Knowing do basic toilet repairs can save you the expense of a plumber to take care of the problem. Most toilet repairs can be accomplished with a few simple tools and most repair parts can be purchased from a hardware or home improvement store. Certain types of problems cannot be repaired and will require replacement of the toilet. Does this Spark an idea?
Running Toilet
One common problem with a toilet is that it will continue to run after it has been flushed. To repair a running toilet, remove the lid from the back of the toilet and inspect the stopper and float mechanism. Straighten bent rods, or adjust the stopper chain to solve the problem. If the ball on the float mechanism is filled with water it will need to be replaced. If corrosion has occurred on any of the internal parts of the toilet tank, replace them with repair kits that can be purchased from a hardware or home improvement store.
Leaking Toilet
When toilets are installed a wax ring is used to create a seal between the toilet bowl and the floor. If you are experiencing a problem with a leaking toilet, then replacing the wax ring will often solve the problem. To replace the wax ring, first turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush to remove the water from the tank and bowl. Remove the bolts securing the toilet to the floor and lift the toilet off the existing wax ring. Toilets are heavy, so use proper safety precautions before you lift the toilet. Inspect the bowl for any cracks or damage to the porcelain. If no damage is present replace the wax ring. A replacement for the wax ring can be purchased in the plumbing section of hardware or home improvement stores. Reset the toilet and secure the bolts before turning on the water supply to the toilet.
Unfixable Damage
In some cases damage can be done to the toilet that will require that the toilet be replaced. Toilets are made up of two main parts, the bowl and the tank. If an object becomes lodged in the bowl of the toilet and cannot be removed then replacing the toilet is the only option. Cracks in the porcelain can cause excessive leaking and pose the threat of injury. Cracks or damage in the porcelain tank or bowl will require that the toilet be replaced.
Tags: hardware home, hardware home improvement, home improvement, will require, damage porcelain, float mechanism, from hardware
