We use toilets every day. They’re one of the few constants in our life besides death and taxes. So it’s reasonable to say that everyone will experience a toilet problem at least once in your life.
If you’re reading this you might be experiencing a toilet problem right now. Toilet problems are common and they’re annoying. The good news is they can usually be fixed with simple problem-solving skills.
Tinkering in the tank can go along way, as can using a plunger.
Occasionally, the problem is much larger than what we can fix on our own and an expert needs to help. An expert will likely diagnose and fix the problem quickly, however, it will cost you. Plumbing services aren’t cheap!
In this article, I highlight the most common toilet problems that homeowners will face. I’ll also share a few tips that that can get your toilet back in shape. If you’re experiencing one of the problems on the list, know that there are 1000’s of people experiencing the same problems every day.
Most Common Toilet Problems
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Clogged Toilet
A clogged toilet is all too common. Did you know that some people will experience more clogs than others? It depends on the amount of toilet paper you use and it depends on the size of your, ahem, waste (I knew a big guy in college that was notorious for backing up toilets).
Of course, it also depends on the age and condition of your plumbing.
Most clogs that you experience will occur in the trap area of the toilet. The trap is a curved area within the toilet. After passing connects to the house pipes.
A clog in the trap will slow down the flush (slow flush) or it can stop your ability to full altogether. Sometimes a double flush is enough to clear it out, other times you’ll need a plunger to push the clog through the trap. Make sure you’re using the correct type of plunger for a toilet (many people use the wrong kind).
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Overflow Toilet
An overflow occurs when there is a serious clog and water isn’t able to push through. Instead, water goes the opposite direction and overflows into your bathroom.
This is a terrible thing to occur if you’ve got a full toilet of waste. It makes a mess and the smell can last for a long time (a thorough cleaning is required).
>> should you use pumice stone to clean your toilet
If a plunger doesn’t do the trick, a toilet snake should help. A toilet snake can reach the trap and break up the clog.
If the clog is deeper in your pipes, a toilet snake won’t work (at that time it may be time to call an expert). 
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Running Toilet
Of all the problems on this list, a running toilet is probably the most common. Running toilets are often ignored and it’s unfortunate because it wastes a lot of water and it costs homeowners a lot of money.
The problem with a running toilet is it can occur from multiple reasons. It usually a result of:
- Old flapper
- Chain caught under the flapper
- Overflow
These fixes are really easy and can be done by any homeowner. Check out my article on fixing a running toilet.
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Chipped or Cracked Tank Lid
The lid of a toilet tank is thin and brittle. A bump can easily break the porcelain lid and it’s not something you can fix.
If you chip or crack the lid of the toilet tank you can create your own using wood, or you can look up the specific toilet model and order a new one. The large toilet brands like American Standard, Toto, and Kohler have replacement tanks, bowls, and lids that can be ordered.
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Toilet Bowl Ring
Toilet bowl rings are unsightly and annoying. They build up over time and they’re hard to get rid of.
You might consider pouring hazardous chemicals down your toilet, or you might scrub vigorously to no avail. If your old toilet bowl has a ring around it, don’t worry, it can be fixed with a little planning.
My favorite trick is vinegar and a pumice stone. It works well to remove the ring in your toilet bowl and you don’t have to worry about breathing chemicals with ingredients you can’t pronounce.
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Loose Toilet Seat
A loose toilet seat is common but it’s super easy to fix. It’s strange, but most people will ignore a loose toilet seat and put up with it for far too long.
Toilet seats attach to your bowl using 2 screws. On newer toilets, the screws are made to be hand-tightened (you won’t even need tools). Tighten those screws and get your seat back into a firm, secure position.
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Weak Flush
If your flush is weak, it means that water isn’t moving down the pipes at a high speed. There’s likely a clog. If there’s no reason for a clog, then there might be something further down in the house pipes.
Over time, especially with old pipes, tree roots can grow into pipes and hair and debris can get caught in the pipes. These items can make the water move slowly. If your toilet is flushing slowly, it’s wise to consider having a plumber come and check your pipes. They can put a camera down the pipes to make sure it’s clear.
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Incorrect Water Level Height In The Tank
Did you know you can adjust the water level in your tank? It’s a relatively easy process and it can save you money or stop a toilet from running into the overflow.
If you set the water level in a tank too low, the power of the flush will be limited. Set the water level too high, and it will constantly overflow (causing running).
Find an ideal water level for your needs but also make sure it’s high enough to flush large amounts of waste.
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Dirt and Dust Around The Base Of The Toilet
You’re not alone if you hate cleaning the outside of the toilet. While toilets look classy and clean, but they show dust and dirt easily. On certain toilets, dust, hair, and dirt tend to gather on the base of the toilet where it connects to the floor. It’s a headache to bend over and clean. The more crevices on a toilet the more effort it takes.
Newer toilets offer a full skirt around the base of the toilet. The full skirt shows no crevices and keeps dust from accumulating around the base of the toilet. Toilets with full skirts look much better than the old traditional models. They are modern and sleek.
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Tank Fills Slowly
Earlier we mentioned the problem of a slow/weak flush. But what if the tank itself fills slowly?
Tanks get their water from the water line (a metal hose that connects to the toilet from the wall). There is a valve on that water line and occasionally the valve can be turned off.
If your tank is filling slowly, try opening the valve by turning it to the left (counterclockwise). It is usually turned off when people are working on the toilet.
Conclusion
We use toilets a lot so it’s understandable that we’ll encounter a few problems in our lifetime.
A toilet might seem like a confusing technology, but it’s simple and there aren’t many parts to it. Most toilet problems will be ones you can fix on your own. These include:
- Running toilet
- Simple clog
- Broken tank lid
- Slow filling tank
Other problems might occur because of old pipes. You might have to call a plumber to take care of the issue. They also have handy tools like a camera and snake that can clear your pipes.
Thanks again for reading another Toilet Travels article. The information I provide is dedicated to dumps large and small, worldwide. Visit the homepage for more fun and interesting articles!