbers Guild call 404.738.9395 now

How To Tell When Brookhaven Toilet Repair Is More Than A Quick DIY Job. 

No one wants to deal with toilet repair, but when you have an issue with one of the most frequently used seats in your home, it’s time to talk about it. Most homeowners have had to deal with a clogged toilet or two (or three, or four…), and most have a plunger they keep on standby for just such occasions. But there are times when a plunger can’t solve the problem, and you’ll need to call for backup. Here’s how to tell when you should ditch the plunger and call a plumber:

The Water Keeps Running And Running

A continuously running toilet is not just annoying – it’s a massive waste of water and can show up as a significant increase on your water bill. The most common reason for a running toilet is flapper issues. The flapper seals the hole in the bottom of the tank. There is a chain that hooks to the flapper. If the chain gets caught or is too short, the flapper won’t close all the way so the toilet will keep running. 

Another potential cause of running water in the tank is the ball cock. The ball floats as the tank fills which lets the valve close to stop the running water when the flush is complete. If the seal breaks between the float mount arm and the ball, the water will keep running. When this happens, it usually means the rubber diaphragm seal needs replacing. A plumber can easily fix either of these issues. 

The Tank Refills Ever So Slowly

Do you ever feel like you have to wait around to make sure the toilet stops running? And it seems like it takes forever and a day? A slow tank refill could be a sign of a broken flush valve, or there’s a leak where your flapper meets the tank. Occasionally the flapper itself will leak. Over time the rubber flapper can wear out and crack, allowing water to seep through. This can slow the filling of the tank. If you have a leak, you’ll need a new seal and potentially a new flapper. This is definitely a necessary repair, so you don’t flush your money down the toilet every month with your rising water bill. 

Water Near The Toilet Base

Water in the toilet is good, but water outside the toilet is very bad. You never want to see a leak in your house. Water can do extensive damage to your floor, sub-floor, and the ceiling below the leak, including damage to the flooring, the studs, and the drywall. It can even create a situation where mold growth occurs. 

If you see water around the base of your toilet, take action immediately. You can tell if it’s residual water from a spill or an actual leak by cleaning it up and leaving paper towels on the floor around the toilet. If the paper towels stay dry, it’s probably not a leak. If the towels are wet, there are a few things that could be the cause of the leak:

• It could be the wax seal that connects the toilet to the floor. You’ll need to call a plumber in for this repair. They’ll need to replace the wax ring. 
• Another potential source of a toilet leak is the connection between the hose that supplies water to the toilet and the toilet tank. If the water is coming from the supply hose, that could be the source of the leak. 
• If it’s coming from the bottom of the tank, it might mean it’s time to replace the flush valve. 

In these cases, a plumber can repair the issue. Sometimes, if the leak is severe enough, your plumber might recommend a toilet replacement. 

The Plumbers Guild For Brookhaven Toilet Repair

You can’t go without a toilet, and if your toilet is broken, you want it fixed as quickly as possible. Clogs happen, and most can be cleared with a plunger and some elbow grease, but if your toilet has other issues, you might need to call in a professional. An experienced plumber can assess the problem and complete the repair so you can rest easy knowing you aren’t wasting water, that your water bill isn’t going to be sky-high, and that you and your family aren’t going to have to live without one of your most important pieces of household equipment. 

Whether you have a clog you can’t clear, issues with the tank filling, or a leak anywhere in or around your toilet, you can count on experts at The Plumbers Guild to get your toilet back in business. Contact our friendly team of professional plumbers for all Brookhaven toilet repair jobs today.