Common WC Problems & Solutions!

London is densely populated and often encounters its fair share of WC and plumbing problems. From leaky toilets to clogged drains, these toilet repair issues can disrupt daily routines and cause annoyance. However, with a basic understanding of these problems and some simple troubleshooting techniques, many of them can be resolved without needing professional intervention.

In this blog post, we'll look at some of the common toilet problems faced by Londoners and provide practical solutions to repair them.

Common Toilet Problems and How To Troubleshoot Them

✅ Leaky Toilet
Promptly addressing a leaking/ overflowing toilet is crucial to prevent damage to your flooring. Since the leak may involve wastewater, it is advisable to wear protective clothing when cleaning contaminated waste.

Fix:
To resolve this issue effectively, follow the steps provided below:

• Check the water supply pipework line. Are all the connections tight?
• Inspect the toilet tank and replace faulty components, such as the flapper or fill valve.
• If the leak continues, it could be necessary to get the assistance of a professional plumber to identify and address the underlying cause.

✅ Clogged Toilet
When a clog or partial obstruction occurs, it hinders the proper flushing of water. In households with young children, there is a possibility that toys or other objects have been flushed down the toilet. Additionally, flushing non-biodegradable items like paper towels, sanitary pads, wipes, and other similar materials can lead to toilet clogs. Therefore, it is important to refrain from flushing anything besides paper and poo (the two P'S), even if an item is labelled as "flushable."

To address existing clogs and prevent future blockages, consider the following steps:

Fix:
To resolve this issue effectively, follow the steps provided below:

👉 Use a plunger:

When it comes to minor toilet clogs, a plunger is a highly effective tool for dislodging the blockage. To ensure that the plunger is effective, make sure it covers the WC drain opening tightly. By forcefully plunging up and down, the plunger creates suction to unblock the toilet. If the clog isn't cleared immediately, repeat the plunging process several times until the blockage is removed.

👉 Employ a toilet auger:

For more stubborn clogs that cannot be cleared with a plunger, you can use a toilet auger, commonly referred to as a "plumbing snake". Insert the auger's flexible cable into the toilet drain and rotate the handle to break or remove the blockage.

👉 Practice preventive measures:

Educate household members, especially children, about what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet. Place clear reminders near the toilet to reinforce these guidelines. Additionally, consider installing child-proof toilet locks to prevent accidental flushing of inappropriate objects.

If the clog persists or you encounter more complex plumbing issues, it is advisable to seek assistance from a professional plumber to ensure proper resolution and maintain the integrity of your plumbing system.

✅ Weak Flushing
If you encounter a clogged or slow-flushing toilet, it is often attributed to a blockage or issues with components such as the flush handle, flapper (it seals the flush valve and ensures water only flows out during flushing), lift chain, or water level. Dealing with a weak flushing toilet can be frustrating as it may not efficiently clear the waste. To enhance the flushing capability, consider the following steps:

Fix:
To resolve this issue effectively, follow the steps provided below:

• Check the water supply pipework line. Are all the connections tight?
• Inspect the toilet tank and replace faulty components, such as the flapper or fill valve.
• If the leak continues, it could be necessary to get the assistance of a professional plumber to identify and address the underlying cause.

✅ Constant Running Water
A continuously running toilet, where water constantly flows into the fill tank, not only wastes water through the drain but increases cost if the water is metered.

To rectify this problem, follow the steps outlined below:


Fix:
To resolve this issue effectively, follow the steps provided below:

• Check the flapper (it seals the flush valve and ensures water only flows out only during flushing) valve to ensure it properly seals the flush valve. Adjust or replace it if needed.
• Examine the float ball or fill valve mechanism. Adjust or replace these components to regulate the water level.
• If the issue persists, it might be due to a faulty fill valve, and professional assistance may be required to replace it.

✅ Phantom Flushes
Phantom flushes can be a perplexing issue where the toilet unexpectedly refills as if it has been flushed. To tackle this problem effectively, consider the following steps:

Fix:

👉 Inspect the flapper valve:

Carefully examine the flapper valve for any signs of damage or misalignment. If identified, adjust or replace the valve as necessary. Ensuring proper alignment is crucial to prevent unwanted water flow.

