If you want to cut down on plumber fees it’s a good idea to lean how to fix common toilet problems on your own. The two most common are leaking toilets and clogged toilets. Most problems can be resolved in a matter of minutes, with a few basic tools and without the need to purchase expensive toilet parts.
Leaking toilets that run incessantly are typically due to a broken flapper. The flapper is a rubber valve that sits at the bottom of the tank and controls the flow of water into the bowl as part of the flush mechanism. When the toilet is not being flushed the flapper is designed to hold the water in the tank. With time the rubber can become brittle or warped no longer creating a water-tight seal. If this is the case simply purchase a replacement flapper for a few dollars, remove the old one and fix the new one into place.
If the switch mechanism on your fill valve is not functioning properly this could also result in a leaking toilet. The switch should be triggered when the float rises to the top of the central core of the fill valve indicating that the tank water level has reached its maximum level. If you notice water flowing into the overflow pipe it is likely that the switch is broken. You can normally remove the entire fill valve and float system by unfastening a single bolt at the bottom of the core, lifting the old piece out, and replacing it with a new part.
Most toilet clogs are “soft clogs” caused by organic matter and balled up toilet paper. Some will simply pass through the trap way and out into the main drain on their own if given enough time. But some will need a bit of encouragement. For this there is nothing better than a plunger. If you can get your hands on a specialized toilet plunger with a flange end, rather than a standard household sink plunger, you’ll find that you can dislodge even the most stubborn clogs.
Oxo Good Grips 2209600 Round Toilet Plunger and Canister, White
- Toilet plunger and canister set with a sleek, round design
- Works well on all toilets, including low-flush; secure-grip handle
- Lifting up causes canister doors to spring open automatically
- Drip tray with ventilation slots catches water and allows it to evaporate
- Measures 6-3/4 by 6-3/4 by 22-3/4 inches
The OXO Good Grips White Round Toilet Plunger features an elegant canister for storage within easy reach. Simply lift the Plunger and the canister doors automatically spring open! The Plunger head is designed to work on all toilets, including low-flush. The handle design features a flat surface that is perfect for plunging. After use, simply replace the Plunger in the canister for neat and sanitary storage; a built-in drip tray in the canister bottom catches excess water and allows it to quickly evaporate. Perfect companion to OXO Good Grips White Round Toilet Brush and Canister (2209500).
List Price: $ 24.50
Price: $ 21.93
Polder BTH-6300-95 Stainless-Steel Dual Bath Caddy with Toilet Brush and Plunger, Black
- Bath caddy neatly conceals otherwise cluttered necessities
- Brushed stainless-steel construction with plastic accents
- Includes toilet-bowl brush and plunger, each with replaceable heads
- Open-back and suspended design allows for thorough drying
- Measures approximately 10-4/5 by 15-4/5 by 25-1/5 inches
Polder has been offering everyday products with extraordinary design since its launch. The company was established in 1976, delivering better quality European-styled housewares to the U.S. market. Polder found early in success in ironing and storage, and also launched the industry’s first line of digital in-oven thermometers, equipped with a long cord so consumers could digitally monitor food without removing it from the oven. Through the years, Polder has built an eclectic collection of core home categories, including kitchen timers and thermometers, laundry and ironing products, kitchen scales, and a variety of other storage solutions. Polder products are tested and certified for their consistent high quality by independent standards labs.
List Price: $ 40.00
Price: $ 37.58
Clorox Covered Toilet Plunger, 32-Ounce Packages (Pack of 2)
- Pack of two, 32-ounce per unit (total of 64 ounces)
- Anti-Microbial Protection of Rubber cup that will never ware off
- Includes hide away cover
- Ergonomic grip for easy handling
Clorox Covered Toilet Plunger. Anti-Microbial Protection of Rubber cup that will never ware off. Hide away cover. Ergonomic Grip.
List Price: $ 25.98
Price: $ 21.66