How Do You Fix a Broken Toilet?

Clogs are common problems. If you have a plunger available, you can often clear a toilet clog by fixing the suction cup to the bottom of the bowl and pumping forcefully and evenly. You’ll hear gurgling and feel pressure building, and after about five to 10 pumps, the clog should come loose. If the clog has worked its way down the pipe, you may want to use a plumber’s auger or “snake,” if available.

A constantly running toilet is also a common problem. You may wonder, “What to do if your toilet won’t stop running?” Usually this problem will either be caused by a malfunctioning floating arm or flapper assembly that’s not properly sealing the bottom of the tank. If you lift the floating arm and the water stops running, not enough water is getting into the tank. This may just require you to slightly bend the arm so it won’t catch on anything and float freely. If it’s not catching on anything, the ball may have water in it, and you just have to take off the ball, dump out the water and screw the ball back on.

If the problem isn’t caused by the floating arm, it may be the flapper assembly. Flush the toilet and check the flapper for wear and corrosion. You may need to replace the flapper. You also want to check the wire rod that connects to the toilet handle. If it’s misaligned, it will stop the flapper from sealing. You can bend it or replace it.

Some repairs may be complicated or you may not have the tools or materials available to make the repair. If this is the case, you can reach out to the professionals at Westside Plumbing for toilet and bidet repair in Fort Worth, TX. Give us a call at (817) 560-4144.

What are the different parts of a toilet called?

When you need to repair your toilet, you may want to know which part is which. The parts of a toilet are outlined below.

Toilet repair parts

• Handle and flush rod: These are the parts that start the flush.
• Lift chain or life wires: This part attaches to the flush rod or lift rod to the flapper, which seals the flush valve.
• Flapper: This part seals over the flush valve after you flush.
• Flush valve: Water in the tank passes through the flush valve and into the toilet bowl after a flush.
• Overflow tube: This tube is attached to the flush valve assembly and prevents the tank from overflowing.
• Shutoff valve: This is outside the toilet on the water supply line so you can shut off the water for repairs.
• Supply tube: This runs from the shutoff valve to the toilet tank to supply water to the tank.
• Water supply valve or ballcock: Inside the tank is the ballcock, which allows fresh water into the tank to refill it after the toilet is flushed.
• Float cup or float ball: The float is attached to horizontal arm and senses the water level in the tank so it will shut off without overflowing.
• Refill tube: A small flexible tube attached to the overflow tube to replenish the standing water level in the bowl. It keeps the bowl trap sealed.
• Toilet bowl: The main part of the toilet other than the tank. It drains water and waste through a drain trap when the toilet is flushed.
• Wax seal: Underneath the toilet is a soft wax ring that seals the toilet to the drain opening in the floor.

How long does the wax seal on a toilet last?

The wax seal that holds the toilet in place against the drain opening is pretty sturdy. It will probably last as long as the toilet itself, about 20 to 30 years. The wax seal should be replaced if there is a leak under the toilet or if sewer odors become apparent. An odor means sewer gas is leaking into the bathroom and there is a flaw in the seal requiring toilet repair. Anytime you replace the toilet, you’ll also replace the wax seal.

Toilet repair or replace

Your toilet is one of the most durable fixtures in your home. It’s meant to last about 20 to 30 years. Even with regular care and maintenance, you’ll probably need to make repairs as parts like the flapper wear out. A worn flapper is often the reason the water will run continuously until the flapper is replaced. Most of the time, even when you have faulty parts, simple repairs will get your toilet in good working order again. But, if you have continual problems with your toilet, such as frequent clogs and back-ups, you may want to consider replacing it. You will definitely need to replace the toilet if the bowl has a crack or scratches. A crack can lead to serious problems like leaks, while scratches will prevent you from being able to get your toilet truly clean.

Toilets are basically part of your plumbing’s drainage system. Similarly, gutters help drain water away from your home. From time to time your gutters will need to be repaired or cleaned and gutter services in Arlington, TX, and the rest of Tarrant County. 

How much does a plumber charge to fix a toilet?

At minimum, on average, you can expect to pay at least $45 for a toilet repair to do it yourself. When you call a plumber out, you can expect to pay anywhere between about $130 to $310. With parts and labor included, you could expect to pay as much as $129 to have a flapper and chain installed, whereas a new toilet seat will cost anywhere between $62 to $189 to install.