A toilet that overflows or leaks needs quick action
If a toilet is overflowing, lift the tank lid and push the flapper closed, or turn the supply valve behind the toilet clockwise to stop the water. If it is leaking at the base, shut the same valve and put a towel around the base. Then call.
Our 24/7 line takes toilet emergencies. A toilet that will not stop running can waste a lot of water and raise your bill, so it is worth a call even if it is not flooding.
Common toilet problems and what usually causes them
The cause usually shows in the symptom.
| Problem | Usual cause | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Runs constantly. | Worn flapper or fill valve. | Replace the part. |
| Weak flush. | Clogged rim jets or a partial blockage. | Clear or descale. |
| Water at the base. | Failed wax ring or flange problem. | Reset the toilet with a new seal. |
| Wobbles on the floor. | Loose bolts or damaged flange. | Tighten or repair the flange. |
| Tank sweats or drips. | Condensation or a cracked tank gasket. | Replace gasket or tank. |
| Gurgles after flushing. | A partial drain clog. | Drain cleaning. |
Several of these are simple repairs. Others point to a hidden problem under the floor.
Toilet overflowing?
Close the supply valve and call. The line is open 24/7.
What happens on a toilet repair or install visit
The goal is a toilet that flushes well and stays dry at the base.
- 1
Stop the water and diagnose.
The plumber shuts off the supply, checks the tank parts and the seal, and tests the flush.
- 2
State the price before work.
Repair parts and install work are priced clearly before anything begins.
- 3
Repair, reset or replace.
Small parts are swapped. A leaking base means pulling the toilet to replace the seal and check the flange.
- 4
Test and check the floor.
The plumber flushes several times and checks the base for moisture. Rotten subfloor, if found, is explained.
When a new toilet makes more sense
Often a repair is enough. Sometimes the toilet itself has reached the end.
Repair is a good fit when
- The porcelain is intact and only parts are worn.
- The toilet is a reasonably modern, efficient model.
- The problem is the flapper, fill valve or seal.
- You like the toilet and it fits the space.
Replacement is a good fit when
- The bowl or tank has cracks.
- The toilet is very old and uses far more water per flush.
- Repeated clogs trace to the toilet design.
- You are remodeling and want a different height or style.
If you are installing a new toilet as part of a remodel, see plumbing installation.
Hard water, pressure and toilet wear in Roy
Weber Basin reports hardness of 10 to 18 grains per gallon for the water it supplies to Roy and nearby cities. Mineral deposits can clog rim jets and make a toilet flush weakly, and deposits can keep a flapper from seating, which makes the toilet run. A vinegar soak can help on some rim jets, but heavy scale needs a plumber.
The city's water plan describes delivery pressure of 60 to 90 psi. High pressure wears fill valves faster than you might expect. If you replace fill valves often, test the pressure at an outdoor spigot, since a regulator may solve the larger problem.
Small steps that avoid a larger repair
A toilet is simple, but small problems grow.
- Do not ignore a running toilet, since it wastes water and signals a worn part.
- Add a drop of food coloring to the tank. If color shows in the bowl without flushing, the flapper leaks.
- Never force a loose toilet, since cracking the porcelain turns a repair into a replacement.
- Use a plunger sized for toilets, not a sink plunger.
- Keep a small toolkit and a spare flapper for quick fixes.
What decides the price of a toilet job
Insurance may cover sudden overflow damage but not a worn seal. Photograph the area before cleanup.
Related fixtures and drains
A toilet that clogs again and again may need drain cleaning beyond the bowl. If the fill valve keeps failing, the faucet and valve page explains how pressure wears small parts, and a remodel that moves the toilet belongs under plumbing installation. We serve Ogden as well.
Questions about toilet repair and installation
A worn flapper, a misadjusted fill valve or a chain that is too tight are the usual causes. The plumber tests which part is responsible and replaces it.
It can be. A failed seal lets water reach the subfloor, which can rot over time. Stop using the toilet and call. Early action protects the floor.
Yes. We install standard, comfort height and wall-hung toilets, and we check the flange and supply valve at the same visit.
Lift the tank lid and push the flapper down, or close the supply valve behind the toilet. Then call if the water does not stop or the drain is blocked.