Toilet Repair Services

Toilets are relatively simple mechanisms but can develop various issues affecting performance, efficiency, and reliability. Running toilets represent the most common and costly problem—a continuously running toilet can waste 200 gallons of water daily, adding hundreds of dollars to annual water bills. Causes include worn flapper valves that don't seal properly allowing water to continuously leak from tank to bowl, faulty fill valves that don't shut off when tank reaches proper level, improperly adjusted or damaged float mechanisms, broken flush handle chains that prevent proper flapper closing, and deteriorated overflow tubes. Most running toilet repairs involve replacing one or more of these components. Toilet clogs interrupt normal use and create stressful situations. While simple clogs can often be cleared with plungers, stubborn or recurring clogs require professional attention. We use specialized toilet augers that navigate toilet traps without damaging porcelain, clearing obstructions efficiently. Chronic clogging suggests deeper issues including partial blockages in drain lines, inadequate flush power, hard water mineral buildup, or flawed toilet design. We identify and address root causes preventing recurrence. Leaks around toilet bases suggest wax ring failure allowing water to seep onto flooring. This serious problem can damage subfloors, cause rot and mold, and create structural issues if not addressed promptly. Repair requires removing the toilet, inspecting and repairing the flange if necessary, installing a new wax ring, and properly resetting and sealing the toilet. Weak or incomplete flushing indicates problems including partial clogs, inadequate water in tank, worn flapper valves closing too quickly, clogged rim jets (holes under bowl rim), or insufficient flush power. We diagnose specific causes and implement appropriate repairs. Toilet rocking or movement results from improper leveling, missing or failed wax ring, or loose mounting bolts. Rocking toilets will eventually fail, causing leaks and damage. Proper repair involves correctly shimming and leveling, securing mounting bolts properly, and often replacing the wax ring. Phantom flushing (toilet randomly refills as if flushed when nobody used it) indicates flapper valve leaks allowing water to slowly leak from tank to bowl, eventually triggering refill. This wastes water and indicates needed repairs. Noisy toilet filling (whistling, screeching, or groaning during tank refill) suggests fill valve problems or high water pressure, both addressable through repair or replacement.

Running toilets waste more water than any other common plumbing problem, making this repair both environmentally responsible and financially wise. A toilet that runs continuously can waste 200 gallons daily—over 73,000 gallons annually—potentially adding $300-$600 to annual water bills depending on rates. Understanding toilet mechanics helps appreciate proper repair. When you flush, the handle lifts the flapper valve via a chain, allowing water to rush from tank to bowl. As the tank empties, the float drops, opening the fill valve to refill the tank. When the tank reaches proper level, the float closes the fill valve. If any component in this system malfunctions, water runs continuously. Our running toilet repair systematically addresses each potential cause. Flapper valve issues are most common—flappers deteriorate over time from minerals, chemicals, and chlorine in water. A worn flapper doesn't seal properly, allowing water to continuously leak into the bowl. Replacing the flapper (usually a $10-$15 part) resolves this problem. We use high-quality replacement flappers designed for your specific toilet model. Fill valve problems occur when the valve doesn't shut off when tank reaches proper level, causing continuous water flow into the overflow tube. This requires fill valve repair or replacement. Modern fill valves are more reliable and adjustable than older designs. Float adjustment or replacement addresses floats set too high (causing overfill into overflow tube) or damaged floats that don't rise properly. Proper float adjustment ensures the fill valve shuts off at the correct water level. Flush handle and chain problems including tangled or too-long chains prevent flapper from closing properly. Proper chain length adjustment (slight slack when flapper is seated) ensures reliable closing. Overflow tube issues can cause running toilets if cracked or improperly sealed. We inspect and repair or replace overflow tubes when necessary. After completing repairs, we test toilet operation through multiple flush cycles, adjust components for optimal performance, and verify that running has stopped completely. Most running toilet repairs cost $150-$300 and take 30-60 minutes, providing immediate savings on water bills and eliminating the annoying sound of continuously running water.

Toilet clogs range from minor inconveniences easily resolved with plungers to serious blockages requiring professional equipment and expertise. We provide effective clog clearing regardless of severity. Simple clogs in the toilet trap often respond to proper plunger technique—using a flange plunger (designed specifically for toilets) with proper sealing and forceful plunging. However, many homeowners lack proper technique or equipment. We clear simple clogs quickly while ensuring we don't damage the toilet. Stubborn clogs deeper in the toilet trap or in drain lines beyond require toilet augers (also called closet augers). These specialized tools include protective rubber sleeves preventing porcelain damage while the auger cable navigates through the toilet trap to break up or retrieve blockages. We use professional-grade augers with sufficient reach to clear toilet clogs effectively. Main drain blockages affecting multiple fixtures including toilets require different approaches. We use drain cameras to identify the blockage location and nature, then implement appropriate clearing methods including main line augering or hydro jetting for serious blockages. Common clog causes include excessive toilet paper, flushing inappropriate items (wipes, feminine products, paper towels, cotton swabs), children's toys or other foreign objects, and hard water mineral buildup in older toilets with reduced trap diameter. Recurring toilet clogs suggest problems beyond simple blockages including partial obstructions in the drain line, main sewer line issues affecting all fixtures, inadequate toilet flush power, or toilet design issues. Some older toilets and some low-flow toilets (particularly first-generation models) have weak flush power and chronic clogging issues. Sometimes toilet replacement provides better long-term solution than repeated clog clearing. We provide honest assessment when toilets are fundamentally flawed. After clearing clogs, we test flush performance thoroughly and provide guidance on preventing future clogs including proper toilet paper amounts, items that should never be flushed, and considering toilet replacement if chronic clogging indicates inadequate toilet design.

