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Common Toilets Problems

Common toilets problems and how to diagnose and fix them.

All Toilets Problems 4

Toilet Keeps Running

medium DIY

One of the biggest water wasters in a home. Water flows continuously into the bowl or overflows inside the tank. Worn flapper, faulty fill valve, or float set too high. 200+ gallons per day wasted.

easy 15 - 30 minutes $5 - $20 for parts; $100 - $200 with a plumber
Tools: Replacement flapper (model-specific if possible) Replacement fill valve (Fluidmaster 400A or equivalent) Adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers Sponge and bucket for draining the tank Towel for cleanup Food coloring for dye test Fine-grit emery cloth or Scotch-Brite pad (for flush valve seat cleaning)

Toilet Won't Flush Properly

medium

Weak flush, incomplete, or multiple flushes to clear? Tank water level too low, clogged rim holes, flapper closing too fast, or partial clog in the trap or drain.

easy 15 - 45 minutes $0 - $15 DIY; $100 - $250 with a plumber
Tools: Flange plunger (with extended rubber flap for toilets) Toilet auger / closet auger (for trapway clogs) Small mirror (for inspecting rim holes) Wire, Allen wrench, or paper clip (for cleaning rim holes) White vinegar (for dissolving mineral deposits) Replacement flapper (correct size for your toilet) Adjustable pliers or screwdriver (for float adjustment)

Toilet Leaking at Base

high

Water pooling at the base usually means a failed wax ring. Left unaddressed: sewer gas in the home, subfloor rot, mold, and structural damage beneath the floor.

moderate 1 - 2 hours $10 - $25 DIY; $200 - $400 with a plumber
Tools: New wax ring (standard or extra-thick) or wax-free seal New closet bolts, washers, nuts, and caps Adjustable wrench Putty knife (for scraping old wax) Hacksaw (for cutting corroded bolts or trimming new ones) Sponge and bucket (for removing tank and bowl water) Level (to check toilet is seated flat) Plastic toilet shims (for uneven floors) Silicone caulk (for sealing the base after installation)

Phantom Flushing

low DIY

Toilet refills on its own without anyone flushing? Tank is silently leaking into the bowl through a worn flapper. Water level drops, fill valve kicks on. Wastes hundreds of gallons per month. One of the easiest toilet repairs.

easy 10 - 20 minutes $5 - $15 for a flapper
Tools: Replacement flapper (correct size for your toilet) Food coloring or dye tablets (for leak testing) Sponge or non-scratch abrasive pad (for cleaning the valve seat) Adjustable pliers (if chain clip is stiff)