Common Toilet Problems We Can Help You Solve
Toilets can fail in a number of ways, from the irritatingly noisy to the potentially damaging. Our network of experienced plumbers has seen it all and is equipped to handle any toilet repair, big or small. Here are some of the most frequent issues homeowners in the UK face, all of which can be expertly diagnosed and fixed by a ServiceTasker professional.
The Constantly Running Toilet
That incessant sound of water trickling into the toilet bowl is the sound of your money going down the drain. A constantly running toilet is one of the most common toilet repairs, often caused by a faulty flush valve (also known as a flapper) or an incorrectly set fill valve. While it may seem like a minor annoyance, it can waste hundreds of litres of water each week, leading to a significant increase in your water bill. A professional can quickly identify the faulty component and replace it, ensuring a perfect seal and stopping the waste.
A Leaking Toilet
A puddle of water around the base of your loo is a clear sign that something is wrong. Leaks can originate from several places: the seal between the cistern and the bowl, the water inlet pipe, or, more seriously, the wax ring seal at the base where the toilet meets the soil pipe. Ignoring a leak can lead to serious water damage to your flooring, sub-floor, and even the ceiling of the room below. A qualified toilet plumber has the expertise to trace the source of the leak accurately and carry out a lasting repair, protecting your property from further harm.
The Blocked or Clogged Toilet
A blocked toilet is an unpleasant and urgent problem. While a simple blockage caused by too much toilet paper can sometimes be cleared with a good plunger, more stubborn clogs require professional attention. The obstruction may be further down the soil pipe or could be a symptom of a larger issue within your home's drainage system. A professional has the specialist tools, such as drain augers or kinetic water rams, to clear deep-set blockages safely and effectively without damaging the porcelain or the pipework.
A Weak or Incomplete Flush
When you press the flush and the contents of the bowl don't clear properly, it's not only frustrating but also unhygienic. A weak flush can be caused by several factors. The water level in the cistern might be too low, the small rim jets underneath the toilet seat could be clogged with limescale, or the flushing mechanism itself could be worn or broken. A tradesperson can diagnose the precise cause and perform the necessary adjustments or part replacements to restore your toilet's powerful flushing action.
Problems with Push-Button and Dual-Flush Systems
Modern dual-flush toilets are excellent for saving water, but their complex push-button mechanisms can be prone to failure. Issues with sticky buttons, broken connecting cables, or faulty drop valves are common. These systems are often more intricate than the old-style lever siphons, and attempting a DIY fix without the correct knowledge can easily make the problem worse. For any toilet services involving modern dual-flush systems, it’s always best to call in a professional who understands their specific workings.
Why Attempting a DIY Toilet Repair Can Be a Costly Mistake
In an effort to save a few pounds, it can be tempting to search for a video online and attempt a DIY toilet repair. While changing a toilet seat is straightforward, meddling with the plumbing and flush mechanisms is another matter entirely. What seems like a simple fix can quickly spiral into a much larger, more expensive problem.
- Risk of Water Damage:The single biggest risk is causing a leak. Incorrectly fitting a component or over-tightening a connection can result in a slow drip or a major flood, causing costly damage to your bathroom floor, joists, and ceilings.
- Cracking the Porcelain:Porcelain is strong but brittle. Applying too much force when tightening bolts that connect the cistern to the bowl or the bowl to the floor can easily cause it to crack. This kind of damage is irreparable and will mean you need to buy and install a completely new toilet.
- Incorrect Parts:There are countless different models of toilet in UK homes, and they all use slightly different parts. Buying the wrong flush valve or fill valve from a DIY shop will mean it simply doesn't work, wasting your time and money. A professional plumber will have access to a wide range of parts or know exactly which ones to source for your specific model.
- Lack of Specialist Tools:While you might have a wrench and a screwdriver, professional plumbers carry a range of specialist tools designed for specific plumbing tasks. These tools allow them to work efficiently and safely, ensuring the job is done correctly the first time.
Hiring a qualified toilet plumber through ServiceTasker isn't an expense; it's an investment in peace of mind. You can be confident the repair is done to a professional standard, with guaranteed work, protecting your home from the risks of a botched DIY job.
