There are many common problems you may experience over the lifetime of owning your toilet. While some problems are straightforward DIY fixes, many others may require an expert.
This article will take you through the most common toilet problems and whether you can fix them yourself, or if you should call a plumber to fix the issue for you.
Do I Need a Plumber or Can I Fix It Myself?
The short answer is that it depends on the issue. Many people have picked up small plumbing skills over the years in their lifetime, allowing them to fix some common toilet problems themselves. Many homeowners are able to handle many toilet repairs on their own, as many toilet repairs are straightforward and manageable with basic tools. However, some repairs require the expertise of a professional plumber. An example could be, unblocking a toilet, fixing a sink leak or replacing a shower head. These are all small, quick tasks that can be done by following a YouTube tutorial or reading a DIY plumbing article.
On the other hand, other problems are much more complicated to fix. For example, certain bath products can damage your plumbing and cause drain blockages. They may require a professional with specific tools and knowledge the average person with no plumbing experience doesn’t have. While a temporary fix may help in an emergency, a proper repair by a professional plumber is often necessary for complex toilet repairs. That’s when we recommend hiring a drainage and plumbing specialist.
What are some common problems with a toilet?
There are multiple common issues that we tend to see with toilets. A few are:
a clogged toilet
a cracked toilet bowl
low water pressure
a deteriorated flapper valve
toilet clogs
toilet leaks
toilet flushes
toilet tank problems
toilet handle issues
flush valve malfunctions
fill valve problems
flushing mechanism failures
flush handle issues
toilet seat damage or wear
toilet base leaks
wax ring failure
overflow tube issues
water supply problems
incorrect water level
bathroom floor water damage from overflows
leaks around the toilet’s base
blocked toilet
List Of The Most Common Toilet Problems and How to Fix them
Clogged Toilet
Toilet clogs are a straightforward, easy fix which you can likely do yourself without having to call a plumber. The most common way to clear a blocked toilet is to use a toilet plunger as the primary tool. A toilet plunger will create a seal at the opening of the toilet; when the handle is moved up and down, the pressure of the water will move up and down, unclogging the toilet. If the toilet overflows during this process, water can spill onto the bathroom floor, so act quickly to prevent water damage.
Some products tend to block toilets so it’s wise to avoid flushing them. Avoid flushing wipes, cotton balls or swabs, dental floss, plasters or bandages, feminine products and using too much toilet paper.
After clearing the blockage, perform a toilet flush to ensure the problem is resolved.
Leaking Toilet
Toilet leaks are a serious issue, so it’s recommended that you call a plumber if you can’t diagnose and fix the leak yourself. A leaking toilet can cause damage to walls and flooring as well as cause huge water wastage, increasing your monthly water bill.
Leaks around the toilet’s base or toilet base are often caused by a faulty wax ring, which acts as a seal between the toilet bowl and the drain opening. To check for leaks at the base, you can add food colouring to the toilet bowl and observe if colored water seeps out around the wax ring area after flushing. If you need to replace the wax ring, use a putty knife to remove the old wax ring and scrape away any residue, as well as to pry off bolt caps around the toilet base.
There are a few issues that could be causing your toilet to leak, such as a cracked toilet bowl, loose or damaged bolts, damaged pipes, or high water pressure.
Regular maintenance for your toilet is the best way to prevent future leaks. This can be done by frequently checking for any damage and cleaning the components of your toilet.
If you have a leaking toilet, Fast Fix Drainage and Plumbing offer leak detection services in the South West, and can help with drainage issues for your business.
Replacing a Toilet
Thankfully, a toilet doesn’t need to be replaced very often, as they usually last around 10-15 years. Replacing a toilet isn’t an easy, straightforward task. Toilet installation of a new toilet can be complex and is best left to professionals. Professional installation ensures the best repair, proper setup, and long-term performance. That’s why you are better off calling an expert plumber.
Toilets are complex and like when trying anything for the first time, mistakes and failures are likely to happen. You risk damaging the toilet and increasing the risk of errors such as leaks or improper placement of the toilet flange.
How much does a plumber cost to fix a toilet in the UK?
Like most businesses, the cost depends on various factors for different businesses. Factors such as level of experience, distance of travel, business rates, and complexity of the job, will all play a part in how much it will cost. The cost of hiring a professional plumber for toilet repairs or other repairs can vary depending on the type of repair and the number of repairs needed, as many repairs are straightforward while others may be more complex. Most plumbing businesses charge around £60-£100 to fix a toilet, depending on the factors above.
When faced with an issue with your toilet, a plumbing and drainage expert is always going to be your safest option to sort out any issue without making it worse. That being said, smaller problems can be resolved by yourself if you know how to do so.
If your problem is urgent, we offer emergency plumbing repairs and maintenance so don’t hesitate to contact us.