Encountering a blocked up lavatory is definitely not something most people like to come across during their daily routines. It’s a major source of inconvenience for every homeowner, and something which will have to be repaired as soon as possible. Also, should you be unlucky enough to have a working toilet that keeps running or suffering from a leak, it will waste water, help to put up your water bills, and can soon lead to an obnoxious mess. However, some cases of broken toilets aren’t that difficult to repair, and will need a few basic tools and supplies for it to be fixed.

Homework

Get familiar with just how that toilet works, and check it to see if some adjusting of the components will aid in fixing the issue. You may find that you will need tools to get the toilet working properly again. Think about using emergency plumbing services in Southampton, if you really want the problem checked out fully and dealt with.

Handles and Chains

If you have a faulty toilet handle, or one that no longer works, the problem is the chain that links the handle to the flapper. If you want to try to fix this problem, take the lid off the cistern and check out where the handle enters the cistern. If the chain is disconnected from the end of the handle, just reconnect it and that’s it. If the chain is connected and still won’t flush when you pull the handle, try shortening the chain instead. The chain might be simply tangled or twisted, and should be easy to repair by yourself.

Plunging or Snaking

Should the toilet still refuse to flush because of a blockage, try a plunger. Align the cup end of the plunger over the hole at the bottom of the toilet, and move the plunger up and down. Be warned! This may be a dirty business! If this does not help, try slipping a plumbing snake down the pipe and attempt to clear the blockage.

Flapper

The flapper may just be the culprit should the toilet keep running or filling repeatedly. Have a look inside the cistern and check if the flapper is lying flat over the hole which runs into the toilet bowl. If it isn’t, lift it and wipe the base with a small piece of cloth to clear away any build-up of minerals from the water. If the flapper looks cracked or beyond repair, simply replace it with a new one. If the flapper isn’t the problem, check the float ball in the cistern to make sure it isn’t catching against the walls.

Seat and Cover

And lastly, if you have a cracked seat or seat cover, remove the rear bolts at the back of the seat and change all damaged parts. If there are cracks in the bowl or cistern itself, you will have to replace the whole toilet itself.

Get that throne repaired and the sooner the better!