How to Fix Common Toilet Problems: 10 Potential Issues

November 05, 2019

We don’t always talk about the toilet here in New Jersey unless we have a 7-year-old boy living with us, but it’s an important household plumbing fixture that we use every single day. Whether you are an experienced homeowner, DIY enthusiast, or simply a renter with a noisy commode, it pays to know how to distinguish a properly functioning toilet from one that needs to be serviced. So, how do you do that?

What are some signs that your toilet isn’t working properly? And how do you fix common toilet problems? We’ll walk you through everything you need to know in this guide. If you don’t find the answers you need here, check out our plumbing FAQ guide or give us a call at 732-733-2541. We’re here to help!

10 Common Toilet Problems

You can usually tell when a toilet isn’t working properly. To protect your bathroom from further damage, you should always make repairs right away or contact a skilled plumber if you have questions.

Watch out for these common issues.

1. Clogged Toilet

Minor clogs are among the most common toilet issues. They occur when waste or toilet paper gets caught in the system, clogging up the pipes and preventing the proper flow of water. Baby wipes are particularly troublesome for clogs—you should never flush wipes down the toilet.

You can usually fix this issue yourself with a plunger. Place the plunger over the hole at the bottom of the toilet bowl, then push the plunger up and down. This creates pressure that pushes clogged debris through the toilet. Repeat this motion until the system clears.

2. Leaking Toilet

Water leaks are a sure sign of a plumbing issue. When water leaks out of your toilet, you should identify the source of the leak right away. Check these places first:

Toilet base
Water supply line
Water supply valve

Depending on the source of the leak, you may need to repair or replace parts like the supply line, the nut behind the valve, or the sealant at the toilet base.

3. Running Toilet

Does the water in your toilet keep running, even long after you’ve flushed? While this is annoying and wasteful, it’s usually an easy problem to diagnose and fix. Take off the tank lid and look inside.

You might notice issues with the:

Flapper chain
Flush valve
Overflow valve
Flapper

If your toilet stops running when you manually adjust these parts, you’ve found your culprit. Repair or replace the broken piece.

4. Insufficient Water in the Tank

When a toilet doesn’t have enough water in it, the bathroom is more likely to smell, and the toilet often has a harder time completely flushing its contents. Water levels in the tank are controlled by the fill tube. If the tank doesn’t fill up properly, that tube is likely the issue.

Check the fill tube on your toilet. If it has any signs of damage, repair or replace it. If you can’t find any issues, call a plumber from AJ Perri to come check for other problems.

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5. Clogged Vent

A toilet isn’t the only thing that can get clogged. The plumbing vent in your home can also get clogged, causing all sorts of unpleasant problems like bad smells and gurgling water. Clogged vents mean air can’t get into the pipes, which causes water to remain stagnant.

Plumbing vents are usually on the roof. If you can safely access the vent, check for built-up debris and clean it. If the vent isn’t easily accessible, a plumber or roofer can rectify the issue for you.

6. Whistling Tank on Flushing

You should hear the sound of running water when you flush your toilet, but other sounds, like whistling, indicate problems. A toilet tank fill valve will whistle if it becomes too worn out. If this is the case, replace the fill valve to fix the problem.

7. Sluggish Flush

Sluggish flushing happens when a toilet flushes slowly or needs several flushes to completely clear the bowl. This happens when the rinse jets in the toilet bowl become clogged with mineral deposits from water or waste. Clean out the small holes in the rinse jets with a brush to get them working properly again.

8. Rocking Toilet Seat

If your toilet seat rocks back and forth or slips around, the movement can be dangerous for those who use it. A moving toilet seat can pinch or cause the user to slip. This movement happens when seat bolts get too loose. Tighten those up to solve the issue.

If the seat still moves around, you may need to replace the bolts, switch out the seat, or install seat stabilizers. New toilet fixtures are sometimes the best solution.

9. Sweaty Toilet

Like any other vessel of water, a toilet will sweat in hot, humid conditions. This condensation can cause a mess and damage floors if left to sit. To minimize condensation buildup, install a toilet tank with insulation. This keeps the water inside the toilet instead. In particularly hot months or climates, you can run your air conditioner to keep your home (and toilet) cool and dry.

10. Bowl Refilling Issues

You may notice issues with toilet bowls emptying or filling incorrectly. Watch out for a toilet bowl that:

Refills on its own
Empties on its own
Doesn't properly fill after flushing

All these bowl-filling issues likely stem from leaks of some kind. The simplest solution is to drain the toilet and replace the flapper. If this doesn’t solve the problem, reach out to a plumber for further inspection and assistance.

How to Diagnose Common Toilet Problems

If your toilet has problems, you can usually diagnose simple issues yourself. Check the water line and inside the toilet tank for any damaged pieces. You can usually find a loose part or worn-out seal this way and fix it.

However, sometimes the problem is more complex or doesn’t reveal itself during an initial inspection. In these cases, consider calling an experienced plumber for help. They have specialized tools for diagnosing and fixing toilets.

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Can I Fix My Toilet Myself?

If you have the time and tools, you can take on some plumbing repairs by yourself. Tightening a toilet seat and clearing rinse jets are easy for most people, and DIY enthusiasts can replace simple parts.

Some problems still require a plumber. Complex issues or serious repairs, including broken pipes or septic tanks, need attention from a professional. In addition, you should check your local codes and your rental agreement before you start repairs on your own. You always want to abide by legal requirements when working with plumbing fixtures.

When Should I Call a Plumber?

Anytime you can’t confidently perform a repair yourself, you should call a plumber. You might call a plumber if you experience:

And sometimes you just don’t have time to fix a toilet on your own, even if you have the know-how. Don’t let a problem sit until your schedule clears up. Work with a plumber to implement repairs as soon as possible.

Rely on AJ Perri to Fix Any Toilet or Plumbing Issues

If you need professional help for any of your toilet problems, AJ Perri is here to help! We’ll diagnose and repair your toilet.

To schedule an appointment, give us a call at 732-733-2541 or use our online scheduler.