Toilet Troubleshooting Guide
It is pretty easy to diagnose a toilet problem. The toilet operation is simple and although the same symptom can often result from multiple causes, it doesn't take much time to figure which is causing the toilet to malfunction. While toilets clogs are straightforward; noises, odors, improper flushing or filling require an extra step or two in order to make a diagnosis. In the table below, locate the symptom your toilet exhibits and then follow the instructions for the possible causes. We've ordered the list with the most likely causes and easiest to check items first.
Symptom |
Check |
---|---|
It periodically refills (or flushes) by itself |
|
I hear water running |
|
I have to jiggle the handle to make it stop |
|
It won't stop filling (or flushing) |
|
The toilet stops flushing before it should |
|
There is water on the floor, but it did not overflow |
|
The toilet bowl did not refill with enough water |
|
The toilet bowl overflowed |
|
The tank overflowed |
|
Nothing happens when I push the handle |
|
The tank does not refill |
|
The bowl is not completely flushed out |
|
I smell an unpleasant odor |
|
The toilet rocks back and forth |
|