A toilet problem is one of the most aggravating things that can happen in a home. Here are a couple of commonly experienced Drexel Hill toilet problems and some simple fixes you can try. If you find that these don’t work, give Tommy Feehan at Feehan Plumbing & Heating a call at (610) 795-9327 to schedule a service appointment as soon as you can.
Water does not get into the bowl quickly enough
Take off the cover of the tank and look at the flush valve as you turn its handle. Does the valve stay open long enough for most of the water to exit the tank when you let go of the handle? If the flapper (or flush ball, if you have one) closes too quickly, make sure the chain has just enough slack to let the flapper or ball close. If the chain is too long the valve won’t open far enough, and won’t stay open long enough to let the water exit the tank. If the problem still exists, then replace the flapper or ball.
Rim and jet holes are clogged
Tiny objects can get into the jet channel or rim of the bowl and cause a clog, which is a big Drexel Hill toilet problem. First, take a small hand mirror and look at the rim holes as you flush to see how much water gets through them an into the bowl. Sometimes, mineral deposits from the water can clog these holes. Also, something from inside the tank can get into the rim channel and cause a clog as well.
If you see grayish mineral deposits, they can be dissolved. Turn off the water to the toilet, flush to clear the bowl, then dry the bowl and rim as much as you can. Cover the jet hole and all rim holes with duct tape – the heaviest duct tape you can find. Pour white vinegar into the tank’s overflow pipe. The longer the vinegar stays in the channels, the better your chances of it being able to soften the minerals.
Once the minerals have softened, ream out the holes with a small pick. Put your hand in front of the jet hole to test it. Turn the water back on, flush, and see if a strong stream of water is getting into the bowl.
There is an old trick that has been used for years that says you can put a brick in the tank of the toilet to save water. But this really isn’t that good of an idea. The brick can disintegrate, causing crumbs to clog the holes by washing into the channel of the bowl. If enough crumbs clog the channel, you may even have to replace the bowl. If you are trying to save water, take a plastic milk jug and fill it with gravel to keep it from floating and put that in your tank.