EZ Home Toilet Repairs You can do

Let’s discuss some home toilet problems and how you the homeowner can quickly and cheaply fix them.

First, let's get familiar with the parts of a toilet cistern or tank. Take a moment to review the image and names. Your toilet innards may look slightly different, but they all have the same functions. Now let’s talk about symptoms and solutions.

Always Running

Perhaps the most common problem. Here’s how to troubleshoot and address the issue. Start off with a small rag or sponge and rub/clean any algae on the bottom lip of the flapper. If the flapper is brittle and firm then it needs to be replaced. Time to call Baldy. If it is still flexible, then the cleaning will help with the seal. Second, if you observe that the chain is taught and possibly holding the flap up, you can adjust this easily in several ways. The chain should be slightly flexed before the handle is pulled down. To adjust this, you can, a) move the chain to a different hole, b) adjust the length of the chain, c) bend the trip lever slightly, d) adjust the trip lever right at the toilet handle. The third thing to check if the leak is still not stopping is to observe if water is flowing into the overflow valve. If it is this means that the float is too high and needs to be adjusted downward. The float turns off the water. The best way to adjust the float height is with the adjustment screw as you can see in the image. Normally you can do this with your fingers, or a Phillips head screwdriver. If you notice that the float is heavy and full of water, call Baldy to replace it.

Loose or Sticky Handle

You have an annoying loose or sticky handle. It either flops around or gets stuck up. Most of the time, just adjusting the nut on the Handle and then the lever will address this issue. Problem Solved. However, the handle, lever, and nut may have larger issues. Be cracked or seized, for example. Well, time to call Baldy.

High Pitched Squeal

As the cistern fills post-flush flush you hear a High Pitched Squeal.  I’m afraid the fill valve if failing. Time to call Baldy.

Other Leaks

If your toilet is leaking at the base of the cistern or at the base of the pedestal. Time to call Baldy.

That’s about it for tips and tricks on toilets for now. Hope this was valuable for you. AS always call Baldy for your Handyman needs in Spring Texas and beyond. Be it renovation, installation, or repairs, Baldy has you covered.