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Toilet Repair Q&A-4
Recent FAQS on How to Repair a Toilet
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Toilet Repair FAQs:
Questions & answers about how to diagnose and fix a toilet: how to fix a clogged toilet, slow flushing toilet, or a noisy or leaky toilet? How do toilet valves & controls work? How do I fix a toilet that is loose or wobbly. These replies to reader questions help diagnose and fix most toilet troubles.
This article series discusses the cause, diagnosis, and repair of toilet problems (water closet problems) such as a toilet that does not flush well, clogged toilets, slow-filling toilets, running toilets, loose wobbly toilets, and odors at leaky toilets. Here we explain how to diagnose and repair problems with toilets, leaks, flushes, odors, noises, running and wasted water.
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Toilet Fill, Flush, Drain, Odor, Noise, Problem FAQs
Questions & answers about how to repair toilet problems, posted originally at TOILET REPAIR GUIDE - home - be sure to review the toilet trouble diagnosis and repair advice given there.
On 2019-10-21 by Anonymous
Like seen here....
On 2019-10-21 by moonlight
What are the notches at the top of a toilet tank in the back for?
On 2019-10-03 by (mod) - bowl is filling up to near the rim and then swirls and doesn't flush properly
Steve
If the bowl is filling up to near the rim and then swirls and doesn't flush properly most likely the drain is clogged.
Try working patiently - maybe 3x as long as you think you ought to have-to - with a toilet plunger.
Keep me posted.
On 2019-10-03 by steve
toilet flushes too strong and long-heavily swirling in bowl
On 2019-09-21 by (mod) - toilet flush handle won't raise the flush valve flapoper
Or likely the chain is too long or the connection to the flapper valve defective or the handle is actually slipping in its mount and needs to be replaced
On 2019-09-19 by bob
The handle on an American standard toilet wont raise the float. Seems like the suction is too strong for the handle to raise
On 2019-08-18 by (mod) -
Maureen
Check the cistern or tank too - is the flush tank full when the toilet bowl is empty?
On 2019-08-18 by maureen
toliet flushes well and bowl fills up, about an hour later the water is almost all out of the bowl
On 2019-02-09 by (mod) - sink backs up when toilet is flushed
I guess it's possible Johnny but usually when there's a vent problem the symptom is not backing up at the sink when the toilet is flushed but rather a gurgling at nearby drains caused by the suction of the toilet waste running down the poorly vented drain line.
I suspect instead that there is a partial blockage in your toilet dream. If the problem has been there since new then we'll have to think about it in proper installation.
On 2019-02-09 y Johnny
When we flush a high efficiency American standard toilet the water from the p trap in the sink that is about 5 foot away from the toilet backs up in the sink for a second and then goes back down.
Is this a vent problem, their is one vent to roof from this bathroom, not having any problems from other two bathrooms.
On 2019-01-16 by (mod) - Why does my toilet gurgle and bubble up after flushing?
John
Probably a clogged drain line or possibly inadequate venting.
Please review more-detailed diagnostic suggestions at PLUMBING DRAIN NOISE DIAGNOSIS
On 2019-01-16 by John HOWARD
Why does my toilet gurgle and bubble up after flushing?
On 2019-01-16 by (mod) -
John
Probably a clogged drain line or possibly inadequate venting.
Please review more-detailed diagnostic suggestions at PLUMBING DRAIN NOISE DIAGNOSIS
https://inspectapedia.com/noise_diagnosis/Plumbing_Drain_Noise_Diagnosis.php
On 2019-01-16 by John HOWARD
Why does my toilet gurgle and bubble up after flushing?
On 2018-12-25 15:31:36.604486 by (mod) -
Michelle,
The toilet fill valve is normally a vertical pipe and float that let water into the toilet tank.
The flush valve is a flapper that opens to let water out of the tank.
So I'm confused by your question. Use the Add Image button to post a photo of the parts involved in your toilet and perhaps we can comment further.
On 2018-12-25 by Michelle Davis
I need to know if it is ok for my filler valve to b shorter the. My flush valve? Any help will b great cuz I just cant do this anymore. I need some kind of help or advice
On 2018-12-17 by (mod) -
That sounds to me as if most likely the toilet wax ring that seals the toilet base to the waste pipe as compressed or dried out and failed. You probably need a plumber to pull the toilet and replace the wax ring.
