Expert Plumbers for Toilet Repair and Installation Services

The toilets in your home serve as some of its most important plumbing fixtures. When something breaks, fast and effective repairs are a must. A trained plumber can easily handle the often-unpleasant task of toilet repair.

We’ve shared some information below about toilet repair and toilet installation. Every now and then, DiY solutions may be an option. But you may be surprised to learn that quality toilet services take a lot more than a plunger.

Toilet Repair is More Complicated Than You Think

While your home’s toilets are fairly simple fixtures, even minor problems may demand specific tools and professional repair experience. Our certified plumbers have everything they need to identify the problem and complete repairs quickly and safely. Whether you’re dealing with clogs, poor water pressure or something else, professional service is just what you need.

Here are a few of the most common problems you can encounter with your home’s toilets.

5 Common Toilet Repair Problems

Most toilets have two primary components: the bowl and the upper tank. Damage to the toilet bowl can crack the porcelain, causing a leak. If the upper tank is the source of the leak, it’s most often because of a damaged valve. The upper tank houses several important valves including the flush valve and fill valve.

1. Toilet Constantly Running

A constantly running toilet wastes a lot of water. A professional plumber will first shut off the water supply line. This is done by adjusting the water supply valve, which can be found at the base of the toilet.

Constant running water is frequently a sign of a broken fill valve. This component ensures the water level fills to normal levels after every flush. If it becomes damaged, water will steadily fill the upper tank.

But the source of your problem might also be a broken flush valve. This valve moves stored water from the tank into the toilet bowl after each flush. When it breaks or cracks, water will constantly flow into the toilet bowl. Until it’s replaced, you’re constantly wasting water. A professional plumber can seamlessly replace broken flush valves with a new replacement.

2. Toilet Won’t Flush

Is nothing happening when you flush the toilet? A quality plumber should check the flush handle, also known as a flapper. It can detach itself from the rest of the upper tank system, keeping the flush mechanism from working like it’s supposed to.

Fixing the problem is sometimes as easy as reattaching the chain that connects the handle to the fill valve system. If the chain is still attached, the plumber will instead check the nuts mounted within the tank. These may shake loose and will have to be tightened.

While this is sometimes something you can complete on your own, a professional is often necessary if these steps aren’t working. They can handle more complicated tasks like replacing the flapper.

3. Toilet Plumbing Is Leaking

Leaks are one of the most common problems that affect your plumbing. There are many places your toilet can leak, but some of the most visible spots include water supply lines and around the base of the toilet. Your plumber will still check for leaks in the upper tank since they’re not as immediately noticeable. Dripping sounds coming from the upper tank are sometimes a sign there’s a leak.

If the base of the toilet is leaking, the plumber will check the wax ring that seals the base of the toilet against the bathroom floor. When this wears down, water can pool around the base of your toilet. This may also happen when the toilet flange is damaged. The toilet flange sits beneath the base of the toilet, connecting the flush system to your home’s plumbing.

4. Malfunctioning Fill Valve or Refill System

If the fill valve doesn’t appear to be damaged, the actual problem may be debris deeper within the water system. Some cleaners can remove this debris, breaking it apart and forcing it through the rest of your plumbing. When this doesn’t take care of the issue, professional equipment is generally required.

5. Toilet Is Clogged

A clogged toilet is another common plumbing problem you can encounter. A trusty plunger can resolve the clog, producing enough pressure to remove it from your plumbing. Out of the many issues your toilet can experience, a clog is the one you can most likely resolve without any help.

But stubborn clogs should be approached with caution. Otherwise, wastewater can overfill the bowl and spill onto your bathroom floor. Many professional plumbers use specialized drain snake tools, also known as closet or toilet augers.

Sometimes Replacing a Toilet Is the Best Option

When the damage is particularly severe, replacing a toilet is usually more cost effective. Toilet installation should be handled carefully to prevent leaks or other problems somewhere else in your home’s plumbing.

Well-trained plumbers can easily perform new toilet installation, relying on a specific order designed to ensure secure connections.

Remove the old toilet: An experienced plumber will strip the old toilet for bolts and other parts that are still in good condition. These can be installed on the new toilet.
Secure the new toilet seal: The toilet seal or wax ring should be carefully lowered on top of the toilet flange. If this is handled too quickly, you can crack the bathroom tile or end up dealing with a leak right after installation.
Place the new toilet bowl on the flange and secure it with the correct nuts and bolts: The base of the new toilet should be correctly aligned with the flange. Plumbers will make sure not to move the base after it’s placed on the wax seal, since this might damage it and cause a leak.
Attach the upper tank: Some models separate the upper tank from the toilet bowl. If the tank is not securely attached, it can grind and scrape against the porcelain.
Install accessories like the seat and lid: While a toilet lacking a seat still technically works, it’s not exactly as comfortable as sitting down. A plumber can make sure these sit firmly against the rest of the toilet.

Once toilet installation is complete, your plumber will test the new toilet for signs of damage or leaks. They will open the water supply valve and watch as the upper tank starts to fill. Plumbers will then flush the toilet to check that water isn’t leaking anywhere around the base of the toilet bowl.

Toilet repair and installation aren’t tasks you want to mess up. Don’t hesitate to contact the professional plumbers at Strogen's Service Experts, who can fix or install a wide range of toilet models.

Learn more by getting in touch with our staff at 603-923-4570 today!