One of the most common calls we get are from customers whose toilet is not flushing properly. Often times, it is because the toilet has a blockage in it that needs to be removed. Other times, the cause is not so apparent. It could be something simple like a low water level in the tank, or the refill tube is not going into the overflow pipe. Perhaps the flapper has gone bad and is not staying open long enough for the proper amount of water to go into the bowl. Minor problems like this can usually be fixed by the homeowner.If it is a stoppage in the toilet itself, a plunger may cure the problem.
We get a lot of calls where the plunger will not do the job; in this case a “closet auger” can possibly do the job. If the grand kids have visited recently, and you’re missing a comb or a toothbrush, this is very likely the problem. Perhaps your own kids are at the age where they are fascinated by watching something go down the toilet. If this is the case, there’s a good chance the toilet will have to be removed from the floor to get the obstruction out of the toilet. This will call for a new wax ring and possibly new floor bolts.
Lastly, if the toilet is an old one, it may have a scale buildup inside the toilet that diminishes the opening for the waste to pass through. Your best bet here is to install a new water saver toilet. At Sav-On Plumbing, we are skilled in the removal of obstructions and/or the installation of new toilets. So, if you can’t cure the problem yourself, call us for a free estimate before you replace the toilet.
