Toilet Tips & Tricks: Know When to DIY and When to Call a Plumber

The toilet issues you can fix yourself before you call the professionals. 

Your toilet is one of the hardest-working fixtures in your home, handling countless flushes every day. In a previous blog we covered the different types of toilets available for your home, today we’re focusing on practical solutions you can tackle yourself in the event that you run into toilet issues. With a few simple tools and some basic knowledge, you can diagnose and fix many common toilet problems without calling a professional plumber.

The food coloring test: your first diagnostic tool. 
One of the oldest tricks in the book and one of the first things you can do to rule out a leaky toilet bowl, is the food coloring test. The food coloring test is a simple way to check for internal leaks and get a better understanding of whether or not a leak is the issue you are dealing with. Remove the lid from the back of your toilet tank and select a darker color like red or blue. Add a few drops to your toilet tank and do not flush. Wait 15-20 minutes and inspect the toilet bowl. If the colored water appears in the bowl, you have a leak that’s allowing water to flow from the tank to the bowl continuously. This test will help you identify whether the problem lies with the flapper, fill valve, or elsewhere.

The flapper: what is it and how to replace it. 
The flapper is a rubber seal at the bottom of your toilet tank that controls water flow from the tank to the bowl when you flush. Over time, flappers can warp, crack, or build-up mineral deposits that prevent them from properly sealing, leading to a continuous water leak.

To replace a faulty flapper, first turn off the water supply to your toilet and flush to empty the tank. Remove the old flapper by unhooking the chain and lifting it off the flush valve seat. After you have removed the old flapper you will need to take it with you to the hardware store to select a replacement. Flappers are not one-size-fits-all so this will ensure you get the correct size and type. Install the new flapper by working backwards from the removal process in the steps above. You will need to make sure the chain has just enough slack to allow the flapper to seal completely when it is closed.

Cleaning the rim jets: preventing or removing clogs.
The small holes under the rim of your toilet bowl are called rim jets. These holes direct water into the toilet bowl during flushing. Since the rim jets are small they can become clogged with materials like mineral deposits, bacteria, and debris. When this occurs the flushing efficiency and water flow is reduced which can also lead to bad odors.

To thoroughly clean the rim jets, start by turning off the water supply and flushing to reduce the amount of water in the tank. Use a small mirror to locate all the jets under the rim. A small wire brush can help dislodge debris from each hole. For stubborn mineral buildup, you apply  calcium-removing chemicals like CalciSolve directly to the jets. Let the product sit for the recommended time, then scrub gently and flush several times to clear the loosened deposits.

Adjusting the float for optimum water level.
The float in your toilet tank controls when the fill valve stops adding water. If your water level is too high or too low, adjusting the float can solve the problem. For ball floats, gently bend the metal arm downward to lower the water level or upward to raise it. Some floats like the cup-style will have an adjustment screw that you can turn to change the water level. The ideal water level should be about 5/8” below the top of the overflow tube.

Checking and troubleshooting the fill valve.
The fill valve is an important component in the toilet because it controls water flow into the tank after flushing. It opens to refill the tank with fresh water when the water level decreases and then automatically closes when the water has reached its full level. To check if it’s working properly, remove the tank lid and observe the filling process after flushing. The valve should stop the water flow when the proper level is reached. Signs of a faulty fill valve include slow tank refill, continuous hissing sounds, or water that won’t stop running.

If you notice that any of these issues are happening, the fill valve may need to be adjusted or replaced. Newer fill valves may have screws or clips that can be adjusted to improve performance. If the valve is old or damaged, replacing the fill valve is the best solution to ensure it works properly and prevent the water from continuously running.

Naturally deodorizing and toilet cleaning methods.
Keeping your toilet clean and fresh-smelling doesn’t always require harsh chemicals. White vinegar is excellent for dissolving mineral deposits and eliminating odors. To deodorize your toilet with vinegar, pour two cups into the tank and let it sit for several hours. Scrub with a toilet brush and then flush. Baking soda can also be sprinkled in the bowl and around the rim jets to neutralize odors and provide gentle abrasive cleaning power. For ongoing freshness, also consider adding a few drops of essential oil to the tank after cleaning.

Recognizing the warning signs of inefficiency and leakage.
While it is possible that your toilet could suddenly break and need to be repaired, oftentimes there are warning signs that indicate your toilet needs attention. Here are a few things to be on the lookout for:

• Phantom flushing occurs when your toilet suddenly refills as if it’s been flushed, usually indicating a slow leak from the tank to the bowl.
• Constant running suggests the fill valve isn’t shutting off properly or the flapper isn’t sealing correctly.
• Water around the base could indicate a failing wax ring seal, which requires more extensive repair.
• Slow tank refill often points to a clogged fill valve or low water pressure.

When to call in the professionals.
While these DIY fixes can solve many common toilet problems, some issues will require professional attention. If you discover cracks in the porcelain, need to replace the wax ring, or run into trouble with a faulty toilet flange, it’s time to call a qualified plumber.

Regular maintenance using these tips will keep your toilet functioning efficiently and help you avoid costly emergency repairs. Remember, a little prevention and early intervention can save you significant time, money, and frustration down the road. If you are dealing with toilet issues that cannot be resolved with one of the DIY methods above, or you would like to get a professional opinion, contact one of our Blue Chip Plumbing specialists here or give us a call today at (513) 999-6820 to get a free quote.

Question & Answers

1. How can I tell if my toilet has a hidden leak?
   You can use the food coloring test to check for internal leaks. Add a few drops of dark food coloring to the toilet tank and wait 15–20 minutes without flushing. If colored water appears in the bowl, you likely have a leak between the tank and the bowl.

2. What does a toilet flapper do, and how do I know if it needs replacing?
   The flapper controls water flow from the tank to the bowl during a flush. If your toilet runs continuously or you hear water trickling, the flapper may be warped or cracked and should be replaced.

3. Why is my toilet flushing weakly or making strange noises?
   Clogged rim jets could be the culprit. These small holes under the toilet rim can get blocked by mineral deposits or debris, reducing water flow and flush power. Cleaning them with a wire brush or calcium remover can restore performance.

4. How do I adjust the water level in my toilet tank?
   You can adjust the float to change the water level. For ball floats, bend the arm slightly. For cup-style floats, turn the adjustment screw. The ideal water level is about 5/8” below the top of the overflow tube.

5. When should I call a plumber for toilet problems?
   Call Blue Chip Plumbing if you notice cracks in the porcelain, need to replace the wax ring, or have issues with the toilet flange. These repairs are more complex and often require expert tools and experience.