Troubleshooting a Problematic Toilet

If there is one area of the bathroom, and perhaps the entire home, that sees the most attention of the plumber it has got to the toilet. Considering how easy it is to figure out what the major problem of a toilet is, it really leads one to ask why people don't do it more often. When troubleshooting a problematic toilet, all you really need to do is keep in mind these guidelines.

• Check the water lines. One of the first places that you should look at when troubleshooting a problematic toilet is the water lines. Quite often the supply line will deteriorate over time, and as a result will end up creating a leak. When you do this, it also means that you should look at where the line meets the tank and the wall as those are the areas that typically see the most damage.
• Look at the tank. As long as the supply line is working alright you will need to look at the tank itself. Look carefully to ensure that there are no cracks, chips, or dings in the tank that could allow some water to leak out. An easy way to tell if there is a leak or not is to run your hand over the tank and feel for any water.
• Don't forget the bottom. When you are looking at the tank, you really need to remember to look at the bottom of the tank as well. For some reason, this particular part of the tank is often overlooked. Just as when you look at the rest of the tank, you should simply run your hand over it. If you notice any rough spots, or wet spots, take a closer look.
• Look at the base of the toilet. One area that you really need to look at and inspect closely is the base of the toilet. If the seal is in any way damaged you can easily find yourself with a leak, or other potential problems.
• Watch the water flush. Not all toilet problems are found along the exterior of your toilet. You absolutely must take a look at the water when it is flushed to see how it runs. If it is running slowly, then chances are very good that you have a clog or some other obstruction in the pipes that needs to be taken care of.
• How is the ball float? Another common reason for toilet problems is that the ball float is not working correctly. Check to make sure that the lever is oiled and working properly. In addition, lift up the leaver (and thus the ball float) and watch to see what happens when the plug is opened up. If everything is working properly then the tank should refill without any problem.

When you are able to identify where the problem is located, you will then know what to work on. Each of the problems listed here typically have their own unique methods or ways of fixing them. Most of these methods are fairly easy, and will only take you a few minutes (at most) and a few dollars to do the repairs. That is, if you are willing to do the work yourself.