Expert Plumbers for Toilet Repair and Installation Services

The toilets in your home serve as some of its most important plumbing fixtures. When something breaks, fast and effective repairs are a must. A trained plumber can easily take care of the often-unpleasant task of toilet repair.

We’ve shared some information below concerning toilet repair and toilet installation. Every now and then, DiY solutions are possible. But you may be surprised to learn that quality toilet services involve a lot more than a plunger.

Toilet Repair is More Complicated Than You Think

While your home’s toilets are comparatively simple fixtures, even minor problems may demand specialized tools and professional repair experience. Our certified plumbers have everything they need to understand the problem and handle repairs quickly and safely. Whether you’re dealing with clogs, bad water pressure or something else, professional service is just what you need.

Here are a few of the most common problems you may experience with your home’s toilets.

5 Common Toilet Repair Problems

Most toilets consist of two primary components: the bowl and the upper tank. Damage to the toilet bowl could crack the porcelain, creating a leak. If the upper tank is the source of your problem, it’s usually because of a broken valve. The upper tank contains several important valves including the flush valve and fill valve.

1. Toilet Constantly Running

A constantly running toilet wastes a lot of water. A professional plumber will first shut off the water supply line. This is done by adjusting the water supply valve, which can be found at the base of the toilet.

Constant running water is often a sign of a damaged fill valve. This component ensures the water level refills to normal levels after every flush. If it becomes damaged, water will steadily fill the upper tank.

But the source of your problem could also be a damaged flush valve. This valve transfers stored water from the tank into the toilet bowl after each flush. When it breaks or cracks, water will constantly flow into the toilet bowl. Until it’s replaced, you’re constantly wasting water. A professional plumber can seamlessly replace broken flush valves with a new replacement.

2. Toilet Won’t Flush

Is nothing happening when you flush the toilet? A quality plumber should check the flush handle, also known as a flapper. It can become disconnected from the rest of the upper tank system, preventing the flush mechanism from working as intended.

Fixing the problem is sometimes as simple as reattaching the chain that connects the handle to the fill valve system. If the chain is still attached, the plumber will instead check the nuts mounted within the tank. These might shake loose and will have to be readjusted.

While this is occasionally something you can fix on your own, a professional is often required if these steps aren’t working. They know how to handle more complicated tasks like replacing the flapper.

3. Toilet Plumbing Is Leaking

Leaks are one of the most common problems that affect your plumbing. There are several places your toilet can leak, but some of the most visible spots include water supply lines and around the base of the toilet. Your plumber will still look for leaks in the upper tank since they’re not as immediately noticeable. Dripping sounds coming from the upper tank are sometimes a sign there’s a leak.

If the base of the toilet is leaking, the plumber will check the wax ring that seals the base of the toilet against the bathroom floor. When this wears down, water can pool around the base of your toilet. This may also happen when the toilet flange is damaged. The toilet flange sits beneath the base of the toilet, connecting the flush system to your home’s plumbing.

4. Malfunctioning Fill Valve or Refill System

If the fill valve doesn’t seem to be damaged, the actual problem could be debris deeper inside the water system. Some cleaners can unclog this debris, breaking it apart and pushing it into the rest of your plumbing. When this doesn’t fix the issue, professional equipment is generally required.

5. Toilet Is Clogged

A clogged toilet is another common plumbing problem you may encounter. A trusty plunger can break down the clog, creating enough pressure to remove it from your plumbing. Out of the many issues your toilet can experience, a clog is the one you can most likely resolve on your own.

But severe clogs should be approached with caution. Otherwise, wastewater can overfill the bowl and spill onto your bathroom floor. Many professional plumbers use specialized drain snake tools, also known as closet or toilet augers.

Sometimes Replacing a Toilet Is the Best Choice

When the damage is too severe, replacing a toilet is usually more cost effective. Toilet installation should be handled carefully to prevent leaks or other problems somewhere else in your home’s plumbing.

Well-trained plumbers can easily perform new toilet installation, relying on a specific process designed to ensure secure connections.

Remove the old toilet: An experienced plumber will strip the old toilet for bolts and other parts that are still in useable condition. These can be reused on the new toilet.
Secure the new toilet seal: The toilet seal or wax ring should be carefully lowered on top of the toilet flange. If this is handled poorly, you can crack the bathroom tile or end up dealing with a leak right after installation.
Place the new toilet bowl on the flange and secure it with the correct nuts and bolts: The base of the new toilet should be properly aligned with the flange. Plumbers will be careful not to move the base after it’s placed on the wax seal, since this can damage it and cause a leak.
Attach the upper tank: Some models separate the upper tank from the toilet bowl. If the tank is not securely attached, it can grind and wear down the porcelain.
Install accessories like the seat and lid: While a toilet lacking a seat still technically works, it’s not exactly as comfortable as sitting down. A plumber can make sure these sit firmly against the rest of the toilet.

Once toilet installation is complete, your plumber will test the new toilet for signs of damage or leaks. They will open the water supply valve and watch as the upper tank starts to fill. Plumbers will then flush the toilet to make sure water isn’t leaking anywhere around the base of the toilet bowl.

Toilet repair and installation aren’t tasks you want to mess up. Don’t hesitate to contact the professional plumbers at San Antonio Air Service Experts, who can fix or install a wide range of toilet models.

Learn more by getting in touch with our staff at 210-570-9705 today!