Many people think that carrying out toilet tank repair is a very difficult task. However, with some easy-to-know steps, you can effortlessly execute this task as a DIY project.
Most toilet problems are issues that are related to the toilet tanks. When it comes repair, there are many people who have a misconception that this work has to be done only by a professional plumber and not anyone else. However, it is surely possible for a homeowner to do this with some simple guidelines regarding problems.
DIY Toilet Tank Repairing
The main advantage of doing the repair task yourself is that you can save some amount of money that would otherwise have to be given to the plumber as labor costs, which cover up a majority of the overall expenses of the project. In addition, the tools and equipment needed in the procedure would also not cost you much, and are easily available at your nearby home improvement centers. Before you set out with the repair and troubleshooting process, it is suggested that you stop the water supply by simply turning the valve beneath the back of the toilet.
Common Problems and Solutions
One of the most common problems of a toilet tank is that it runs at intermittent intervals. If this is the problem, then there are possibilities that the flapper or flush ball is dirty or has worn out. If hard water is being used in the toilet, there are chances of dirt in the water or calcium deposits settling down at the base of the tank. This deposition of tiny dirt materials does not allow the flush ball or flapper to fix appropriately with the flush valve seat, which ultimately becomes a reason for intermittent operation of the toilet.
For troubleshooting this problem, you just need to clean the dirty flush ball or the flapper. Lift up the parts and clean the deposits using a small brush. Fix them as they were, and check if the problem is resolved. If the issue still persists, then it is possible the parts are used excessively and are worn out or bent, which is preventing them to seal with the flush valve seat. If it is so, then you need to get the parts replaced.
Another common problem is a leaking tank. There are different locations from where the tank can leak. Some models may have a flexible water hose which is clipped on using plastic clips. The hose can come loose from the clip, and start spraying water which may come out of the back of the tank, giving you a feeling that the tank is leaking. If this is the problem, you have to fix the hose to the clip back again. As mentioned above, you should necessarily cut the supply of water to the tank. In the procedure to repair a toilet tank, bolts and nuts are also to be tightened, but just ensure that they are not tightened too much. If they are worn out, it is better to just replace them.
Leaks can also be present in the location where the tank and the bowl are connected. Normally, toilet sets come in two pieces, which can be installed together perfectly using bolts. But if there is even a little movement during the installation process, it can lead to a leakage. To stop the leak, you can try fastening the bolts properly. If this does to solve the issue, it is recommended to get a new toilet. There are also chances of the tank getting a crack, which may allow the water to leak out. If you want to repair cracks, purchase epoxy glue, follow the instructions of using it, and apply it to where the leak actually is. If the glue still does not work, then you need to buy a new tank.
These are some of the most common problems that are found in toilet tanks. By now you should have realized that toilet tank repairing is not that hard as you thought it was. If you are still not sure about carrying out the procedure yourself, you can always take help from a professional plumber.