Out of all the things that can go wrong in your day to make your mood turn, using the bathroom and then realizing the toilet won’t flush might be one of the most infuriating and embarrassing. We get it—it can be a downright mortifying situation, especially if you share the bathroom with other people! But you aren’t alone; this is a common problem, and luckily, there are simple solutions.
And a toilet that won’t flush isn’t the only potential peril you can face in the bathroom! In this guide, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about diagnosing and fixing common toilet problems.
Let’s get to the bottom of why your toilet won’t work and fix it together—so you can go back to using the bathroom in peace.
Page Contents
Tools Needed To Fix a Toilet
If you’re planning on fixing your toilet yourself, you’ll need a few basic items to get the job done. There are three tools that will come in handy for almost any repair:
Adjustable Wrench
You’ll need an adjustable wrench for almost any possible toilet repair scenario. From simple tasks like loosening bolts to fully removing the bowl or tank, an adjustable wrench will be your go-to. As its name suggests, this tool can be adjusted to whatever size you need, making it a versatile tool for a variety of toilet parts.
Longnose Pliers
Longnose pliers are another useful tool to have on hand when repairing your toilet. When it comes to handling small and delicate components like chains and clips, a good pair of longnose pliers will get the job done without causing damage. Since chains are often part of a toilet tank’s flush mechanism, longnose pliers are a must-have.
Thick Pliable Wire
Thick pliable wire can be very useful when it comes to short-term repairs for a toilet. For instance, if you’re dealing with a broken toilet seat, you can simply thread a length of pliable wire through the bolt holes to quickly and easily reattach the seat. If you’re hoping to implement short-term fixes to hold you over until you have time to repair a bigger issue, thick pliable wire can be a huge asset.
Other Tools You’ll Need
In addition to the Big Three we discussed above, there are a few other tools you’ll find helpful. Consider having these on hand as you work on your repairs:
Plunger
Often called a plumber’s best friend, the plunger is an indispensable tool when it comes to fixing a toilet that won’t flush. Having a quality plunger by your side can help you get rid of stubborn blockages, so add one to your toilet repair arsenal. Check out our article on plungers to find out what type you need.
Toilet Auger or Snake
A toilet auger or snake can help you power through very stubborn clogs, so consider picking one up for your toilet repair needs. This tool has a learning curve and must be used properly to avoid damaging your toilet, so use it with caution.
Odds and Ends
It might not come as a surprise that toilet repair can be a wet job. You’ll want to have a supply of old towels and rags on hand to soak up any spills and a bucket to catch excess water. You’ll also want to disinfect your toilet before beginning work, so have your favorite bathroom cleaner by your side. Don’t forget to wear gloves while working!
Extra flappers, washers, and other small replacement parts are also a good addition to your toolbox. If you’d like to try your hand at a DIY drain cleaner, you’ll need baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap. A cup can help you adjust the water level in your toilet bowl as needed. For some toilet repairs, scissors or a utility knife can come in handy. Don’t worry—we’ll list the items you’ll need within each step-by-step section throughout this guide.
Safety-First Checklist
Turn Off the Water Supply
Attempting to repair a toilet without first turning off the water supply is a recipe for disaster—it carries a big risk of water damage and flooding. Regardless of what type of toilet repair you’ll be making, your first step should be to turn off the water supply. It also has the added bonus of eliminating wasted water.
You can turn off the water supply by shutting off the valve located near the base of the toilet or by turning off the main water supply to your home. Read our full guide if you are having trouble turning off your water valve.
Preparing Your Workspace
Repairing a toilet can get messy, so prepare your workspace before you start. Have a supply of old towels and rags on hand to clean up any splashes or overflows to prevent slips and falls. Keep your tools organized and within reach to make your job easier.
Diagnosing and Fixing Common Toilet Problems
Before you attempt to fix your toilet, you need to identify the problem. Take a look at the common issues below and make your diagnosis. Once you know what you’re up against, follow the step-by-step instructions to tackle your toilet problem.
My Toilet Won’t Flush
Stuck with a toilet that won’t flush at all? There are a few common causes for this frustrating experience.
Not Enough Water in the Tank
Your toilet flushes by forcing water from the tank into the bowl. If the tank water level is low, or if there is no water in the tank, the toilet won’t flush.
There are a few ways to check your toilet’s water level. First, many toilets have a water level mark inside the toilet tank—take off your tank lid and check on the side of the tank or by the overflow tube. The water level should be at or slightly below this mark. If your toilet tank doesn’t have a mark, the water should be 1 to 2 inches below the top of the overflow tube.
