Plumbing 101: Toilets

Do not flush paper towels, tissues, or other waste in the toilet. Throw those in a trash can lined with a plastic bag (then take the bag out for easy clean up). *** Never mix chemicals or use drain cleaners in your toilet. ***

If you hear water running, even before you flush the toilet, then something is not set correctly or the rubber drain plug is worn out. This problem needs to be fixed since it can increase your monthly water bill. Not to mention it is annoying to listen to.

Lift off the lid and look inside. The open pipe in the center of the tank is called the flush valve or fill valve. It is where the water drains out.

Lift the floating ball (known as a ballcock). If the water stops running, you need to adjust the setting of this ball. The ball is set to stop the flow of water when the water level reaches a certain point. Tigthen the screw connecting the ball and the holder. If the screws are already tight, try to slightly bend the rod holding the float ball to see if that works. Otherwise, you will need to buy a new ballcock and install it.

If the filler tube and the float ball are all secure, the problem is with the rubber drain cover (known as a flapper). The flapper might be worn or not covering the drain correctly. If you need to replace this flapper, you will probably need to adjust the chain connecting it to the handle since the right amount of slack is critical to proper flushing.

Unfortunately, if you still have problems, your flush valve might be broken or incorrectly sealed. To verify the problem is this valve, shut off the water supply to the toilet and watch the tank drain. Replacing this valve requires removing the tank bolts which can be a real pain, so I recommend calling your friendly maintenance man for this task.

Problem: Toilet Overflows

If the toilet overflows and gurgles when you are using the washing machine, dish washer, or shower, then your main pipe is clogged. Call the maintenance man immediately! Shut off whatever you had running (shower or washer). Do not flush the toilet since that will not help. If you know where the main drain connection is outside your apartment, open it open to allow the flooding water to drain outside.