5 Common Toilet Problems (And Their Causes). Like it or not, things go wrong with toilets in St. Louis. You can follow all the rules: Don't flush any solids, clean it weekly, close the lid carefully, etc. But no matter how hard you try, it will still have issues sometimes.
Toilet problems are a part of life for homeowners in St. Louis. At Signature Plumbing, we've seen a wide variety of toilet issues and know that not all of them are simple fixes. For today's post, we're outlining some toilet problems you may have experienced and what to do about them.
On this page, you will learn about:
- 5 common toilet problems in St. Louis and the reasons behind them, including:
- When a toilet problem needs a professional plumber.
- Answers to St. Louis' frequently asked questions about toilet repairs.
- How to schedule plumbing services for your toilet today.
If you're having any of these toilet issues, or a different one entirely, we're here to help. Speak with a plumber now at (636) 742-2533 or schedule service online.
5 Common Toilet Problems in St. Louis, and Their Causes:
Sometimes, it can feel like there are infinite possible issues with your toilet. However, most of the time, they fall into one of the five following categories. Here are five common toilet problems our plumbers have seen in St. Louis, and their causes:
Slow Filling Toilet Bowl
- Pay attention to how long it takes for your toilet to fill up after a flush, and track if it's taking longer than average.
- This can be caused by a blocked valve that isn't letting water through, or one that needs to be replaced.
- This can also be caused by blocks or leaks further up your pipes. If this is the case, you should call a St. Louis plumber for water line repairs.
Constantly Running Water
- Problems with either the bowl or the filling mechanism can result in constantly running water.
- For bowl: A crack or leak could be draining water out, preventing it from filling, and causing the valve to stay open.
- For the filling mechanism: This time, a valve might be stuck open or worn out to the point where it doesn't close properly.
Frequent Clogs
- Single clogs are normally nothing to worry about, but if clogs keep coming back, you should call a plumber for assistance.
- Repeated clogs can just be a sign of age, and an indicator that it's time for a toilet replacement.
- In more serious cases, you could need sewer line cleaning if there is a blockage further down your pipes.
Backups Without a Clog
- Backups without a clog can occur unexpectedly, and can be noticed if you see sewage coming up into your toilet bowl.
- This is often the result of an issue somewhere beyond the toilet, likely with the plumbing stack or sewer line.
- Also be sure to watch out for a persistent foul odor around your toilet.
Leaks
- Leaks are always a serious problem – look out for water on the ground around your toilet, and where it originates.
- In the best-case scenario, it's just a loose valve or fitting that needs to be tightened.
- A medium-level issue is a worn base seal, which would need to be reapplied.
- The most serious toilet problem is a crack in the bowl, which lets water out and requires a full replacement.
When to Call a Professional Plumber for Toilet Problems
If DIY solutions like a plunger or resetting the internals fix your problem, that's great! Otherwise, you should consider calling a professional plumber. This is especially true for any cracks, recurring clogs, or water flow issues beyond a valve blockage. Here's why you need to call:
- Cracks: Cracks are, unfortunately, permanent damage to your toilet. You'll want professional help to replace the part, or perhaps the whole unit.
- Recurring Clogs: Because recurring clogs are a sign of a deeper problem, you need a professional plumber to accurately diagnose the issue.
- Major Water Flow Issues: Major water flow problems probably require extensive work, and, like above, depend on a plumbing expert to find the root cause.
Our toilet repair and replacement services can handle any toilet problems you encounter in St. Louis. If you need a whole new toilet, a drain cleaning, or something in between, Signature Plumbing can provide expert assistance.
St. Louis Toilet FAQs:
When does a toilet need to be replaced?
A toilet needs to be replaced if it's over 20 years old, if it is cracked, or if it needs constant repairs.
What happens when a toilet stays clogged for too long?
When a toilet stays clogged for too long, harmful bacteria will begin to grow there, potentially followed by mold and mildew. You also raise your risk of the toilet overflowing.
How much do toilet repairs typically cost in St. Louis?
It depends a lot on what the issue is, and can range from $75 for simple repairs to $300+ for complex cases. $200-$250 is a good rule of thumb.
Should I use chemical drain cleaners to clear my toilet?
No – chemical drain cleaners can provide temporary help, but often corrode the internals and pipes of your toilet. They often lead to bigger issues down the line.
Where do most toilet leaks come from?
The most common places toilets leak are in the water supply line connection and the seal at the base of the toilet. Each of these is an easier fix compared to leaks from a cracked bowl.
What is the most common toilet repair?
The most common toilet repair is clearing a clog, whether in the toilet itself or deeper down the line.
What is the average life expectancy of a toilet?
Most toilets will last 15-20 years before needing a replacement.
When does a clog need a professional plumber?
A clog needs a professional plumber when:
- DIY solutions don't work,
- Sewage is backing up in multiple appliances, or
- The clog keeps recurring.
You can learn more on the web page below: When a Clog Needs a Professional Plumber.
For Solutions to St. Louis Toilet Problems, Call Signature Plumbing
Signature Plumbing provides experienced, professional plumbing services to the greater St. Louis area. Our plumbing contractors know how to handle all of the most common toilet problems, and can help you with identifying the causes and solutions.
We are:
- Licensed master plumbers and drainlayers
- Fully bonded and insured
- A team with over 15 years of experience
- Locally owned and dedicated to St. Louis homeowners
If you have a cracked, clogged, or otherwise broken toilet, give us a call at (636) 742-2533 or tell us about your issue online. We'll be ready to help you fast.