Finally, take a listen. If you hear your toilet water running constantly or frequently, you may be dealing with a low water level.
How to Fix It
- Check the water supply. A toilet’s water supply valve, located behind the toilet, controls the water level. Make sure this valve is completely opened by turning it counterclockwise. If the valve wasn’t fully open, opening it should allow the tank to fill with water and flush properly. If this doesn’t fix your issue, remember to turn the water supply back off before moving on to the next steps.
- Raise the float. Remove the toilet tank lid and take a look at the float. The float’s position determines the maximum water level, so if your float is too low, your water level will be too. To raise a float ball, bend the rod upward. For a float cup, turn the adjustment screw or clip. Turn the water supply back on to see if your tank fills appropriately.
- Inspect the fill valve and overflow tube. Check the fill valve and overflow tube for damages or clogs, and clean or replace them as necessary. Reconnect the water supply and observe the water level to ensure it’s adequate.
Check our guide about fixing a slow-filling toilet tank for more information on this issue.
Broken or Damaged Flapper
The flapper is a rubber device at the bottom of the toilet tank that controls water flow from the tank to the bowl. It also closes the flush valve opening when the water in the bowl is sufficient. A broken or damaged flapper is another common occurrence that can lead to a toilet that won’t flush. If your flapper is no longer in working order, you’ll need to replace it.
Completing this simple task on your own saves you from having to shell out your hard-earned money on plumbers’ fees. Check out our full DIY guide about replacing a rubber flapper—in the meantime, here’s a quick rundown. You’ll need a new flapper for this project.
How to Fix It
- If you haven’t done so already, turn off the water supply.
- Flush the toilet to drain the tank.
- Remove the tank lid and set it aside.
- Remove the old flapper by unhooking it from the flush valve and disconnecting the chain.
- Install the new flapper by attaching it to the flush valve and connecting the chain to the flush lever arm.
- Turn the water supply back on and allow the tank to fill.
- Test the flush to make sure your new flapper works properly and put the tank lid back on.
Problems with the Chain
Flushing a toilet works like this: You push on the flush lever (also called a flush handle), causing the connected chain to pull on the flapper and release water from the tank into the bowl. Sometimes this chain becomes loose or disconnected, preventing the toilet from flushing.
How to Fix It
- Make sure your water supply is turned off.
- Drain the toilet tank by flushing the toilet.
- Take off the tank lid and put it aside.
- Inspect the chain to see if it’s loose, disconnected, or damaged.
- If the chain is loose: Adjust the length by moving the hook to a different chain link. You want the chain to have a little slack when the flapper is closed but not so much slack that it hinders the flapper’s movement.
- If the chain is disconnected: Simply reattach it to the flush lever and flapper.
- If the chain is broken: Time to hit the hardware store for a new chain. Remove your old chain by unhooking it from the flush lever and flapper, and hook the new one in its place.
- Turn the water supply back on and let the tank fill with water.
- Give the toilet a test flush to make sure the chain operates the flapper correctly. If it does, replace the tank lid.
My Toilet is Completely Clogged
A totally clogged toilet can be a nightmare, especially if your home only has one bathroom. Thankfully, a clogged toilet is usually fairly easy to resolve with a plunger or other specialty tools. However, there are other problems that can disguise themselves as clogs, and these require their own solutions. Whatever your toilet’s issue, we’ve got you covered with instructions on how to get things moving again. 
Using a Plunger
When you think of unclogging a toilet, a plunger is likely the first tool that comes to mind, and for good reason—they’re both simple and effective. It’s a smart idea to keep a plunger on hand for blockage emergencies.
It’s important to remember to submerge the plunger cup completely, allowing it to fill with toilet water, before plunging. After you’ve placed the plunger over the drainage hole, give it a few gentle pushes to force out any remaining air bubbles. This eliminates any trapped air, creating a strong suction that helps force out the blockage. Pushing too forcefully right away may prevent a tight seal from forming, making the plunger less effective and risking the splashback of dirty water. Once you’ve done a few gentle pushes, you can then use more force to clear the blockage.
All plungers aren’t created equally! Read our complete DIY guide on choosing a plunger and plunging a clogged toilet to learn all you need to know.
Wait, What About Drain Cleaners?
You may have heard of using drain cleaners to unclog your toilet—because they’re fast-acting and easily eat through blockages, they are one of the more commonly recommended methods of unclogging a toilet. But these corrosive chemicals can be bad news for your health—and your toilet pipes!
