"Repairman, Juan, did an awesome job of repairing my toilet. He was very polite and pleasant to be around. I would highly recommend Juan from Home Defense Plumbing. He was awesome!!!!"
The normal water level in a toilet bowl is about halfway full. The water should sit above the P trap drain because this creates a seal and suction. When you flush the toilet, the suction keeps sewer gases from entering your house through your toilet. Anytime the water level is higher or lower than half full, you need to make adjustments or replace broken parts.
If you notice water leaking down the side of the bowl or tank and you don’t notice any cracks in the porcelain, the odds are that it’s condensation. If you notice water around the base of the toilet, this points to a leak. Check for loose bolts. A sewage odor may also indicate a broken toilet flange.
Some of the problems with in-wall toilets include the complex installation, which might need extra framing. It is also more difficult to access the toilet tank for maintenance or troubleshooting because it’s behind the flush button panel and in the wall. Over time, you’ll spend more on maintenance because you’ll need a plumber to work on hidden plumbing.
You definitely can over-tighten toilet tank bolts. Unlike some other materials, porcelain can’t bend or flex, so when you over-tighten a screw into it, it could break against the added pressure. Only tighten them as much as needed to keep them in place and firm; any more and you could risk breaking the porcelain.
If you decide to replace the toilet flapper yourself, the only cost will be buying the new flapper for around $5 to $17. You can also hire a plumber or handyperson to take on the job instead, in which case you’ll pay an hourly rate for labor plus the cost of parts. Handypersons charge $50 to $150 per hour, while plumbers cost $45 to $200 per hour. This repair might take less than an hour for your pro, but note that many providers have a minimum rate for a house call.
The Mullen, NE homeowners’ guide to toilet services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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