Toilet leaks range from minor nuisances to serious problems threatening property damage. Prompt repair prevents escalation and protects your home. Leaks around toilet bases are serious—even small amounts of water seeping around the toilet base can damage flooring, subfloors, and create mold and rot. This leak indicates wax ring failure, the seal between toilet bottom and drain flange. Repair requires removing the toilet, inspecting the toilet flange for damage or deterioration, repairing or replacing the flange if necessary, installing a new wax ring (we use premium extra-thick wax rings for better sealing), properly resetting and leveling the toilet, and securing with new mounting bolts. We also inspect for the cause of wax ring failure—toilet rocking, improper initial installation, or flange issues. Addressing root causes prevents recurrence. Tank-to-bowl leaks occur where the tank bolts to the bowl, typically resulting from worn rubber washers, loose tank bolts, or cracks in the tank or bowl. Repair involves tightening tank bolts properly (without overtightening which can crack porcelain), replacing worn washers and gaskets, or recommending toilet replacement if cracks exist. Tank cracks or bowl cracks cannot be reliably repaired and require toilet replacement. Water supply line leaks at the shutoff valve connection or at the toilet tank connection result from loose connections, worn washers, or deteriorated supply lines. We tighten connections, replace washers, or install new supply lines. We recommend braided stainless steel supply lines for reliability and longevity. Internal tank leaks from tank to bowl (not visible externally) waste water and cause phantom flushing or constantly running water. These result from flapper valve deterioration and are resolved through flapper replacement. Condensation on toilet tanks during humid weather appears like leaking but is actually moisture condensing on cold tank surfaces. While not true leaks, excessive condensation can drip onto floors and cause damage. Solutions include reducing humidity, insulating tank interiors, or installing mixing valves that add warm water to tanks. We identify true leaks versus condensation and recommend appropriate solutions. Any toilet leak warrants prompt attention—even small leaks waste water, damage property, and worsen over time if ignored.

While many toilet problems can be repaired economically, some situations make replacement the better choice. Understanding when to repair versus replace helps you make informed, cost-effective decisions. Repair makes sense when toilets are relatively new (under 10 years old), problems are minor and isolated (single component failure), the toilet functions well otherwise, and repair costs are reasonable (under $200 typically). Most common issues including running toilets, minor leaks, and clogs are easily and economically repaired. Replacement makes better sense when toilets are old (over 20 years), problems are multiple or recurring, the toilet has chronic issues (constant clogging, weak flush), you want water efficiency improvements, visible cracks exist in tank or bowl, or you're remodeling and want updated styling. Consider replacement benefits including water savings—modern high-efficiency toilets use just 1.28 gallons per flush versus 3.5-7 gallons for older toilets, potentially saving families of four over 15,000 gallons annually. Improved performance means modern toilets flush more effectively than older models despite using less water, with better bowl-clearing and reduced clogging. Comfort height toilets sit 2-3 inches taller than standard toilets, providing easier sitting and standing especially for elderly or those with mobility issues. Updated styling improves bathroom aesthetics. Reliability means new toilets with warranties provide peace of mind and fewer repairs. Long-term costs favor replacement when older toilets have chronic problems—multiple repairs over time cost more than replacement, while water waste from inefficient toilets continues indefinitely until replacement. Age guidelines suggest toilets over 25 years old should generally be replaced even if functioning, as they waste significant water and use outdated technology. Toilets 15-25 years old should be evaluated based on condition and efficiency. Toilets under 15 years old can usually be repaired unless serious problems exist. We provide honest assessments helping you weigh repair costs versus replacement benefits for informed decisions prioritizing your best interests.

Toilet problems disrupt daily life and waste water, requiring prompt, effective repair from experienced professionals. At Down Right Plumbing, Doug has extensive experience with toilet repairs throughout Rockwall and the DFW area, providing reliable service and expert workmanship. Our comprehensive toilet repair services address all common issues including running toilets wasting water, toilet clogs of any severity, leaks around toilet bases or from tanks, weak or incomplete flushing, rocking or unstable toilets, noisy filling or flushing, and phantom flushing issues. We arrive with professional equipment including toilet augers, replacement parts for all major toilet brands, leak detection tools, and specialized plumbing tools. Doug is experienced with all toilet types including gravity-flow, pressure-assisted, dual-flush, and comfort-height models from all major manufacturers. We provide same-day service for most toilet repairs throughout the Rockwall area, understanding that toilet problems create urgency. Our repairs include high-quality replacement parts, thorough testing through multiple flush cycles, proper adjustment of all components, and cleanup after completing work. We provide upfront pricing before beginning repairs—you'll know what to expect with no hidden fees. All repair work is backed by workmanship warranties, and we use quality parts that provide lasting reliability. We also provide honest assessments when replacement makes more sense than repair, always prioritizing your best interest. Our service includes respectful treatment of your home with floor protection and careful work practices. We're fully licensed and insured for your protection, and all technicians undergo background checks. We serve Rockwall, Heath, Fate, Royse City, McLendon-Chisholm, and throughout DFW with reliable, professional toilet repair services. Whether your toilet runs constantly, won't flush properly, is leaking, or has other issues, trust Down Right Plumbing for expert repair that restores reliable operation and prevents water waste. Contact us today to schedule toilet repair service or discuss toilet replacement options.