| By :
Nick Messe
Many homeowners overlook the many issues that can arise with their plumbing, especially their toilet. Toilets are often ignored, as long as they work properly. But as soon as it backs up, won't flush properly, or won't stop running, it's obvious that your toilet needs proper repairs and maintenance. Unlike water heaters, many simple problems can be fixed by the homeowner. When your toilet has serious problems, you will need the help of an experienced plumber. Regular flow toilets are often easier to fix yourself than a low flow toilet. Low flow toilets use a mechanism that provides extra pressure to a smaller amount of water, making the bowl flush cleanly while using less water. Most of these toilets use a cylinder in the tank to add pressure to the flush. This can often be adjusted if there is not enough flush pressure by using a dial or crank in the tank. Unlike the relatively simple parts of a regular flow toilet, these mechanisms can be difficult to replace or fix yourself. Like trying to fix your own water heater, you can do more damage by taking it apart and attempting to repair it. This is especially true if you're attempting a fix without the right tools. One very common issue with regular flow toilets occurs when the toilet no longer flushes properly. You may stand there, pushing the flush handle over and over again, but nothing happens. This can be caused by a broken trip lever, a broken or disconnected chain, or a malfunctioning rubber stopper. The trip lever is a small plastic or metal arm that attaches to the flush handle. If the trip lever breaks or comes loose from the handle, the toilet can't flush. The chain runs from the trip lever to the rubber stopper, and can be unhooked from either part during regular use. The rubber stopper rests in the bottom of the tank, and releases the water to flush and refill the bowl at the right time. Luckily all of these parts can be purchased at any hardware store and easily replaced. Sometimes the toilet is running constantly and your water bill may double or even triple in one month. The tank contains a valve which lets in fresh water when the tank empties into the bowl. This valve is controlled most often by a small floating ball. When the ball sinks because the water is draining, the valve opens and refills the tank. If that ball breaks or disconnects from the valve, it may stay open or be unable to refill the tank. Reconnecting or replacing the ball is usually a simple task. However, if the floater breaks or detaches again right away, it is time to call a plumber. If your toilet is releasing bad odors or bubbling in the bowl, has a serious clog or is overflowing, or if the parts in the tank are breaking too quickly, it is time to call a plumbing company. They will be able to properly repair any issues that you can't handle yourself.
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