Toilets on the Naughty List: Tips to Get Your Bathroom Holiday-Ready
The holiday season often means lots of house guests. The last thing you want to deal with during this busy time is a plumbing emergency. Here are some tips to make sure your bathroom is ready for the holidays!
What To Do for a Stirring Toilet
If nothing is stirring, not even a mouse, but all you can hear is your toilet running, it’s time to make a fix. A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water or more every day, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. That’s a lot of holiday cash that could be spent on gifts!
Toilet leaks can be caused by a decayed or broken flapper, which is the rubber piece inside your toilet’s tank that lets water flow from the tank to the bowl. That seal can fail, allowing water to seep into the bowl. It could also be misaligned over the flush valve. Luckily, the flapper is inexpensive and fairly easy to replace.
If the flapper is fine, the problem could be that the water level in the tank is too high and must be adjusted. The overflow tub may also be cracked or damaged. Repairing or replacing an overflow tube is a more complicated repair and should be completed by someone with plumbing experience.
Over time, your toilet’s flush lever—the part of the toilet that activates flushing inside the tank when a user presses down on the lever on the outside of the tank—can get bent or broken. This can create a problem with the flapper. The lever uses a chain to lift the flapper. That chain can also deteriorate or get trapped under the flapper. Replacing the lever and the chain is an easy fix.
How to Prevent a Plumbing Halloween Horror
A clogged toilet is quite a fright when you have a house full of guests. Make sure your toilet is flushing properly before you’re facing a scary scenario. Here are some things you can do to make sure to get a good flush:
- Clean the underside of the toilet rim with vinegar and a small wire brush to clear any blocked inlet holes that allow water into the bowl
- Check the tank’s water level is aligned with the refill line and adjust using the float valve
- Remove flushable wipes and provide a trashcan in the bathroom so guests are not tempted to flush anything but toilet paper
How To Fix a Soppy Surprise
It goes without saying that toilet water should be in the bowl and the tank—not around the base of the toilet. If you notice water along the floor of the toilet, it’s best to call a plumber who can assess the situation. It may be a simple issue with the wax ring, but it could be a larger issue that needs more attention.
Choose Neffsville Plumbing for Plumbing Repairs in South Central Pennsylvania
When you have a home full of guests, you really don’t want to deal with toilet trouble. The experts at Neffsville Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Services understand the panic of a plumbing emergency. Our professionals are available to troubleshoot your plumbing problem or inspect your plumbing system.
Contact us online or call (717) 625-1000 today to request plumbing repair services in Lancaster and York County, PA.