Why does my toilet do that?

Your local Coventry CT plumber has seen all sorts of toilets. Whether they are round or elongated, standard height or comfort height, they are found in every home and business. They are pretty low-maintenance and keep working until they, well, don't. We'll talk about the top three toilet problems and what you can do to fix them.

Problem #1: Clogs

If you have a toilet pre-2000 and it clogs a lot, you may need to replace it. The national low-flush mandate was instituted in 1994. Manufacturers did not create large enough trapways in the toilet, so while they did meet the mandate, the toilets would constantly clog. It wasn't until 2003 that manufacturers fully rengineered and widened the trapway to meet both the mandate and provide clog-free flushing. 

If your toilet is post 2003 and it clogs, it may be due to excessive toilet paper or a change in diet or medications. Using the correct plunger is an effective way to clear the clog. For a toilet, reach for the "flange" plunger. A "cup" plunger is best for sinks. 

Problem #2: Leaking

Signs that your toilet is leaking include a higher water bill or your well pump running more than usual. An inexpensive, easy way to test for a leaky toilet uses food coloring. Squeeze 6-8 drops of coloring into the TANK of your toilet. Wait about 30 minutes, then look into the BOWL. If you see any color, then you've got a leak. Try replacing the flapper or fill valve to fix the problem. 

Problem #3: Rocking

A rocking toilet is caused by a different type of leak than described above. A toilet needs to be securely tightened to your floor and the drain. Water might be leaking into the subflooring if there was an improper installation. The water will start to rot the wood which will cause the toilet to rock. Another cause of a rocking toilet is due to a rotted flange. The flange is what connects your toilet to the sewage pipe. The toilet will need to be pulled to troubleshoot and repair the problem then reset securely back onto the floor. To get this task done faster, you can call your local Coventry CT plumber for service. 

Your local Coventry CT plumber for toilet repairs

Rapid Service LLC is your local plumber. After you've tried the tips above, your toilet should be flushing and leak-free. If the problem persists or you don't have time to make the repair yourself, give us a call: 860-228-1036. For more tips, please follow us on Facebook.