Leaky, Clogged, or Running Toilet? We’ll Get to the Bottom of It!
Nothing causes panic quite like a just-flushed toilet that’s threatening to overflow. If you’re stuck with a clogged toilet, there are a few things you can try on your own before calling in a professional.
- Despite what your instincts tell you, do not attempt to flush the toilet a second time. Most toilet bowls are made to hold the entire contents of the water tank, so they actually won’t spill over.
- Turn off the water valve behind the toilet.
- Gently plunge the toilet.
- Avoid using chemicals; they rarely solve clogs and can be caustic to you and your toilet.
If these steps don’t clear the clog, you have two choices: Turn off and disconnect the water supply and disassemble the toilet or call a licensed professional.
Clogging isn’t the only sign of a problem. Be on the lookout for any of the following:
- Constant running. This is usually caused by a kinked chain, which prevents the flush valve from completely closing.
- Partial flushing. Either your flapper needs to be replaced, or the chain may have come loose.
- Double flushing. Your water tank lever is set too high.
- Condensation on the outside of the tank. Your bathroom is warmer than the water inside the tank. Installing an insulation liner or tank cover should do the trick.
- Suction noises coming from your tub or sink after you flush. This is a symptom of something plugging up the vent pipe.
- Leaks around the base of the toilet. Leaks here often signal the need for a new wax ring and/or mounting bolts and/or washers on the water supply line.
Maplewood Plumbing and Sewer has more than 30 years of experience plumbing toilets in St. Louis bathrooms. Our family owned business prides itself on our solid reputation in the community. Give us a call and see for yourself why our loyal customers won’t use anyone else!
We are also experts in kitchen plumbing, laundry room plumbing and outdoor plumbing.
Give us a call at 314-645-6350 or fill out the contact form here to request a bid.
We offer a one-year warranty on all parts and labor excluding washers.