Toilet Problems

When I push the toilet handle, nothing happens. Why?

This happens when the linkage between the flush handle and the flush valve becomes disconnected inside the tank. Lift the tank lid and inspect the flush handle and all the connections to the flapper at the bottom of the tank. Make sure they are all attached and try flushing again.

What do I do when my toilet clogs up?

Don't continue to flush once you see that the toilet is stopped up. This "contaminated" water may damage the flooring and walls if it spills over. Try plunging the bowl six or seven times to see if you can relieve the stoppage. If this doesn't work, turn off the water to the toilet and call your plumber.

Why do I have to jiggle the handle after flushing to stop the water from continuing to flow into the bowl?

The flush valve flapper is getting hung up on something. Don't jiggle the handle the next time this happens. Lift the tank lid off and see what is causing the flapper to not sit down properly. Usually it is hung up on the chain or being held by the float ball. If it is hung up on the chain, just shorten the chain a little bit, and this will usually do the trick.

The float ball can usually be adjusted to not go down as far by a screw setting at the linkage arm from the float rod to the ballcock. Do not bend the rod to lift the ball to a higher position because this will directly affect the water level when the tank is full. Don't buy a flapper that hasa plastic or rubber line attached. The type with the chain made up of small metal balls is better by far.

Why does the toilet make a trickling sound all the time?

A leaking flush valve, allowing water to pass through the tank into the bowl, may cause this problem. If this is the case, you will hear the toilet start filling all on it's own from time to time. This is because as the water leaks in to the bowl, the tank level drops and the toilet thinks it has been flushed, so it re-fills itself.

If the flush valve leaks the flapper must be replaced and the seat it sits on cleaned thoroughly. If that doesn't work it may be the fill valve. If this is leaking you will see water coming up over the overflow tube and dripping into the tank. Lift up very lightly on the float rod and ball. If the water stops running, then this is the problem.

Hold the rod tightly near the ballcock and bed the rod downward very slightly; too much pressure will break the rod. If neither of these work, shut off the water to the toilet and call your plumber.