Learn how toilet repair in Morningside will make sure you get a powerful flush every time.
When was the last time you thought about toilet repair in Morningside? Most homeowners take their toilet for granted until they face a major plumbing crisis. After all, nothing strikes fear more than watching the water in the bowl slowly rise to the rim after you flush.
Toilet problems are a leading reason to hire a plumber. Plus, issues seem to strike at the most inopportune times. You know this to be true if you ever found yourself plunging the bowl at two in the morning while you can barely stand upright.
Toilets 101: The Basics
It’s important for all homeowners to know a bit about their toilet, including what’s normal and what’s not. What you may not realize is how simple this device really is. While toilets are an essential part of modern plumbing, they don’t rely on advanced technology to work.
Today’s toilets consist of only a few main components—a bowl and a tank. Inside the tank, you’ll find the flapper and chain. When you push the flush handle, the chain lifts the flapper. This action releases the water from the tank into the bowl. You will hear the toilet make its telltale flushing “swoosh” at the same time. Once you release the handle, the flapper closes, and the tank fills bank up with water. You should hear water flowing back into the tank until it’s full.
Did you know that gravity controls the flush? Remember, what goes up must come down. Think about what goes on inside the toilet when you flush. The water from the tank releases and fills up the bowl. Once this happens, the toilet forces the dirty water through the siphon pipe, and the bowl fills back up with clean water. All this happens without the use of electricity.
Now, if you were to remove the tank, you could still flush the toilet. Are you confused? You can test this for yourself with a cup and a bucket of water. Try pouring a cup of water into the bowl. Nothing will happen. But, if you pour a full bucket of water into the bowl, the water will rise enough to trigger a flush. That’s because gravity pulls the water back down into the S-pipe, and the flush cycle begins.
So, when the water rises during a flush, gravity should quickly pull it back down. But, as you probably already know, this doesn’t always go as planned. In some instances, something goes awry, and the water overflows onto the floor instead.
When Flushing the Toilet Goes Wrong
Although toilets are sturdy and made to last, things can go wrong. Think about how often you use the bathroom each day. Now add a few additional family members and a spicy meal, and you get the idea of how much abuse your toilet takes daily.
In a perfect world—or bathroom—the toilet should flush away any liquid or solid waste with ease. It will run for about a minute before the bowl and tank refill with water. You wash your hands and don’t think twice about things.
But, when there is something wrong with the plumbing, you may be in a rude awakening. Clogs in the pipes and loose parts may lead to incomplete flushing. You may even find yourself mopping up dirty water after it flows over the rim. Here are some of the most common problems you may encounter:
- Toilet won’t stop running after you flush it.
- Some waste remains behind after flushing.
- Water leaks onto the floor after pushing the handle.
- Moving the flush handle doesn’t trigger a flush.
- There’s not enough water in the bowl to adequately remove the waste.
- The flapper doesn’t lift when you pull the handle.
- The toilet ghost flushes when no one is around.
- There is a foul smell emitting from the toilet, even when you know you didn’t cause it.
All of these problems may point to a different plumbing issue. Most homeowners keep a plunger available for emergencies, but this won’t resolve every possible scenario. If you can’t pinpoint the cause, it’s best to bring in a plumber who specializes in fixing toilets.
The Most Common Toilet Repairs
As stated previously, toilets can last for a very long time without issue. Even when a problem does arise, more often than not, a plumber can resolve with a simple repair; however, there are times when replacing the toilet is a more cost-efficient option.
Clogged toilets are one of the most commonly reported issues. If you suspect a clog, try using a plunger to loosen it. The act of plunging is often enough to dislodge the clog. However, more stubborn clogs may require the skill of an expert. A plumber will use a unique tool, often called a snake, to find and remove the clog. Snakes can reach further down the pipes to clear deep clogs.
Running toilets are another common complaint. Your toilet should only run for a minute or two after a flush—any longer, and you’ll waste gallons of water. The length of time depends on how quickly water fills up the tank. Once the tank is full, the running will cease, but if there is a leak in the tank, your toilet will either run nonstop or intermittently. Before you know it, your water bill skyrockets. If you hear water flowing into the toilet while you’re in the other room, you know something is wrong. When this happens, you need to inspect the flapper. Look for signs of wear and tear, including corrosion or damage to this essential part. In most cases, replacing the flapper will stop the toilet from running.
Homeowners also call out plumbers when the flush handle stops working. They may notice the handle seems loose or clanky. If you look inside the tank, does pushing the handle make the flapper move? If the answer is no, then the chain is to blame. Check the chain and make sure it’s not broken. If the chain becomes disconnected from the handle or flapper, it won’t allow the toilet to flush. This type of repair is straightforward and should only take a few minutes to complete.
Water should remain in the tank and bowl at all times. It’s not normal to find water pooling around the base of the bowl. If this happens, you need to get in touch with a plumber right away. Several things can cause your toilet to leak, including damage to the bowl or a worn-out seal. Other times, you may find the water leaking around the pipe connections in the wall. While a plumber may be able to fix some leaks like this, they may recommend installing a new toilet, especially if a cracked bowl is the culprit.
Who to Trust with Your Toilet Woes
What goes on in the bathroom is private and should remain that way. But, if you find your personal business overflowing onto the floor, you know it’s time to act quickly. For the past 25 years, Morningside Plumbing has been a household name for those living in Midtown Atlanta. We know how to fix any toilet, running or not. With our expertise and dedicated team, we’ll have your toilet woes resolved in no time at all. There’s no flush too weak for us to handle!
We’re serious about helping our customers here at Morningside Plumbing. No matter when you need us, you can rely on us to be there for you. With our 24/7 emergency service, you never have to worry about being without running water. We’ll act fast to repair your pipes in a timely manner. The next time your toilet stops flushing, click or call 404-873-1881 for dependable toilet repair in Morningside.