On 2018-12-17 by Ruth
havn't used toilet in long time. flushed, toilet flushed o k and filled properly, but then clear water came out from under camode wiped up afraid to flush
On 2018-11-10 by (mod) -
Thank yiy for that reminder, anon. You sre quute right and i forgit to include that most likely cause.
On 2018-11-10 by Anonymous
@Joy Nadeau,
you are developing a clog down stream.
On 2018-11-03 by (mod) - how to fix a leaky toilet wax ring seal
Lucille:
When water leaks at the toilet base the repair required is to
- turn off water to the toilet
- drain the toilet tank or cistern and toilet bowl
- remove the toilet from the floor
- clean off the old wax ring seal from the toilet bottom
- clean off the old wax ring seal remains from the toilet waste pipe mounting flange and drain
install a new wax ring seal
If the toilet can not be bolted securely to the floor (no wobble) it is unsafe and will leak again; in that case more repairs to the floor or a different toilet mounting system will be needed.
On 2018-11-03 by Lucille A. Green
Toilet is leaking wear it connects to the floor
On 2018-09-01 by (mod) - seepage around toilet base
Linda
I suspect that there may be two problems.
1. There is probably a blocked or slow main drain downstream from the lower floor toilet. You need help from a plumber if using a plunger doesn't clear the drain.
2. on the ground floor toilet the wax ring is leaking - it may have been too thin or not properly seated. If the wax ring were a perfect and successful seal, and if wastewater was backing up the lower floor drain it would appear in the toilet rather than on the floor.
On 2018-09-01 by Linda Watts
I have an upstairs toilet an one below it on the ground floor. I ge seepage around the one on the bottom at the floor. We installed a new wax ring and does not help. Could it be how it’s plumbed?
On 2018-08-22 by Anonymous
WATER COMES FROM WHERE INFLOW METAL PIPE CNNECTS TO UPPER TANK
On 2018-04-27 by (mod) - when plunging doesn't fix a clogged toilet
Vern
When enthusiastic plunging doesn't clear a toilet drain clog I suspect that the obstruction is too distant from the toilet itself, and possibly there is air in the drain between the blockage and the toilet. In those cases the plunger has a tough time accomplishing much.
A toilet auger or a plumber with a power snake can check and perhaps clear the line. If the obstruction recurs then I suspect a larger problem such as a a damaged drain line or a failing septic.
On 2018-04-25 by vern
toilet clogs arent unusual for me. i know how to use a plunger. but this time. its reqlly not working. ive scoured the internet and im finding no information. when i flush the toilet doesnt suck down any water.. just fills up to the brim then it takes hours for the water to go back down. and when it goes down its just a little bit in the bottom. anyone know what to do?
On 2017-12-22 by Stan Lawler
On a side note, a plumber came out yesterday and got on the roof to look at the vent and its fine. The toilets have also been snaked and it didn't fix the problem.
Thanks,
Stan
On 2017-12-22 18:50:32.025924 by Stan Lawler
My mom lives in a condo with 2 full baths. The smaller bathroom started overflowing 5 months ago, now the matter bath does it. When they use the bathroom and flush, everything goes down just fine. About every 10 or 12 flushes they flush immediately, finish with toilet paper and flush then the bowl fills all the way with water and overflows.
There's nothing in it, no waste or anything, just water. What would cause this? I've heard maybe the fill lever inside the tank needs adjustment?? Maybe I should change all the innerds in the tank??
Thanks,
Stan
On 2017-10-28 by Stuart Myring
On the base of the toilet on one side there is a small amount on water. It is only in one area and not all around the toilet. Is the sealant around the toilet or is it something more serious
On 2017-09-1 by (mod) -
The fill-to-top says there's most-likely a clogged drain. Let's address that first with a toilet plunger or toilet snake.
On 2017-09-16 by JoyceLynn
My toilet just started doing this and I don't know what to do. It flushes and fills to the top and then goes down slowly but when it emptys it makes a popping sound like there's air and then begins to fill slowly but not completely.
On 2017-08-19 by (mod) - toilet bowl fills up and then has a delayed flush
Patti it sounds as if the drain is clogged or there is a missing vent.
