Indoor plumbing dates back to at least 2500 B.C. It’s clearly evolved significantly since its initial development, but indoor plumbing continues to be a necessity. Of course, without proper maintenance, many indoor plumbing appliances can break down and need repair. It could simply be a clogged drain, or it could be a larger issue that requires assistance from professional plumbing services. But there are many steps you can take to potentially solve the issue yourself. Here’s part one of our homeowner’s guide that will address some of the most common toilet problems and how to resolve them.
Clogged Toilet
As one of the most frequently reported plumbing and toilet problems, a clogged toilet is a headache 100% of the time. There are many methods for fixing a clogged toilet, but not all of them will work effectively. Experts say the best way to fix a clog is to grab a drain snake or plunger. A plunger is typically the easier option, and it’s usually less messy as well. Using a moderate amount of force, give it a flush and then plunge the clogged drain of the toilet and wait before flushing again. If the problem continues, it’s best to call a plumbing contractor.
Water Flows Into Tank
If your toilet emits a sort of ‘hissing’ sound, there’s a very good chance that it’s the result of excess water that has slowly been trickling into the tank. This is a bit of a more complex issue to solve, but take it slow and follow the advice of many plumbing companies:
“In this case the parts to check are the float, the refill tube and the ballcock or inlet-valve assembly. The hissing sound is typically caused by water coming through the inlet valve. First check to see whether the float is sticking or needs adjusting. Next, check to make sure the refill tube isn’t inserted too far into the overflow tube. (It should extend only about 1/4″ below the rim of the overflow tube.) If neither of these adjustments solves the problem, you’ll probably need to replace the ballcock assembly,” writes DIY Network.
Ultimately, consulting a professional plumber is the best way to solve these issues, but understanding the steps to take to troubleshoot your toilet issues can help save you some time and frustration for the time being. Keep an eye out for the next post, where we’ll discuss some more common toilet issues and how to solve them.
