Four Common Toilet Problems
Love them or hate them they are one fixture that must work every time! Unfortunately, the function of the toilet can and does change. We have found that the following four issues are the most common toilet problems.
1. Clogged Toilet
Toilet clogging happens for many reasons and is much more frequent in homes with older plumbing systems as a result. The best way to deal with this is by using a plunger and some drain unblocker. However, this all depends on what is causing the issue in the first place.
For severe blockage, the toilet may need to be taken up to allow for a sewer scope of the piping to look for blockages. More modern homes have plumbing cleanouts to allow for investigation without removal of the toilet.
However, if the clog is inside the toilet itself, a plumbing snake can usually free the clog.
If a home inspector spots that a toilet is clogged, this will be noted as a defect, and they will likely ask for you to see an opinion of a professional plumber.
2. Toilet Continuously Running
Similarly, if the toilet is continuously running and is wasting water in the house, this will also be noted as a defect that needs attending to. The excess running of water makes your home susceptible to leaks and places your plumbing system under excess stress, not to mention the negative effect it has on the environment and your water bill.
Often a continuously running toilet is due to a flapper that is not sealing properly inside the tank. This is a relatively easy repair for most homeowners.
3. Toilet Tank Leaking
Toilets have two main parts; the base and the tank. The tank is bolted to the base and have proper seals to prevent leaks, for instance. If you notice water coming from the bottom of the tank and the bolts are rusted, it’s time to change the hardware and seals.
4. Loose Toilet
Whether caused by age or use, toilets will eventually become loose at the base and leak. Toilets have a wax seal that sits between the flange and the base of the toilet. If your toilet is loose at the base, it’s time to replace the seal and reset the toilet. Left unrepaired, a leaky toilet seal can rot out the subfloor under the toilet.
Repairing a loose toilet is a relatively easy job provided the floor is solid, however, if you’re uncomfortable doing it you should call a plumber. It’s important to replace the bolts when you reset the toilet to ensure a secure fit.
Top toilet brands
As Home Inspectors, we need to familiarize ourselves with the most common brands. Each brings its own uniqueness to the industry.
1. American Standard
2. Toto
3. Kohler
4. Duravit
5. Niagara Conservation
6. Saniflo
7. Gerber
8. Eago
9. Cotto
Additional Home inspection Blogs can be found here.
What problems are commonly found with toilets during a Home Inspection?
The four most common problems found with toilets during a Home inspection are: Clogged toilets, toilets that are continuously running, toilet Tanks that are Leaking, and loose toilets
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Last Updated on 4 years ago