Dish soap and simple hot water are also great alternatives to traditional drain cleaners. To use dish soap, pour ¼ to ½ cup directly into the toilet bowl and allow to sit for half an hour. Use your plunger and flush the toilet. If using hot water, heat your H2O until it’s hot (but not boiling—this could damage your toilet!), pour directly into the toilet drain, and let sit for a few minutes. Plunge and flush as normal.
Using a Toilet Auger or Snake
Still stuck with a clog? It might be time for a heavier-duty tool. A toilet auger or snake is a tool made of a long, metal cable with a coiled end operated by a handle or crank. It can easily maneuver through a toilet’s bends and curves to obliterate even stubborn clogs. It may be a bit more complicated to use than a plunger, but its ability to unclog a blocked toilet is unmatched. Make sure you use care when operating this tool to avoid scratching your toilet. Here’s how to use a toilet snake.
What You’ll Need
- Toilet auger or snake
- Towels
- Bucket
How To Do It
- Place the coiled end of the toilet auger into the toilet bowl and guide it into the drain.
- Turn the handle of the toilet auger to the right to direct the cable through the toilet’s bends. When you feel resistance, congratulations—you’ve found your clog.
- Turn the handle a few more times and move the toilet auger back and forth until you’ve successfully hooked or broken up most of the clog. The goal isn’t to hook the entire clog—it just needs to be broken up into pieces that are small enough to flush.
- Crank the handle to the left to bring the cable back up. Dump any pieces of the clog into your bucket, using towels to clean up any spilled water.
- Flush your toilet. If the clog still persists, you can repeat the previous steps to continue breaking up the clog, flushing again after you finish.
Help! My Toilet Still Won’t Flush
When a toilet won’t flush, many people assume a clog is to blame. However, if you’ve ruled out a blockage, your problem might lie with the flush lever or flushing components themselves. If you’re still having problems flushing your toilet, don’t panic!
Run through this quick checklist instead. 
What You’ll Need
- Adjustable wrench
- Replacement flush lever (if needed)
- New chain (if needed)
How To Do It
- Visually inspect the flush lever, looking for looseness or signs of damage. If it’s loose, you can tighten the nut by hand or with an adjustable wrench (note: this nut is reverse-threaded on most toilets, meaning that you’ll turn it counterclockwise to tighten it). If it’s damaged, you’ll need to replace it.
- Press the lever to flush the toilet, noting if the movement is smooth and if it returns to its original position after being pressed. If the handle won’t come back up or is stuck, it needs to be replaced.
- Remove the tank lid and check all tank components. You want to be sure the handle is connected to the flush lever arm and chain or rod. Ensure all nuts and bolts holding the handle in place are tight and secure. Tighten them with your adjustable wrench as needed. Check the lever arm for any obstructions—it should move freely. Remove any debris or foreign objects obstructing the lever arm. If it’s misaligned and bumping against the sides of the tank, carefully bend it back into place so it can move properly.
- Check the chain for damage or tangles; untangle or replace as needed. Also ensure the chain isn’t too loose or too tight, adjusting as necessary—there should be just enough slack to allow the flapper to fully lift when the flush handle is pushed.
- Push down on the flush handle and observe the flapper to see if it operates correctly. If it’s broken or warped, you’ll need to replace it. Take a look at the Broken or Damaged Flapper section above for a step-by-step guide.
If your toilet still won’t flush after attempting all of these methods, it may be time to call a professional. A plumber can quickly get you out of your sticky situation!
My Toilet Won’t Stop Running
Is a toilet that won’t stop running after you flush keeping you up at night—literally? It can be an annoying issue, and many people don’t know what causes their toilets to run constantly. If you’re experiencing this issue with your toilet, there are several possible reasons. Let’s take a look at how to fix a running toilet.
Faulty Flapper
A damaged or broken flapper can prevent a proper seal after flushing, meaning your toilet tank will continue to leak water into the bowl, causing it to run constantly. If you suspect this to be the case, remove the toilet tank lid, set it aside, and push down on and release the flush handle. If the flapper doesn’t return to its proper position, you may need to replace it. See our Broken or Damaged Flapper section for how.
A tangled, broken, or improperly tightened chain can also prevent the flapper from closing as it should. Inspect the chain for any of these issues, untangling, replacing, loosening, or tightening as needed. Check out the Problems with the Chain section for more detailed instructions.
A loose flush handle or lever arm can also cause problems with the flapper, preventing it from closing properly. Read through the Help! My Toilet Still Won’t Flush section for guidance on fixing this issue.
