Common Toilet Problems

If your toilet has a problem that can’t be solved with a plunger, there’s no reason to panic. Below are some of the most common toilet issues Mike Diamond plumbers tackle every day. We come prepared with fully stocked trucks, ready to install your new toilet or repair existing toilet issues that same day!

Weak Flush

A weak flush is frustrating to deal with. If things aren’t disappearing down the drain the way they should, it could be due to any of the following:

Water level in your tank is not filling high enough to create sufficient flow.
Toilet tank empties slowly and doesn’t generate the necessary suction.
Worn or wrong size flapper.
Clogged or corroded jets under the rim of the toilet.
A clog down blocking flow out of the toilet.

Many times, we’ll find that a previous owner tried to install a new flapper valve themselves and put in the wrong one for their toilet’s model. Luckily our technicians always have the right parts on hand.

Running Toilet

If your toilet takes a long time to fill back up, it could be a clogged refill valve or a faulty flapper. Make sure your water supply is open and that water easily flows back into the tank after you flush. If your flapper valve is old or not situated correctly, it will allow water to leak into your bowl from the tank. This triggers new water to refill the tank, creating the constant “running” water sound. Unaddressed, this cycle will continue.

We can replace these worn valves and stop your toilet from running and wasting water.

Toilet Overflows After Use

Few plumbing emergencies are more unnerving than an overflowing toilet in your home. A toilet overflowing but not clogged usually happens for one of three reasons:

The flapper valve could be having trouble sealing properly causing too much water to flow from the tank into the bowl.
The ball float could be failing to close the refill valve once pre-flush water levels have been restored.
Your refill valve isn’t closing even though the ball float is telling it to and water from your main line continues to flow.

Whatever the reason your toilet is overflowing, we’ve got fast solutions and high quality components to fix the problem.

Leaking Toilet

Toilets will leak for a couple different reasons. In most instances it’s simply due to aging where:

The seal between the toilet and the floor wears out.
The gasket between the tank and bowl wears out.

A toilet leaking at base means the rubber or wax seal placed between the bottom of the toilet and the floor is worn or faulty. With enough wear, water can find a way through and out onto your floor.

A leak between the bowl and tank likely means that the rubber gasket that helps the flapper valve seal the tank off may have worn down. Our technicians can diagnose your toilet leak and replace the faulty parts to ensure water doesn’t end up on your bathroom floor again.

Toilet Installation

We understand replacing a toilet is never your first choice. A toilet should last for 25 years or more but they will eventually wear out. If you think your toilet is old enough to go to that big bathroom in the sky, trust the team at Mike Diamond to replace it with a brand-new, more efficient model that should last for many years to come.

If you do choose to have us install a new porcelain throne for you, make sure you present the installer with this coupon from our site for $45 off.

Our expert plumbers will work with you to find the toilet that is the right fit and price for you. You might be surprised how many options there are. Once you’ve made your choice, putting in a new toilet goes quickly.

Solving Your Toilet Problem

Whether you’re looking to unclog a toilet, fix a refill valve or replace a flapper that’s making your toilet’s flush slow and weak, Mike Diamond has the solution. The Smell Good Plumbers provide the best service in the biz in Los Angeles and the surrounding communities. Contact us today or request emergency repair anytime. We’re always ready to help!

To learn more about what makes your toilet work? Check out our blog!

Toilet FAQ: How To…

How to flush a toilet when the water is off.
If the water supply to your toilet is turned off, you can still flush it. All you need is a bucket of water. Simply pour water into the toilet’s bowl until it’s completely flushed.
How to flush a toilet without a handle.
We know, things break. If your toilet handle is loose or the casualty of an unexpected accident, don’t fear; you can still flush. Simply follow the example above and pour a bucket of water into the bowl until your toilet flushes completely.
How to get a toilet to flush.
There are a number of reasons your toilet won’t flush. It could be the handle, chain or flapper or it may be a clog. To diagnose the issue, read our blog on fixing a toilet that won’t flush.
How to fix water pressure in a toilet.
A weak or partial flush can be frustrating. As mentioned above, there are numerous reasons your flush has diminished including clogs, worn parts and corrosion. If this becomes a recurring problem, it may be time to have a licensed plumber diagnose the issue and potentially replace your toilet with a more efficient model.
How to fix toilet bowl flush.
If the cause of your slow flush is corroded water jets, you’ll need to clean them out. These are the small holes underneath the rim of your toilet bowl. When you flush, the water pours down through them to create the swirling motion of the flush. Clogged jets can slow and weaken your flush. To clean them out, use a small wire brush and a solution of white vinegar and water.