In the ARTICLE INDEX see these articles for detailed suggestions and then let me know if questions remain and we'll take it from there.
TOILET CLOGGED
TOILET FLUSHES POORLY - slow draining or inadequate flush water volume
On 2017-08-19 by Patti
New house: My when I flush the bowl fills up to the top (likes it's going to overflow...but doesn't) and then finally flows out quickly. When I opened the tank to inspect, there were two bricks in the tank. Clog or too much water? How to determine? And how to fix? Please advice.
On 2017-07-11 by (mod) - Saniflo toilet makes a high pitched sound
I'm guessing you're hearing a water supply pipe whistle due to a combination of water velocity and pipe properties, dimensions, bends, etc.
Try opening or closing the toile tank fill control valve below the toilet - just a 1/4 turn - and let me know how that works for you.
On 2017-07-11 by Sharon
My Saniflo toilet makes a high pitched sound when it is flushed.
On 2017-06-26 by Lynn
Yes, we have only one toilet in our house on first floor,lately it started to not complete the flushing cycle even if we plunged it, it would go down then but sometimes not completely,
hubby ran a sneak down it nothing, then we took off replaced all wax and a new flange, he ran the snake down the pipe after toilet off nothing all drains in the house runs great he even took the lid off the big main pipe rain all drains with water at same time all good there
we have the old cast iron main drain city water and sewer no septic,
we replaced the toilet first time flushed good but starred draining slow agin even after replacing new wax rings
I clean all drains with Drano every six months do you have any suggestions we would greatly appreciate it thank you
On 2017-06-26 by Elaine
I replaced the long tube thing in the toilet with no problems. But it sounds like a sudden push of water from time to time. It seems more like pressure from pipes or something.
On 2018-08-06 by (mod) -
There could be a blocked vent closer to the toilet, or even a partially-blocked toilet drain line. Try using a toilet plunger for a bit.
On 2018-08-06 by Joy Nadeau
when we flush the toilet it will berp back a bubble before going to the swirl and then leaves bits of toilet paper after its done. have checked the air vents on roof and found no blockege, what else could it be?
On 2018-06-01 by (mod) -
David
Please use the search box just above to find our article on WATER HAMMER NOISE to see the probable causes and cures for the noise you describe.
On 2018-06-01 by David
When I flush toilet , something starts rattling like a jackhammer
Hitting concrete. Is this serious , it just started three weeks ago.
On 2018-04-04 by (mod) - blocked drain causes incomplete toilet flush
Sounds like a blocked drain.
On 2018-04-02 by bill
commode will not completely finish the flush cycle, fills up with water, water slowly leeches out but won't pull water down when flushed. Water from kitchen sink causes bubbles in the commode.
On 2018-03-10 by (mod) - power flush toilet problems: water surging in bowl
Mark
I think that you've diagnosed the root cause: faster or more-powerful flush of the new toilet. I add in speculation that that more powerful surge of wastewater into the drain, perhaps combined with marginal venting of the toilets, is siphoning some of the water out of the idle toilet on the other side of the wall.
Just removing water from the bowl will not trigger the now-lower-bowl-water-level-toilet to add makeup water from the tank.
This situation might, if the toilet bowl water level is too low, also cause poor-flushing at that toilet.
Fixes for poor flush include setting the flush tank water level a bit higher and investigating and fixing any vent inadequacy.
On 2018-03-10 by Mark
Have 2 bathrooms with a common wall between them. Now have 2 new toilets, back to back on the common wall between them. When one flushes the water bounces in the opposite bowl and the water level in the bowl not flushed slowly drops.
It is a straight run between the 2 toilets, the pipe crossing the drain at a right angle (older house).
Assuming the water is being flushed with greater force than in the old toilet, and that it is being pushed across the straight run causing the bounce in they other bowl, why is the bowl water level dropping?
On 2018-03-10 by (mod) - back to back toilets, flush siphons water out of bowl
Mark
I think that you've diagnosed the root cause: faster or more-powerful flush of the new toilet. I add in speculation that that more powerful surge of wastewater into the drain, perhaps combined with marginal venting of the toilets, is siphoning some of the water out of the idle toilet on the other side of the wall.
Just removing water from the bowl will not trigger the now-lower-bowl-water-level-toilet to add makeup water from the tank.