Float Fumbles
Another issue that can cause a running toilet is a float that’s too high, stuck, or malfunctioning. A float that’s too high can allow water to constantly overflow into the overflow tube, causing the fill valve to keep running. A stuck or malfunctioning float can prevent the fill valve from shutting off, resulting in that unmistakably annoying sound of trickling water.
How you’ll adjust your float will depend on what type you have: a float ball (a ball attached to a metal or plastic arm) or a float cup (a small cylinder that slides up and down the fill valve shaft).
- Adjusting a Float Ball: Adjust it by carefully bending the arm. For a constantly running toilet, you’ll want a lower water level, so bend the arm downwards to keep the float ball in a lower position.
- Adjusting a Float Cup: Locate the float cup attached to the shaft of the fill valve and look for its adjustment screw. It is typically located on top of the fill valve or on the side of the float cup. Lower the float cup by turning the screw clockwise. Some float cups have an adjustment clip rather than a screw. If you don’t see an adjustment screw, look for a clip that fits snugly around the fill valve shaft. There should be a tab or lever that will unlock the clip when pressed, allowing you to slide it up or down to adjust the water level. Slide it to a lower position to reduce your water level.
You can move a stuck float ball back into the correct position by gently bending the arm. If it’s tangled in the chain, carefully untangle it. If your float cup is stuck due to debris, use a cloth to clean it to ensure it can slide up and down the fill valve shaft freely.
Now it’s time to test your work. Turn your water supply back on and give the toilet a test flush. Watch the toilet tank fill up with water and observe the water level. You want the water level to be about 1 to 2 inches below the top of the overflow tube.
Leaking Fill Valve
If your fill valve is broken or worn, it can begin to leak water into the tank continuously, resulting in your water-flow woes. Debris stuck in the fill valve can make it unable to close properly, allowing unneeded water to escape. If debris is your problem, simply clean out the fill valve.
Have a damaged or broken fill valve? You’ll need to replace it. Don’t worry—they can be purchased for a reasonable price at any hardware store. Here’s how.
What You’ll Need
- Bucket
- Towel or sponge
- Adjustable wrench
- New fill valve
- Pliers (if needed)
How To Do It
- If you haven’t already, shut off your water supply and remove the toilet tank lid.
- Flush the toilet to drain the tank as much as possible. Use a towel or sponge to soak up any water that remains after flushing. Wring the water out into your bucket as needed.
- It’s time to disconnect your water supply line. Find it outside on the bottom of the toilet tank. You should see a nut here; loosen it by hand or with your adjustable wrench. Tip: Place your bucket or a towel underneath to catch any water that spills out.
- Remove the old fill valve by unscrewing the locknut that secures it to the tank. You’ll find the locknut inside at the tank’s base. Use your wrench or pliers to help. Set the old fill valve aside.
- Now it’s time to install your new fill valve. Put it in the old fill valve’s place, push down gently to ensure a proper seal, and tighten the locknut with your wrench or pliers.
- Reconnect the water supply line and tighten the nut outside the tank.
- Follow the instructions included with your new fill valve to adjust its height to fit your toilet. The top of the fill valve should be about 1 inch above the top of the overflow tube.
- Turn your water supply back on, allow the tank to fill completely, and observe the water level. Adjust it as needed by moving your float ball or cup up or down accordingly.
Check our fill valve replacement guide.
Overflow Tube Troubles
If your overflow tube is too short or broken, it can allow water to flow into it continuously and prevent the tank from filling up properly. The constantly escaping water means your toilet will keep running until you replace the faulty overflow tube.
Here’s what to do
- Make sure you purchase a new overflow tube that’s the correct height for your toilet. The overflow tube should be tall enough to prevent overflow but not so tall that it towers over the fill valve—the fill valve should sit above the overflow tube by about 1 inch.
- Shut off your water supply and take off the tank lid.
- Detach the flapper by disconnecting the chain or lift arm from the flush lever.
- If your toilet’s fill valve is obstructing the overflow tube, you’ll likely need to remove it before proceeding. Follow the steps in the Leaking Fill Valve section above for instructions on how.
- Unscrew the locknut attaching the overflow tube and flush valve assembly to the toilet tank—the locknut can be found at the bottom of the tank.
- Remove the entire flush valve assembly along with the old overflow tube.
- Place the new overflow tube into the flush valve assembly, making sure it’s aligned correctly and securely.
- Reinstall the flush valve assembly into the hole at the bottom of the tank. Tighten the locknut on the outside of the tank.
- If you removed the fill valve in Step 4, reinstall it now. Remember that the top of the fill valve should be about 1 inch above the top of the new overflow tube.
