We don’t think much about a certain home fixture that we use every day, a humble spot where we can sit and read a magazine in peace and quiet without intrusion while we take care of certain daily physical needs. Yes, we are talking about the toilet, the hard-working throne of that castle we call home! For the most part, this home necessity functions fine without much fuss, but like anything, troubles can develop over time!
There may well come a day when things don’t go down the way we had planned, leaving us flushed and frustrated due to the lack of a proper flush! When this happens we can simply call for toilet repairs in Melbourne, and when the plumbing pros have finished their work we can relax in the confidence that our toilet is once again ready to continue its daily duties.
Every homeowner must deal with some toilet troubles now and then, but proper maintenance can prevent it from being a regular occurrence. Let’s examine some of the most common problems our toilet faces so we know what to expect.
Phantom Flushing – Every now and then you might hear your toilet flush on its own when no one is using it! Don’t worry, you don’t need to call the Ghostbusters, this common problem is caused by a slow leak of water dripping from the tank into the bowl. Eventually, the bowl fills up, leaving the tank empty enough that it triggers the toilet to react with a flush. This problem is most commonly caused by a malfunctioning flapper.
Tank Water Drip – In a manner similar to the dreaded phantom flush, water drips in the tank can cause a disturbing hissing noise. This is caused by a leak in the supply line coming from the home’s water source. This fairly common occurrence is generally caused by faulty equipment. It’s likely that the ballcock, inlet fill valve, refill tube, or float have worn out and need to be replaced or repaired.
Slowly Draining Bowl – You flush the toilet, then watch in dismay as the water goes down the drain painfully slowly, a frustrating occurrence, especially when other family members are impatiently waiting for their turn on a busy morning! This problem usually stems from the hidden output holes around the toilet’s rim becoming clogged over time.
Clogs – It’s going to happen eventually. Some nitwit relative visiting for the holidays is going to try to send an entire roll of toilet paper along with a few cotton swabs and a box of matches down your poor toilet, and it’s not going to be able to finish the job! Don’t blame it, it tried! Try the plunger first, but if that doesn’t clear things up you will need to try an auger or a pipe snake, and not everyone has those on hand. This is one where you are going to need to make a call for professional help, and hope they work on holidays!
Leaky Seals – The seals between your toilet and the bathroom floor protect your home from water damage, and are necessary for the toilet to function. While generally designed to last, these seals will inevitably deteriorate, and eventually, a leak will develop. If you suspect a leak, try putting some brightly-hued food colouring in the tank and bowl to trace the source, then call your plumber!
If you are having toilet troubles that can’t be resolved quickly, here is where you can find the Australian National Public Toilet Map so you will know where to go to find some temporary relief! It’s all part of the official National Continence Program, and we aren’t kidding, it’s a real thing! We hope this article helps you and your toilet to enjoy many happy flushes to come.
