Your toilet is probably the most-used fixture in your home, yet most people never think about maintaining it until something goes wrong. Let’s change that.
Do Toilets Need Servicing?
The short answer: yes – but usually only when there is an issue.
Similar to your car, toilets require servicing, However, they usually only need a service when there is a leak or flushing fault
Here’s what to check annually:
- Outlet Washer – the rubber seal at the bottom of the cistern
- Inlet valve – controls water refilling after flush
- Flush button/handle mechanism
- Flexible water hose and isolation tap – check for corrosion or leaks
- Pan collar rubber seal – at the base, does it look perished? It will usually follow with a bad smell
What Is the Most Common Toilet Repair?
The running toilet is by far the most common issue we see. This happens when water continuously flows into the bowl, wasting water and money.
The usual culprits:
- Worn outlet washer – most common, easy fix
- Faulty inlet valve – keeps running after the cistern fills
- Flexi hose leak – flexible water hose is deteriorated and leaking ( It could even burst and cause a flood )
- Faulty Isolation Valve – This will usually leak onto the floor or will not isolate the water supply when needed
- Perished Pan Collar Rubber Seal – This will usually result in a leak behind the toilet ( Possibly inside the toilet on a back to wall suite ) or produce a foul odour.
A running toilet can waste 200+ litres per day – that adds up quickly on your water bill.
What Is the Most Common Toilet Flush Problem?
Weak or incomplete flushing is the flush problem we’re called out for most often.
Common causes:
- Damaged Outlet Valve – small plastic parts damaged or missing on the outlet valve
- Low water level in cistern – Faulty Inlet Valve
- Faulty Button Assembly – small parts in the flush button can perish causing flushing issues
- Debris in the cistern – water saving techniques by install jar’s or bricks in the toilet cistern to help save water. Additionally some deodorisers that are installed in the toilet cistern can cause the same issue of not installed correctly
If your toilet needs multiple flushes, don’t ignore it – you’re wasting water and there could be a bigger issue developing.
Does a Gurgling Toilet Mean a Blocked Drain?
It Certainly Does – but it’s not always the blockage that’s the source of the issue, there may be other factors that is causing the blockage that need attention.
A gurgling toilet indicates a venting problem or partial blockage somewhere in the drainage system. The gurgling sound is air being pulled through the water in the toilet trap.
Possible causes (from least to most serious):
- Blocked vent pipe – leaves or debris on the roof vent
- Partial drain blockage – building up in the line
- Main sewer line issue – tree roots, collapsed pipe, or major blockage
- Septic tank full – if you’re on septic
- Too much toilet paper – A very common issue that is easily remedied
- Offset Pan Collar – Large offset pan collars can catch debris in the toilet, resulting in a blockage
When to worry:
- Multiple fixtures gurgling or draining slowly
- Sewage smell in the house
- Water backing up in showers or floor drains
- Gurgling when other fixtures are used
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, call a plumber for a CCTV drain inspection. It’s better to find a partial blockage now than deal with a sewage backup later.
DIY vs Call a Plumber
DIY-friendly repairs
- Replacing a cistern washer
- Adjusting inlet valve level
- Tightening a loose seat
- Plunging a simple blockage
Call a plumber
- Replacing inlet valve or flush mechanism
- Toilet leaking at base
- Persistent blockages
- Installing a new toilet
- Any gurgling or drainage issues
Need Help With Your Toilet?
Whether it’s a simple repair or a full replacement, Thoroughgood Plumbing can help. We’ve been fixing toilets on the Central Coast for three generations.
Call 0439 205 289 or book online.