- Reattach the flapper to the flush handle by using the chain or arm. The chain should have just enough slack to allow the flapper to seal properly.
- Turn the water supply back on and allow the tank to fill. Check for leaks around the new overflow tube and fill valve, and adjust the water supply as needed.
- Test your work by flushing the toilet. The water level should be just below the top of the overflow tube, there should be no leaks, and—best of all—your toilet should stop running constantly!
Check the Refill Tube
If your refill tube is damaged, or if it’s disconnected or improperly aligned with the overflow tube, it will constantly pump water into the toilet bowl, meaning your toilet will keep running.
Here’s how to handle a damaged or worn refill tube:
- Shut off the water supply and take the lid off the toilet tank.
- Flush the toilet to remove excess water from the tank.
- Check the placement and condition of the refill tube. It should be clipped onto the top of the overfill tube rather than inside it. Look for any kinks, damage, or clogs in the refill tube.
- Adjust the refill tube to the correct position. It should rest just above the top of the overflow tube, directing water into it but not siphoning water out. Secure the refill tube into the correct position by using the clip provided.
- Turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet. If your toilet stops running after the tank fills up, well done! You’ve successfully fixed the issue.
Other Causes of a Running Toilet
If you’ve investigated the causes above and are still stuck with a toilet that won’t stop running, there are other possible reasons to consider.
Mineral buildup can be a big problem in places with hard water. It can lead to an ever-running toilet by obstructing the flow of water or by building up around the flapper and fill valve, preventing them from closing properly. Luckily, mineral buildup is easy to address with regular maintenance. Here’s how to identify and address this problem.
What You’ll Need
- White vinegar
- Small brush or old toothbrush
- Small tub for soaking parts (if needed)
- Pliers (if needed)
How To Do It
- Turn off the water supply, take off the toilet tank lid, and flush the toilet to drain the tank.
- Check for signs of mineral buildup throughout the tank and on or inside tank components. It often looks like white or rust-colored crusts.
- If you find mineral buildup, you’ll want to remove it. Focus on the flapper and surrounding areas, the fill valve, the flush valve, and other parts where deposits are obstructing the flow of water. The acidity of white vinegar makes it a simple and effective remedy for mineral deposits. Apply vinegar directly to the buildup, let it sit for at least 30 minutes, and then scrub the deposits with a small brush (a toothbrush works great for this—just make sure it’s one you don’t mind retiring from your oral care routine!).
- After your parts are clean, turn the water supply back on. Allow the tank to fill with water, and listen. If you can no longer hear the constant trickle of water, you’ve solved your problem.
Note: A short soak in vinegar may not be strong enough to remove stubborn buildup. If Step 3 doesn’t solve your problem, you may need to remove the affected tank components and clean them outside of the tank. To do this, use pliers as needed to unscrew any affected parts, remove them from the tank, and place them into a tub. Pour in enough vinegar to cover the parts, let them soak for several hours, and then scrub them clean. If the parts are covered with mineral deposits after this, they may be beyond help. You might need to replace them.
Loose or damaged bolts and gaskets securing the toilet tank to the bowl can also be the culprit of a running toilet by allowing tank water to constantly escape. Fortunately, the fix for this problem is fairly straightforward—simply tighten or replace any loose or broken bolts or gaskets.
If you’re still hearing a drip-drip-drip, it might be time to call a professional. A plumber can help you solve your leaky toilet problem quicker than you can flush!
Fixing a Slow Filling Toilet
Is a toilet that takes forever to fill slowing you down? Slow filling toilets can be just as irritating as ones that keep running after flushing, but thankfully, this is a common issue that’s easy to fix on your own.
Although the exact filling time depends on the water pressure in your home, a toilet tank shouldn’t need more than a minute to refill. If you notice your toilet tank taking much longer than this to fill, check out the causes and solutions below.
Check the Water Supply Valve
The main water supply valve is typically located on the wall or floor beneath the toilet tank. Its purpose is to control the flow of water into the tank—if this valve is malfunctioning or not fully open, it could be the reason your toilet tank is filling slowly. The buildup of minerals or other debris can also block this valve, restricting the flow of water.
To prevent water damage when working on your water supply valve, it’s important to turn the water off at your home’s main water shut-off valve before you start working.
Here’s how to check for and address issues with your water supply valve.
What You’ll Need
- Adjustable wrench
- Bucket
- Small cleaning brush
How To Do It
- Make sure the valve is open. It should be fully turned counterclockwise.
