5 Essential Plumbing Parts to Get Your Toilet Working Again

A malfunctioning toilet can be a major inconvenience and cause frustration in any household. However, before calling a plumber and spending money on repairs, it's important to understand the different parts of your toilet and how they work. In this blog, we'll discuss the top five plumbing system parts you might need to get your toilet working again.

Flapper

The flapper serves as a rubber valve positioned at the tank's base, regulating the water flow from the tank to the bowl. Flushing your toilet triggers the flapper to rise, enabling a surge of water into the bowl that initiates a siphon effect to eliminate waste efficiently. If your toilet is constantly running or not flushing properly, it could be due to a worn out or misaligned flapper. Replacing this inexpensive part can often solve these issues.

Fill Valve

The fill valve, commonly referred to as the ballcock or float valve, plays a crucial role in replenishing the tank with water following every flush. It works by opening when the water level in the tank drops and closing when it reaches a certain level. If you notice your toilet is not filling up properly after flushing or making strange noises while filling up, it could be due to a faulty fill valve. This part can easily be replaced with a new one from your local hardware store.

Flush Handle

The flush handle is what you use to initiate the flushing process by lifting up on it. Over time, this handle may become loose or even break off completely due to constant use. If this happens, you will need to replace it with a new one that fits your toilet model. Make sure to turn off the water supply before attempting to remove and replace the handle.

Wax Ring

The wax ring is a circular wax seal that sits between your toilet base and the floor drain pipe. Its purpose is to prevent any water or sewage from leaking out of the base of your toilet. If you notice a foul odor or water pooling around the base of your toilet, it could be due to a worn-out wax ring. This part will need to be replaced in order to prevent any further damage.

Tank Bolts

Tank bolts, also known as tank-to-bowl bolts, are responsible for securing the tank to the bowl of your toilet. Over time, these bolts may become loose or even rusted, causing leaks and instability in your toilet. Replacing these bolts with new ones can help fix any leaks and ensure that your toilet is securely attached to the bowl.

In conclusion, understanding the different parts of your plumbing system is essential when trying to fix a malfunctioning toilet. The five parts discussed in this blog are just some of the many components that make up a toilet and may need replacing over time. By knowing how these parts work and what signs to look out for when they need replacing, you can save yourself time and money on unnecessary repairs. However, if you are unsure about how to replace any of these parts or continue experiencing issues after replacement, it's best to call a professional plumber, such as Universal Plumbing, for assistance.