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Tuesday, February 16, 2016

#TipsTuesday | DIY Toilet Repairs

Your toilet is one of the most fundamental and used appliances in the home, so it’s important to understand how to quickly respond to something that goes wrong. Below are a few of the most common problems that homeowners encounter (and how to fix them):


Fixing a broken handle
A toilet that doesn’t flush can be a homeowner (or a guest’s) worst nightmare. The job of your toilet handle is to open the flapper and allow the tank water to release and flush out the contents on the bowl through means of pressure. If the handle breaks, the toilet won’t flush. To solve this issue, first check the chain - be sure it is connected to the arm inside your toilet’s lid. If the arm is broken, you will need to pull the chain to open the flapper to flush. When all else fails, you might need a handle replacement, which is simple for your local plumber to fix.

Stopping a toilet overflow

The other nightmare? Helplessly watching your toilet overflow. It might seem like reason to panic, but try to remain calm and follow this guide: first, turn off the water cutoff valve (behind the center of the toilet near the ground). This should instantly stop the water from refilling into the tank and into the bowl. If the water hasn’t yet overflowed but is slowly rising, reach for and lift the ballcock inside the tank, which should stop the valve from providing more water. This should give your bowl time to drain (and time for you to call a plumber, should the problem not fix itself).

Removing a dropped mobile device
Many of us have had that “uh-oh” moment where we’ve dropped our cell phone in the toilet. Now what? Don’t panic - quickly reach for the phone, remove the battery and pat dry with a towel. If you’re in a public restroom, using paper towels should do the trick. Once dry, place the phone and battery in a plastic bag with uncooked rice. Be sure to separate the phone and battery,  and let sit for the day. Be sure to separate the phone and battery. You phone should be fully functioning the next day.

Remember, for any of your emergency plumbing problems, Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter is just a phone call away! Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website to learn more about our services.  

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