- If your water supply valve is fully open but the toilet tank is still filling slowly, it’s time to test the flow of water. Turn the water supply valve off. Next, disconnect the supply line from the toilet’s fill valve using your adjustable wrench and place the open end of the supply line into your bucket. Turn the water supply valve back on, and watch to see if water flows freely into the bucket. If the flow of water is weak, this points to an issue with the water supply line or valve itself, which we’ll outline in the following steps. Turn the water supply back off before continuing.
- Disconnect the water supply line from the valve and check both parts for mineral buildup and debris—these can restrict water flow. If you find any debris, clean it out if you can reach it (you can use a toothbrush or other small brush to help). Reconnect the water supply line to the valve, place the end of the water supply line into your bucket, and turn the water supply back on. Observe the flow of water. If the water is still running slowly, continue to the next step.
- If the buildup is too extreme, you may need to replace the affected parts. You can purchase a new water supply valve and line from any hardware store. Turn the water supply off at the main shut-off valve to your home. Remove the old supply line and valve and install the new ones. Turn the water back on and check the flow of water.
Check the Fill Valve
Next, you should check the fill valve, a vertical tube-shaped part inside the toilet tank. This part controls the water level inside the tank, which should be about 1 inch below the top of the overflow tube. However, the fill valve can shift out of alignment, wear down, or become clogged with mineral buildup or debris over time, leaving your toilet filling at a turtle’s pace! Here’s how to get it back up to speed:
- Turn off the water supply and flush to drain the tank.
- Inspect the fill valve for wear and misalignment. The fill valve should stand straight up and be securely attached to the tank. Readjust it to the correct position if needed.
- Check for clogs in the fill valve and clean it out as needed. Remove the fill valve cap on top of the valve by unscrewing or unclipping it. Look for any debris inside, and clean it out.
- Inspect the fill valve washer. This wash can wear out over time, impeding the function of the fill valve. Replace the washer if you notice signs of damage—you can find a replacement at the hardware store.
- Ensure the fill valve is reassembled properly, turn the water supply back on, and allow the toilet tank to fill with water. Flush the toilet and observe how quickly the tank refills.
- If the fill valve still isn’t functioning correctly, you may need to replace it. Replacements can be found at most hardware stores and come with their own installation instructions.
Check the Water Supply Pressure
Low water pressure in your home’s water supply can sometimes be a cause of a slow-filling toilet. Normal home water pressure should be between 40 and 60 PSI (pounds per square inch). If your home’s water pressure is less than 40 PSI, low water pressure may be to blame for your toilet’s leisurely filling speed. You can check your home’s water pressure with a pressure gauge; these can be bought in hardware stores or online.
Mineral Mayhem
Mineral buildup can spell trouble when it comes to many toilet parts, and it can be a big contributor to a slow-filling toilet. As we’ve already mentioned, mineral deposits can build up in the water supply valve, water supply line, or fill valve. It can also affect some areas that are easy to overlook, like the inlet or rim holes under your toilet bowl’s rim. Water flows through these holes from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl—when they’re clogged, it can cause your toilet to fill slowly. You can clear debris from the inlet holes by carefully using a pipe cleaner or an old toothbrush. For stubborn buildup, try a vinegar soak. Here’s how.
What You’ll Need
- White vinegar
- Toothbrush or pipe cleaner
How To Do It
- Turn off the water supply and flush the toilet to drain the tank.
- Pour enough white vinegar into the tank to cover the inlet holes completely. You may need several gallons of vinegar depending on the size of your tank.
- Allow the vinegar to soak for at least several hours—the longer the better! For best results, you can even leave it to soak overnight.
- Use an old toothbrush or pipe cleaner to gently loosen any remaining debris.
- Turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet several times to rinse out the vinegar—and the mineral buildup along with it!
- Observe the water as it flows out of the inlet holes into the toilet bowl to ensure they are clear and working properly.
Sometimes, the water supply lines or pipes that feed water to the toilet can also become clogged with mineral deposits. Cleaning buildup out of these pipes can be a real challenge, one that even veteran DIYers might find too difficult. If you suspect this may be your issue, it’s best to call a plumber—they have the tools and experience to safely and effectively clean out hard-to-reach areas.
Fixing Toilet Leaks
A leaky toilet can be one of the most alarming bathroom issues—it can result in water damage, mold, and even higher water bills. But don’t panic if you notice a leak. If you find it before too much damage has been done, you can use our simple solutions to fix the problem, even if you only have basic DIY skills!
