How To Solve 2 Common Toilet Problems

Toilets are one of the great conveniences of modern life, but they can also be a source of great frustration. Toilets seem to be plagued by an innumerable list of potential problems. Luckily, not all of these problems will require the costly intervention of a plumber. If you would like to learn more about solving certain toilet problems yourself, read on. This article will teach you how to solve two common issues.

1. Dripping tank.

See if this sounds familiar: after the tank has finished filling, a dripping sound begins. A few minutes later the tank begins filling again, only to be replaced by the sound of more dripping. Then this cycle repeats itself, again and again and again. Before long, you're tearing your hair out.

These symptoms are most likely related to a specific problem with the tank fill valve. You see, a fill valve assembly generally includes a thin flexible tube that runs up and down the length of the valve. This tube is used to supply water to the toilet bowl itself, since the bowl water lost in flushing has to be replenished.

This tube is usually attached to the top of the valve assembly by means of a clip. If this clip breaks, or somehow works loose, the tip of the tube will slip down below the surface of tank water. As a result, it will begin siphoning water out of the tank into the bowl, hence that annoying tank filling sound, over and over.

This problem can usually be solved by opening up the tank and checking on this tube. If it has fallen down into the tank, simply clip it back in place. Odds are this will fix the problem.

2. Excessive tank noise while filling.

This is a common problem for older toilets equipped with ball floats. Unlike newer toilets, these don't shut off the water flow completely once a certain fill height has been reached. Instead, the fill valve closes gradually as the ball rises higher and higher.

The pressure of water running through the still-closing valve can cause noisy vibrations, and even whistling sounds. Sometimes these vibrations can cause other parts of the valve to come loose, leading to other problems.

You may be able to lessen the sound by adjusting the float adjustment screw located at the top of the valve. This screw helps regulate the sensitivity of the float. By setting it so that the water cuts off at a slightly lower height, you may be able to mitigate unwanted sound effects.

Bottom Line

Toilets are finicky creatures. But addressing toilet problems isn't just for plumbers. With the right knowledge, you should be able to solve many of the issues your toilet throws at you. This article has introduced you to the methods used to correct two of the most common toilet problems. For problems you can't seem to fix, contact a plumbing service like Blackburn Bennett Plumbing & Heating Inc.

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