This situation might, if the toilet bowl water level is too low, also cause poor-flushing at that toilet.
Fixes for poor flush include setting the flush tank water level a bit higher and investigating and fixing any vent inadequacy.
On 2018-03-10 by Mark
Have 2 bathrooms with a common wall between them. Now have 2 new toilets, back to back on the common wall between them. When one flushes the water bounces in the opposite bowl and the water level in the bowl not flushed slowly drops.
It is a straight run between the 2 toilets, the pipe crossing the drain at a right angle (older house).
Assuming the water is being flushed with greater force than in the old toilet, and that it is being pushed across the straight run causing the bounce in they other bowl, why is the bowl water level dropping?
On 2018-03-04 by Don A
Sometimes when the toilet is flushed, there is a bang and then the filling stops. If I shut off the inlet valve for a few minutes and then turn it back on, the filing begins again. I thought the problem might be a bad fill valve so replaced, but still the same thing. Had a pressure reducer installed, same thing but maybe less frequently.
On 2018-01-03 by (mod) - no water comes out of toilet supply valve
If the other FIXTURES have water I would replace the valve
On 2018-01-02 by Jim
No water come out with valve open to toilet.
On 2017-12-30 by (mod) -
Look for a leak at the valve or at the reset pipe connection t o toilet tank
On 2017-12-29 by Gigi Koslow
Also, I forgot to mention that I dumped the water into the bath tub. I have a handy man who has replaced toilets in the past; however, I think this might be a deeper issue. Please advise. Thank you. Gigi Koslow
My valve to my toilet has been shut off for several months with no leaks until recently.
Then, I noticed that my carpeting in my closet behind the toilet is wet. I don't get it. I scooped out the water from the bowl as well as the tank and then saw that the tank filled back up. Obviously, I am not a plumber. What the heck may be going on?
On 2017-09-11 by (mod) - My second story toilet refills very slowly.
If you have good water pressure at other fixtures in the same bath, then I suspect that you need to Simply replace the fill valve. Sometimes a toilet fill valve can become clogged with scale or silt.
And I'm assuming that no one has partly closed the water supply to the toilet. You can confirm that this is the case by disconnecting the Riser tube from the water supply valve and with a can or Bowl under the valve just briefly open it up to see water squirt out and splash all over the place under great pressure.
That will confirm that the water supply to the toilet is fine and then you can set about drying up the mess that we just made in your bathroom.
I don't mean to be glib, I just didn't want to suggest replacing the fill valve and then discover the problem was in the supply.
On 2017-09-11 by Bruce
My second story toilet refills very slowly. When it has to be flushed a second time sometimes it won't void the stuff in the bowl.
On 2017-09-05 8 by walt
toilet fills but persistent whistling sound
On 2017-08-02 by Anonymous
My toilet will flush but very slow, the lever is just a bit when push down. Then when the tank is drain already, it wont fill up water again
On 2017-06-02 by (mod) - loud noise when trying to turn water on and leaking under the tank
Maxine
With water turned off, dry the entire area and the toilet exterior. Then with water turned on just slightly look carefully to see where the leak is occurring.
If the leak is from a plumbing connection or fill valve then you probably need to replace those parts. If the leak is coming from the top of the toilet tank then the fill valve is either broken or improperly adjusted and needs to be repaired or replaced because it is flooding the toilet tank.
If the leak is coming from a crack in the toilet or toilet tank unfortunately the toilet would need to be replaced. If the leak is coming from the connection between the tank and its bolts that secure tank to the toilet base, that's a repair that's made by buying a new bolt and washer kit.
Let me know what you find as that will help other readers, and because we may then be able to comment further.
On 2017-06-02 by Maxine
Making loud noise when trying to turn water on and leaking under the tank
On 2017-05-28 by (mod) - toilet overflows when upstairs john is flushed
Griff
The symptom that you described tells me that there is a blockage in the main drain for your building or at the septic tank or if your on a septic system that field itself could be blocked.
The best approach would be to call a plumber to see if you can clear the drain tween the building and you're sewer or septic.
That's where I would start. Let me know how this works for you and keep me posted Daniel
On 2017-05-28 by Griff
Hi, I have two toilets, the one upstairs will flush but then it's like it all goes through to the downstairs toilet which seems like its a blockage.