Check the Wax Ring
Your toilet comes equipped with a wax ring, a sticky barrier that forms a waterproof seal between the bottom of the toilet and the floor. Ideally, the wax ring won’t require maintenance and will last as long as your toilet, but we don’t live in a perfect world—one of the most common causes of a leaky toilet is a dried-out and cracked wax ring! Besides the obvious leak, a loose and wobbly toilet is one of the telltale signs of a bad wax ring. Here’s how to inspect and replace a worn wax ring.
What You’ll Need
- Adjustable wrench or pliers
- Putty knife
- Towel or sponge
- Gloves
- Bucket
- Replacement wax ring
How To Do It
- Turn off the water supply and flush the toilet to drain the toilet tank.
- Disconnect the water supply line from the toilet and place the end into your bucket to drain out the water.
- Unscrew the bolts at the base of the toilet using your wrench or pliers. Don’t forget to pop off the plastic bolt caps first.
- Inspect the toilet’s wax ring, which is located around the drain opening at the base of the toilet or on the flange attached to the floor. Note if it’s misshapen, cracked, flattened, or wet. If you notice any of these signs, you’ll need to replace the wax ring. If your toilet is loose but the wax ring looks undamaged, it may not be creating a proper seal and will need to be replaced.
- Remove the old wax ring by scraping it away from the toilet. Use your towel or sponge to clean away any remaining wax or debris from the toilet and flange on the floor.
- Install your new wax ring (you can purchase one at a hardware store) by positioning it on the flange, ensuring that it’s properly centered and secured.
- Reinstall the toilet by carefully moving it back into place over the flange, aligning the bolts with the holes on the toilet’s base. Firmly press down to create a watertight seal with the wax ring. Tighten the bolts at the base of the toilet, using care to not overtighten—this can crack your toilet!
- Reconnect the water supply and flush the toilet. Ensure the wax ring is functioning properly by checking for leaks around the toilet’s base.
Check the Bolts
Toilets are typically secured to the floor with two bolts. When these bolts come loose, the waterproof seal between the toilet’s base and the floor can weaken, allowing water to leak out and wreak havoc on your bathroom floor every time you flush the toilet. Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix. Pop the plastic covers off the bolts and inspect them. If they’re loose, use your adjustable wrench or pliers to tighten them. To keep your toilet from cracking, don’t overtighten. If the bolts are rusted or eroded, they should be replaced with new ones from the hardware store.
Check the Seal Between the Bowl and Tank
The base of the toilet isn’t the only place that can spring a leak! If your toilet is leaking from the tank, you could have an issue with the seal between the toilet tank and bowl. A leak from this area usually means you need to replace the seal gasket.
This isn’t a difficult task, but it does require some disassembly and insight to ensure you purchase the correct replacement gasket. You’ll need to purchase a seal gasket that fits your toilet, so first identify its brand and model. Toilet model numbers are often stamped inside the toilet tank lid or the tank itself. Most hardware stores will sell standard gaskets that fit most toilets as well as gaskets specific to certain brands and models. When in doubt, bring the old seal gasket along with you to the hardware store for comparison. Here’s how to replace a seal gasket.
What You’ll Need
- Adjustable wrench or pliers
- Towel or sponge
- Putty knife
- Bucket
- Gloves
- New seal gasket (if needed)
- Extra bolts (if needed)
How To Do It
- Shut off the water supply and flush the toilet to drain the tank. Use your towel or sponge to dry up any excess water from the tank (you won’t want any spills as you disassemble your toilet).
- Locate the bolts securing the tank to the bowl. Unscrew the nuts and remove the bolts. You may need to replace them if they are eroded.
- Lift the toilet tank off the bowl. Use caution—it can be very heavy! It can be helpful to have someone to help you with this step. Place the tank on a towel on the floor.
- Remove the old seal gasket—this part is located at the bottom of the tank, surrounding the opening where the flush valve meets the bowl. It may be sticky, so use a putty knife to scrape it away.
- Install your new seal gasket by placing it over the flush valve on the bottom of the tank. Make sure it’s centered properly and fits snugly to ensure a watertight seal.
- Reattach the tank to the bowl by carefully putting it back in its place. Align the bolt holes, insert the bolts, replace the washers and nuts, and carefully tighten them. As always, make sure not to overtighten.
- Turn the water supply back on, allow the tank to fill, and flush the toilet. Check for any leaks where the tank and bowl meet. If you still notice a small leak, you may need to tighten the bolts a little more—but again, don’t overtighten! Flush a few more times to make sure you don’t notice any leakage.
Fixing a Noisy Toilet
If your toilet suddenly starts making unusual noises like hissing, banging, or vibration, it could be more than just a minor inconvenience. A noisy toilet can actually indicate larger issues, so you’ll want to get to the bottom of the ruckus right away.
