Toilets are essential fixtures in homes. Aside from being inconvenient, if your toilet malfunctions, your home can quickly become unsanitary. As such, you should handle toilet repairs at the first sign of trouble, whether it's on your own or through a professional. Look for the telltale signs listed below that indicate the need for repairs. 

When to Call for Toilet Repair

1. Constant Running

Toilets are designed to stop water from streaming in continuously after filling up the tank. If your toilet keeps on running, there’s a high chance you’re consuming more water than usual. This problem translates to gallons of wasted water and a sudden spike in your water bills. Try to shake the flapper or fill valve slowly to stop the water. If nothing happens, more extensive repairs are needed, which may require replacing certain parts of the system.

2. Leaking

Similar to running, a leaking toilet translates to wasted water and costly bills. Keep in mind that leaks aren't always a result of faulty wax seals or broken flanges — they can also come from fractures and cracks in the porcelain.

3. Frequent Clogging

Occasional clogging of the toilet is normal, but when it happens more frequently than usual, there may be a blockage that lies deep inside your drain. Overflowing is a consequence of a continuously running toilet, but it can also indicate that there are problematic clogs. If a plunger and homemade remedies don’t dislodge the clog, have a toilet repair expert resolve the problem.

4. Fails to Flush

With repeated flushing, the mechanism and the components inside the tank tend to wear out over time. It’s not unusual to spot a loose chain, dislodged screw, broken arm, or damaged flapper valve — if any of these parts are not functional, the toilet won’t flush correctly. 

5. Signs of Corrosion

Apart from cracks on the porcelain, pay attention to other symptoms of toilet damage like rust and corrosion. Some parts are made of metal, which can get rusty over time. While these components can be replaced, ask a plumber if they notice excessive corrosion, which could require installing a new toilet.

If your toilet isn’t working like it should, get in touch with the professionals at Withamsville Winnelson for help. Located in Cincinnati, OH, they have provided customers with top-notch plumbing products, such as parts, plumbing tools, water heaters, and sump pumps, since 1997. Call (513) 753-1121 to speak to a representative or browse their inventory of plumbing parts for toilet repair online.