Fix Toilet Problems: Everything You Need to Know

When your toilet starts acting up, it can throw your day out of whack. Whether you’re a homeowner or run a business in St. George, Inner West, or Sutherland Shire, toilet problems are never convenient. I have seen almost every toilet repair issue you can imagine. Over the years, I’ve learned that we need to fix toilet problems quickly and properly so you can save on money, hassle, and stress.

Let’s walk through the most common toilet repair problems we fix daily, and why it’s best to call in the pros rather than trying to DIY. I’ll also share some pro-tips to help you avoid issues before they start.

Running Toilet

If your toilet keeps running, it’s wasting water and driving up your bills. This is one of the most common problems we see. Usually, this happens because the flapper inside the tank is worn or the fill valve isn’t shutting off properly. Sometimes the float is out of adjustment, causing the water to fill.

What causes a running toilet?

Worn or warped flapper

The flapper is a floor-level rubber seal that rises when you flush. If it doesn’t seal properly, water constantly leaks into the bowl.

Faulty fill valve

This valve controls the water coming into the tank. If it sticks open or doesn’t shut off, water keeps flowing.

Float issues

It tells the fill valve to stop moving when the water level rises. If the float is set too high or damaged, the valve keeps filling.

How we fix it

We start by inspecting the tank components. If the flapper is old or warped, we replace it with a new one that fits perfectly. We check the fill valve’s operation and replace it if needed. We also adjust the float so the water level stays just right-usually about an inch below the overflow tube. This stops water from running unnecessarily.

Pro-Tip: If your toilet runs for just a second, then stops, or randomly runs for a few seconds throughout the day, it’s often a sign of a slow leak from the tank to the bowl. Don’t ignore it-these small leaks add up and cause your water bill to spike.

Weak or Incomplete Flush

A toilet that doesn’t flush properly can be frustrating and unsanitary. This usually happens because of a partial clog, low water level in the tank, or a faulty flapper.

Common causes

Partial blockage

Sometimes waste or toilet paper partially blocks the trap or drain line, reducing flush power.

Low water level

If the tank doesn’t fill enough, there isn’t enough water to push waste through the trap.

Flapper problems

If the flapper doesn’t lift fully or closes too soon, the flush won’t be strong.

How we fix it

We use professional tools to clear any blockages safely without damaging your pipes. We adjust the water level in the tank to ensure a full flush. If the flapper is worn or misaligned, we replace it so it seals and lifts properly.

Pro-Tip: Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste. Items like wipes, sanitary products, paper towels, and even some “flushable” wipes cause blockages and damage to your plumbing. This easy habit can keep your drains clear and prevent expensive repairs.

Leaking Toilet Base

Water pooling around your toilet base is a clear sign of trouble. The most common cause is a broken wax ring seal or loose mounting bolts. Sometimes the toilet base itself is cracked.

What causes leaks at the base?

Damaged wax ring

The wax ring keeps the toilet secure to the drain pipe. Over time, it can degrade or get crushed, allowing water to leak out.

Loose bolts

If the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor come loose, the seal can be broken.

Cracked toilet base

If the porcelain base cracks, water can leak through.

How we fix it

First, we turn off the water supply and drain the toilet. Then we carefully remove the toilet from the floor. We replace the wax ring with a new, high-quality one to ensure a tight seal. We check the mounting bolts and tighten or replace them as needed. If the toilet base is cracked, we’ll recommend replacing the entire toilet to prevent ongoing leaks.

Toilet Clogs and Blockages

Clogs are a common headache for homes and businesses alike. They happen when too much toilet paper or foreign objects block the drain.

What causes clogs?

Excess toilet paper

Using too much paper in one flush can block the trap.

Foreign objects

Items like sanitary products, wipes, toys, or even small towels accidentally flushed cause serious blockages.

Blocked sewer line

Sometimes the clog isn’t in the toilet but further down the sewer line.

How we fix it

We use safe and effective professional tools like augers (also known as "toilet snakes") and high-pressure water jets to clear out tough blockages. These tools reach deep into your pipes to remove the cause of the clog without damaging your plumbing. We never recommend chemical drain cleaners because they can harm your pipes and the environment.

Noisy Toilet (Hissing, Gurgling, or Running Sounds)

Unusual noises from your toilet often mean a fill valve problem, air trapped in pipes, or a partial clog.

Common noises and causes

Hissing

Usually a fill valve that’s not shutting off completely.

Gurgling

Air trapped in the drain pipes or partial blockages.

Banging or water hammer

Sudden stops in water flow causing pipe vibrations.

How we fix it

We diagnose the exact cause by inspecting your toilet and plumbing system. We replace or repair the fill valve if it’s faulty. If air is trapped, we check vent pipes and clear any blockages. For water hammer, we install water hammer arrestors or adjust water pressure.

Loose or Wobbly Toilet

A toilet that rocks or moves when you sit on it is unsafe and can cause leaks.

What causes a loose toilet?

Loose mounting bolts

Over time, bolts that secure the toilet to the floor can loosen.

Damaged floor flange

This flange attaches the toilet to the drain pipe and holds it in place on the floor. If it’s cracked or broken, the toilet won’t sit firmly.

Uneven floor

Sometimes the floor isn’t level, causing the toilet to rock.

How we fix it

We tighten the mounting bolts carefully to avoid cracking the porcelain. If the flange is damaged, we replace it with a new one. For minor unevenness, we use durable plastic shims to level the toilet and prevent movement.

FAQs About How to Fix Toilet Problems

Why does my toilet run for a second then stops?

This usually means the flapper is slow to close or the fill valve is adjusting the water level. It’s a small leak that wastes water and needs fixing.

Why does my toilet keep refilling every few minutes?

The fill valve keeps refilling because the flapper or flush valve is worn out or broken. This lets water leak from the tank to the bowl.

What does it mean when your toilet keeps stopping up?

Frequent clogs often mean you’re flushing inappropriate items or there’s a partial blockage in your drain line.

Why does my toilet randomly run for a few seconds?

This random running is often caused by a slow leak or fill valve cycling to maintain water level.

What is a silent leak in a toilet?

A silent leak happens when water leaks from the tank to the bowl without visible signs. You can test for this by adding food colouring to the tank and seeing if it appears in the bowl without flushing.

Why Call All Needs Plumbing to Fix Toilet Problems?

I’ve been fixing toilets for years, and I know that even simple problems can get worse fast if not handled right. While some might try to DIY, most toilet repairs require the right tools and experience to avoid making things worse. We’re here to take that stress off your plate.

We offer a $0 callout fee and provide 24/7 same-day service because toilet problems don’t wait for business hours. Plus, we give a 15% seniors’ discount to help our community, and if you need a hot water system upgrade, we’ll take $150 off your bill. When you call All Needs Plumbing, you get fast, reliable, and friendly service backed by years of local experience.

If you want to know more about how to fix toilet problems or need a hand with your toilet repairs, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re ready to help you keep your plumbing running smoothly without the hassle. Let us handle your toilet troubles so you can get back to what matters most.

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