Vibration Problems
Vibrations are one of the more common bothersome toilet noises. If you notice these noises continuously or at random, they’re often caused by issues with the flapper. You’ll want to check your flapper and replace it if you notice signs of wear and damage. Read our article on inspecting and replacing a flapper here.
Flappers are particularly susceptible to harsh chemical cleaners—if you use these products on a regular basis, they could be the culprit. Once you’ve replaced your flapper, you may want to switch to a more gentle type of cleaner.
If the vibrations you hear happen only when you flush (rather than randomly or continuously), there could be a problem with the diaphragm gasket. This gasket is found inside the toilet’s fill valve, and it tends to wear out and become less flexible over time. When this happens, it may buzz around as it tries to shut off, leading to a distinctive vibrating noise. If the diaphragm gasket is worn out, you may need to replace the fill valve—find the full instructions on how in this article’s Leaking Fill Valve section.
Hissing Sounds
A hissing toilet isn’t most people’s idea of a good time! A worn or faulty fill valve is a big cause of this alarming noise. When your fill valve isn’t working correctly, it can cause hissing, whistling, or a high-pitched sound. Check out our Leaking Fill Valve section for information on replacing the fill valve to fix this problem.
Issues with the shutoff valve can also cause your toilet to sound more like a snake than a plumbing fixture ever should. The fix for this is easy—simply locate the shutoff valve and turn the handle fully clockwise to open it completely (or move the lever so that it’s parallel to the water pipe, if it’s a lever-style valve). This should allow water to flow freely, making your bathroom serene once again.
The notorious mineral buildup can also be a cause of a hissing toilet. When mineral deposits build up in the fill valve or pipes, it can restrict water flow and cause this distinctive sound. Cleaning out or replacing any affected parts should solve your problem.
Knocking or Banging Sounds
If knocking sounds coming from your bathroom are waking you up at night, don’t call the ghost hunters just yet—you might have a plumbing problem rather than a paranormal one! When toilet parts come loose, they can move around and cause knocking, rattling, or banging sounds. The fill valve and float arm are common offenders for banging and knocking sounds. Tightening loose parts and replacing worn and damaged ones should help rid you of the knocking sound.
A water hammer is a colorful term that refers to a surge in pressure followed by the sudden change or stop of the flow of water within a pipe. It can also be caused by air trapped inside a pipe. This can be fixed by installing a water hammer arrestor, which you can purchase in a hardware store or online.
Check out the gurgling toilet fix guide.
Fixing a Wobbly Toilet
If your wobbly toilet has you scared to sit down too fast, it’s time to get to the bottom of it. Not to worry—there are several ways to fix an unsteady toilet.
Tighten the Bolts
What you’ll need
- Adjustable wrench
- Extra bolts (if needed)
If the bolts that secure your toilet to the floor become loose or eroded, you may end up with a toilet that rocks and squeaks as you sit down. Doesn’t exactly lead to a relaxing bathroom trip, right? Luckily, this problem has an easy fix. Simply inspect the bolts (after taking off any plastic covers) and tighten them with an adjustable wrench until the toilet is no longer wobbly. Be sure not to overtighten these bolts to avoid cracking your toilet. If the bolts are rusted or eroded, you’ll need to replace them with new ones.
Read our full guide about wobbly toilet fixes.
Use Small Shims to Stabilize
What you’ll need
- Shims (nylon plastic is the best choice for toilets)
Shims are thin wedges of plastic or other materials that can be used to fill gaps. If your unstable toilet is caused by gaps between its base and the floor, shimming can be a great way to fix this issue. Start off by identifying any gaps and then inserting shims in each spot, being careful to evenly distribute them so your toilet is supported securely.
To check your work, sit on the toilet seat and gently rock in all directions. You’ll know you’ve successfully shimmed your toilet when it no longer rocks or wobbles when you sit on it.
Our Opinion
We hope this comprehensive guide to DIY’ing your toilet repair project has been helpful! Whether your current bathroom struggle is a toilet that won’t flush, a toilet that doesn’t stop running, or a toilet that’s so loud it has your neighbors complaining, we’ve got you covered—so bookmark this page for the next time you need it.
With this article to guide you, you’ll definitely feel more capable of fixing your own toilet problems. Even so, it’s important to follow your instincts when it comes to DIY repairs. If you don’t feel confident making a certain repair yourself, there’s no shame in calling in a professional. A good plumber can be a great partner when it comes to keeping your bathroom in tip-top shape. Cheers to stress-free flushes!