Top Tips for Fixing your Toilet

For most of the time, your toilet will never suffer any faults. But it’s worth knowing the basics about repairing your toilet in case something does happen.

The chances are you have a few toilets scattered around your home, in various bathrooms and ensuites, so it pays to be in the know.

Let’s take a look at three of the most common faults you can expect with your toilet, and tips on how to fix these.

How to replace the float

Inside the cistern of your toilet, you’ll find a float. If water somehow gets itself inside this then it’ll need replacing, otherwise the toilet won’t function correctly. It’s pretty easy to replace this float though and first you’ll simply need to unscrew it from the arm. The replacement can then be screwed into its place. For your own information, it’s worth knowing that the water level shouldn’t be more than 12mm below the overflow pipe.

toilet flushing
Image via Pinterest

How to fix a non-flushing toilet

If your toilet bowl isn’t emptying properly then one of the common issues is a blockage. However, this isn’t always the reason so it’s worth knowing other ways you can fix it.

Ensure the main water supply is switched on and has the correct volume and water pressure. You may find a tap or knob located near the toilet which allows more or less water to flow through the pipes.

Also bear in mind that not all toilets are designed to completely empty the pan. If some water stays behind it might not necessarily be a problem, and it could simply be for economical purposes.

How to clear a blockage

As we have already mentioned, one of the reasons for a toilet fault could be from a blockage somewhere in the pipe network. Often an obstruction is found in the S bend where the base of the toilet connects to the stench or waste pipe. Using a plunger is one way to clear the blockage, but is only really successful with small obstructions.

If you suspect a larger blockage, then a high-pressure burst of air could be the solution. There are specialist tools that can do this, and you can also call out a plumber to help remove the blockage too.

How much will a plumber charge?

It depends on the problem with your toilet, but expect around £60-£100 to fix most problems with your loo.

Need a plumber now? Click ‘Start my Project’ to enter your details and get a plumber ASAP.

Cost

Approx. £70-£100

To fix/unblock a toilet

Time to complete

1-2 hours

To fix/unblock a toilet

Cost

Approx. £65-£85

To replace faulty ball valve in toilet cistern

Time to complete

1 hour

To replace faulty ball valve in toilet cistern