The downstairs toilet fills right up and then the waste water over flows from the toilet, yet sometimes its jus clear water, but it only happens when I flush the upstairs toilet! Please help?!?!
On 2017-05-15 by (mod) -
Pend
PROVIDED you have checked the toilet tank and bowl to confirm that there is a normal volume of flush-water so that it should be flushing properly, then see TOILET CLOG REPAIR, UN-BLOCK to diagnose and fix a blocked or clogged toilet - at https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Clogged_Toilet_Repair.php as I suspect tht's the problem
On 2017-05-15 by Pendela
water whirls and drain in the western waste closet but waste remains in it
On 2017-05-12 22:30:35.489972 by (mod) - toilet won't flush and drains slowly.
Perplex,
Indeed it sounds as if your main drain or sewer line is blocked. Or if your system is connected to a private septic tank and absorption field, then the field or tank may be backing up due to failure.
On 2017-05-12 by Perplexed
Master bath toilet won't flush and drains slowly. Main bathroom toilet flushes normally but causes gurgling into master bath toilet.
We have plumbing in place for a pool bath that has not been completed and when this happens the vent pipe for that overflows. Yuck!!!!
On 2017-04-26 by (mod) -
Schaefer
It's perfectly fine to us a plastic container to fill the toilet flush tank UP TO THE WATER LINE MARKED in the TANK in order to flush the toilet.
Don't overfill the tank or water may spill out around the toilet flush lever.
If your only water supply is hot water, I would let the container of hot water cool before pouring it into the toilet. Do not pour very hot water into a cold ceramic toilet tank as it might damage plastic parts in the tank or even crack the tank itself.
On 2017-04-26 by Schaefer
Hallo,
The cold water in my room doesn't work and it needs some time to repair that.
But I need to use the toilet, i use that now with pouring the hot water (a basket) to have power directly in the toilet.
It works but I am afraid if it will ruin the toilet itself.
Will it ruin something if I just pouring the hot water directly in to the toilet??
Thank you
On 2017-04-21 by (mod) - toilet whistling sound or noise
I suspect this is a resonant frequency water supply pipe noise. Try slightly closing the control valve at the toilet fill pipe.
On 2017-04-21 by Ann Adams
When I press the toilet lever it whistles as it is flushing
When I press the lever a whistle sounds as the toilet flushes
On 2017-04-10 by (mod) -
I wouldn't think the toilet replacement would be necessary. I might try gentle probing with a soft copper wire to loosen and remove bits of paper towel or i might try a bit of liqiid drain cleaner
On 2017-04-10 by Kathy
We've determined that a paper towel used to prop up the front of the tank lid must have gotten into the tank and gone through the system. Pieces of it were pulled out, but the tank water is not coming out through the small holes inside the rim. What can be done short of replacing the whole thing?
On 2017-03-24 by (mod) -
Bmac and Traptex, please see our more detailed comments about flushing wet wipes, baby wipes, disposable wipes into toilets - found at https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Flush-Disposable-Wipes.php
On 2017-03-24 by (mod) - prevent flushing of "disposable" wipes, baby wipes, sanitary products, cloths down the toilet:
Re-posting an interesting product idea that prevents flushing of "disposable" wipes, baby wipes, sanitary products, cloths down the toilet:
bmac2014 said:
Stop Wipes And Non-Flushables From Clogging Pipes with The Traptex® Plumbing Protection System.
Excerpting from the company's website: sageproducts.com
ach Traptex Guard features small, laser-cut hooks to catch cloths and wipes before they pass into the pipe, while allowing solid waste and toilet paper through. When wipes are caught, they can be safely removed ... [ by a product sold by the company or by other means for those who don't enjoy fishing in the toilet - Ed.]
Contact: U.S.A. Sage Products, 3909 Three Oaks Rd., Cary, Illinois 60013 USA, Tel: 1-800-323-2220 Email: GlobalCustomerService@sageproducts.com, - or - in Switzerland, Sage Products International Office, Rue de Candolle, 17, CH-Geneva 1205, Switzerland, Tel: +41 (0) 22 318 60-22
...
Continue reading at TOILET REPAIR GUIDE - topic home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.
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