Unclogging a toilet is one of homeowners’ most frequent and annoying problems. However, keep calm. A toilet auger, some rubber o-rings, and a little technique are typically all needed to unclog a toilet.
Why does your toilet keep filling up at random?
When you flush the toilet, several unforeseen plumbing problems might happen, such as leaks or even fluctuations in the temperature of your shower. However, typically the water stops flowing a little while after you flush. Therefore, something is wrong if the toilet turns on and off randomly.
Several simultaneous events occur when you flush the toilet. A lever that you pull causes the flap to rise. That flap covers the passage that transfers water from the tank to the bowl. The water pours into the drainage pipe and bowl when it opens. The flap then closes to seal the tank once more.
The toilet filling valve, which allows water to return to the tank after you flush, is controlled by a float in the tank. The toilet filling valve is shut off when the tank has enough water and the float has moved into position.
Solutions for a toilet running intermittently
One flush valve, flapper, or fill valve on your toilet will be the source of the issue. However, if in doubt, we advise you to replace all three (toilet rebuild kids only cost approximately $20 at Lowes). Or you could put in a completely new bathroom.
Even though it would be more expensive, this option would resolve the issue. Your fill valve needs to be changed or serviced if your tank is not leaking, but your toilet is running continuously or if water is entering the overflow tube of the flush valve.
Unclog a toilet with a drill
Try a toilet auger if a plunger is ineffective (also known as a snake). Most hardware stores sell them for between $20 and $50. Getting the cable through the toilet’s throat is the key to utilizing a drill. Turning the exercise while applying a little pressure to the thread will extend it down into the drainpipe. You should feel the auger enter the drain as you press down.
When the drill reaches the clog, apply more pressure to force a hole through the obstruction, allowing water to flow to the septic tank or sewer. The toilet and the bathtub typically share a drainage line, so if the blockage is too severe for the drill to clear, it may be pushed so far down that it clogs the bathtub. Once the toilet is removed, make sure to check the bathtub drainage.
Check leaks for your intermittently running toilet
Mark the tank’s water level with a pencil to start. The angle valve can be turned off at the wall clockwise. Wait no less than two hours. You leak your tank if the water level falls below the pencil mark. A leak indicates a broken flapper or flush valve. The fill valve is to blame if there is no leak. Check the water level after turning off the water for a few hours.
Read More: Things Every homeowner Should Know About Slab Leak Detection
What are the typical causes of random toilet operation?
There are several causes for your toilet’s erratic behavior. The flapper’s partial closing of the tank’s hole is the most likely cause. It is typically brought on by a build-up of silt or hard water minerals, as was already described.
· A flapper chain that was incorrectly installed
When the toilet is flushed, the flapper can lift and down as needed, thanks to the flapper chain. The flapper’s capacity to completely close the hole may be compromised if the chain is improperly attached, too long, or too short, leading to an occasionally running toilet.
· A Fill Valve Leak
Following a flush, the fill valve is in charge of refilling the tank. Water will continue to fill the tank if this valve is broken or leaking, keeping the toilet running. The bathroom could be randomly running due to a sluggish, intermittent leak.
· Not Enough (or Too Much) Water
A toilet may run erratically if the water level in the tank is inaccurate. One to two inches (or 2.5 to 5 centimeters) of water should be below the fill valve. It is conceivable that the off-balance will cause a “phantom flush” if it is either higher or lower than this amount.
· An inoperative toilet handle
Another possible culprit is a handle that doesn’t pop back up or sticks. The handle may spill additional water into the tank if it doesn’t return to its original position after flushing.
Remove it if the toilet is still clogged
To obtain better access to the drain, you’ll need to remove the toilet if you can’t unclog it using a plunger or an auger. It might be best to call a licensed plumber at this point. They’ll probably use an industrial drill with a steel cable longer than 100 feet. The long-reaching training can reach the main sewage line, clearing the obstruction. To remove the standing water from the bathroom, use a shop vacuum.
The steps to remove the toilet are listed below if you decide to do it independently. Disconnect and shut off the water supply. Remove the two bolts at the toilet’s base, lift them, and slide it.
