A toilet that isn’t functioning properly would be a cause for concern in any household. A functioning toilet is something that many of us take for granted but can’t do without. Below, we outline 3 common problems that people experience with their toilets and how you can fix them. 

1. Phantom flushes 

Do you hear water trickling into your toilet’s tank even though no one flushed it? Modern toilets are designed to refill and cut off the water once the tank is full. A phantom flush occurs when the toilet cuts the water on and off by itself even when no one has flushed it.

The most common cause of phantom flushes is a slow leak from the toilet’s tank into its bowl. This is often the result of a flapper seat or flush valve seal that is old or damaged. The flush valve is the plug that stops water from entering the toilet’s bowl until the next flush. To fix the problem, you should drain the tank and bowl of the toilet. You can do this by turning off the inlet valve to the toilet’s tank and flushing the toilet. Check the flapper seat and clean it. If it is worn or damaged, replace it. 

2. Water continuously flowing into the tank 

In some cases, the water trickling into the tank is continuous and doesn’t stop as in the case of phantom flushes. In this case, the toilet is unable to stop water from entering the tank even after the tank is full. In such a case, the problem could be with the inlet-valve assembly, the refill tube, the ballcock or the float. 

Check to see if the float is sticking. It may need to be adjusted in order to float as it should. Check to see if the refill tube is inserted to the correct depth in the overflow tube. It shouldn’t extend more than 1/4 inch into the overflow tube. If adjusting the refill tube doesn’t solve the problem, you may have to replace the entire ballcock assembly and inlet valve. 

3. Clogging 

Clogs are one of the most common problems people face with flushable toilets. Fixing a clog will depend on what caused the clog and how severe the clogging is. 

A standard plunger can fix many regular clogs. However, for a more severe clog, you will need a force-cup plunger. These plungers are more effective as they provide greater force. Insert the plunger in the drain and pump forcefully. However, you should release the handle slowly to let a little water into the drain. This will allow you to see down further into the drain and determine if you have cleared it. 

If the plunger doesn’t work, you may need to use a closet auger (or plumbing snake). This tool can be used to maneuver through the toilet’s drain and remove obstructions. Insert the end of the plumbing snake into the drain and push as you twist the handle. Be careful not to scratch the bowl. 

Use the tips above to fix the problems outlined above. If the problems persist, you can use iPlumber Pro to get advice from a professional plumber.