👉 Check the chain length:

Evaluate the chain length connecting the flapper valve to the flush handle. Verify that it has the appropriate amount of slack. If the chain is too taut, it may inadvertently trigger a flush. Adjust the chain length accordingly to prevent unwanted flushes.

👉 Address the fill valve:

If the problem persists despite the flapper valve being OK and having adjusted the chain, there may be an underlying issue with the fill valve. It is advisable to seek professional assistance at this stage. A qualified plumber can examine the fill valve and make the necessary adjustments or replacements to resolve phantom flushes.
✅ Movement

To address a loose WC, the flange is likely positioned higher than the floor level, which can strain the wax seal and cause it to leak over time.

To resolve this issue, consider implementing the following solution:

Fix:

👉 Stabilise the toilet:

When it comes to your WC, stability is key. A wobbly toilet can be a nuisance and a potential safety hazard. Fortunately, there's an easy fix. Placing plastic shims underneath your toilet's base can eliminate the rocking motion and provide much-needed stability.

👉 Caulk the base:

Apply a bead of waterproof caulk around the perimeter of the toilet base to provide an additional support layer and prevent water leakage.

👉 Tighten the bolts:

Carefully tighten the bolts at the toilet's base. Be cautious not to overtighten, as it may cause damage to the porcelain WC.
✅ Leaks at the Base of the Toilet
If you see water collecting at the toilet's base, it indicates a water leak that requires repair attention. If this problem isn't fixed, it can result in water damage and potential structural problems. To repair leaks at the toilet base, follow these steps:

Fix:

👉 Confirm the source:

Carefully inspect the area around the base of the toilet to locate the leak's origin.

👉 Tighten the bolts:

Check the bolts at the toilet's base. Using a wrench, gently tighten them, but be cautious not to overtighten and risk damaging the WC.

👉 Replace the donut washer:

If tightening the bolts doesn't resolve the leak, the rubber donut washer between the tank and pan has likely deteriorated.

To replace the washer, follow these steps:

- Close the water supply to the toilet by turning the valve clockwise.
- Empty the tank and bowl by flushing and then using a sponge or towel to remove any remaining water.
- Unscrew the bolts and carefully lift the toilet straight up, not damaging the floor or the plumbing.
- Remove the damaged donut washer and thoroughly clean the flange and toilet base.
- Install a new donut washer onto the flange, ensuring it is centred properly.
- Carefully lower the toilet back onto the donut washer, aligning it with the bolts.
- Tighten the bolts evenly until they are watertight.
- Turn on the water supply, refill the tank, and flush to check for any remaining leaks.

👉 Seek professional assistance:

If the leak persists after replacing the donut washer, or if you're unsure about performing the repair yourself, it's advisable to consult a professional plumbing repair service. They can assess the situation and provide expert guidance and assistance. Whether it's a new installation service or a repair service you need, our team is here to help. We've got you covered, from bowl drain repairs to tank heating issues. So, let us take care of your plumbing needs.
✅ Loose Flush Handle

A loose flush handle occurs when the handle becomes loose or detaches from the rest of the valve assembly.

Typically, there are two solutions to rectify this problem:
Fix:

• Reconnect the lift wire or lift chain:
• Examine the connection between the lift arm and the flapper. If the lift wire or lift chain has become disconnected, carefully reconnect it. Ensure that it is securely attached to restore a full flush.

By implementing either of these solutions, you can effectively resolve a loose flush handle for optimal work performance. If in doubt, always refer to the manufacturer's instructions. If you face any difficulties or if the problem continues, you should consult a professional plumbing service for further assistance.

Seek Professional Support

If you require assistance with toilet repairs, installations or heating services, our professional team of experts provides exceptional services throughout London. Whether you need your bowl, tank or drain repair, we offer reliable and affordable services to meet your needs. At serviceteam Ltd., our professional plumbing engineers are available 24/7 for all your WC requirements.