Your toilet is just about the most vital plumbing appliance in your whole home. You use it every day, and not having a functioning one can put you in a dire situation. That’s why when your toilet experiences a problem, it is important to get it taken care of ASAP. The only trouble is figuring out whether you actually need a professional plumber to take care of your toilet-related issue, or if it’s something you can solve on your own. Keep reading to learn the top five signs you need a toilet repair, and remember that for all your residential plumbing needs, you can always count on our experts at H.L. Moe Co., Inc.
5 Signs There is a Problem with Your Toilet
- Strange Noises: Strange noises emanating from your plumbing equipment is never a good sign. When it comes to your toilet, watch out for suction and gurgling sounds rising from your sink and shower drains after you flush. If your appliances are letting out these noises, it may mean that you have a blockage in your drain vent, preventing sewer gasses from escaping. When this happens, these gasses may look for an alternate route, which is why you are hearing strange sounds coming out of your fixtures. Hearing these noises once is not a big deal, but if they persist, call a plumber, as you definitely don’t want to deal with ongoing blockages. And speaking of blockages…
- Frequent Clogs: Obviously, it is normal for your toilet to clog occasionally. This is something we have all dealt with before, and will all deal with again. However, if your toilet is clogging all the time, or you cannot get rid of toilet clogs by plunging/snaking them out, the obstruction in question could be more serious. It’s possible the blockage is being caused by a faulty part, in which case you will need to call a plumber to replace the broken component.
- Flushing Issues: As a general rule of thumb, you should never need to flush your toilet more than a few times to clear the bowl. Flushing again and again just to get rid of waste is not only abnormal, it may actually make your problem worse. If you find yourself flushing your toilet over and over, or if the water barely goes down at all when you press the handle, call a plumber to see if there is something wrong with the flushing mechanism. You could be dealing with clogged water jets, a broken float/chain/flapper, or even water pressure issues somewhere deeper in your system.
- Rust & Corrosion: Do the metal parts in your toilet look rusty or corroded? Even the best toilets experience wear and tear over time, and when this happens, they can slow down the operation of your larger unit. A professional plumber will be able to tell you if you need to replace the handle, screws, or valves. Excessive moisture will exacerbate toilet rust, so watch out for that as well. This brings us to—
- Leaks: Other than clogs, leaks are probably the most common toilet problem. They’re also the most serious. Even a small leak can raise your water bill over time, create structural damage, and lead to mold growth. Look for water pooling at the base of the toilet. If this keeps happening, there is a good chance you may have a crack somewhere in the toilet bowl. You could also be dealing with a broken toilet seal, which is another problem that needs to be taken care of ASAP. Remember, no one wants an emergency situation on their hands, like a sudden overflow, o when it comes to fixing your toilet, airing on the side of caution and acting sooner rather than later is always better.
For more information on toilet problems or to schedule service, just call (818) 396-8002. You can also fill out our contact form online.