In the interest of saving money, it’s always tempting to try and take on “Do It Yourself” projects. Some plumbing jobs are fine to figure out by yourself and could save you from an unnecessary service call. When it comes to your toilet, there are some jobs you can do yourself and some that are best left to a professional.
Prevention is better than cure
There are actions you can take to minimize issues with your toilets. Make sure toilets are cleaned on a regular basis and only flush toilet paper. Any paper products thicker than toilet paper can cause blockages in your drains (yes, even the “flushable” wipes).
Check if you are in a hard water area, as water softeners can help to prevent limescale forming on pipes that can result in leaks and other issues. Check your area for water softener restrictions.
If you suspect your toilet is leaking, then it is best to call in a plumber to check, instead of attempting a DIY toilet repair. If it is a minor issue that needs to be fixed, this is better than having to call them out for a more serious emergency later on.
If you’re a Total Home Care Club Member, you can use your plumbing inspection, which includes a leak test on all of your toilets!
Blocked Toilets
Provided that the blockages are not too serious, it is possible to use commercial draining products or other methods to remove blockages that are preventing water flow in your home. Before using any draining product, start by pouring hot water down the toilet or plug, as this could clear the blockage. If this and draining products don’t work, use a plunger or a wire hanger to try and clear away whatever is causing the blockage. If all your attempts fail, then definitely call your Full Nelson Plumbing Expert!
If your toilet is overflowing, then shut the water off immediately and give us a call.
Running Toilets
Have you ever heard your toilet running? You can try to fix this problem by adjusting the flush valve inside the toilet’s water tank. If this DIY toilet repair still doesn’t work, then it is best to call your plumbing expert. It may save your water bill too!
When to call in a professional
It’s a good idea to have regular plumbing inspections to ensure your toilet(s) and the rest of your plumbing is in good working order. Annual maintenance can prevent the need for more expensive repairs down the road.
While it helps to figure out some problems yourself, when you are not sure what to do, definitely call in a professional plumber. Our experts are here to help 24/7!
