A toilet only has a few moving parts, and nearly every complaint traces back to one of them. A running tank, a flush that needs two tries, water on the floor or a bowl that rocks each has a specific cause, and most are repaired in a single visit.
The causeWhy it happens
A constantly running toilet usually has a flapper that no longer seals or a fill valve that overfills into the overflow tube. A weak flush points to a partial clog in the trap, scale blocking the rim jets, or a flapper closing too early. Water on the floor at the base means the seal between the toilet and flange has failed, often because the bowl rocked loose. Water at the tank bolts or supply line is a separate, easier fix.
DiagnosisWhat we check first
- 01Flapper and flush valve seat
- We look for warping, mineral crust and wear. A dye test in the tank tells us whether water is slipping into the bowl.
- 02Fill valve and water level
- We set the level so it stops below the overflow tube and the tank refills quietly.
- 03Base seal and flange
- If water appears at the base, we pull the toilet and inspect the flange and seal rather than just caulking over it.
- 04Trap and rim jets
- Scale or a lodged object in the trap causes weak flushes that plungers do not solve.
The optionsWhich repair fits, and when
We lay out the choices plainly, explain what each involves and leave the decision with you.
Tank rebuild
New flapper, fill valve and seals. Stops running and phantom refills on a toilet that is otherwise sound.
Reset with new seal
Leaking or rocking at the base. We pull the toilet, inspect and repair the flange, set a new seal and level it.
Clear the trap
Weak or slow flush caused by an obstruction. We auger the trap, and pull the toilet if something is wedged inside.
Local conditionsToilet Repair on the west side of San Antonio
San Antonio hard water hardens rubber flappers and coats the flush valve seat with scale, so flappers here often wear out sooner than the package promises. The scale also clogs the small rim holes under the bowl edge, which weakens the flush over time. We clean those openings as part of the repair when they are blocked.
From the jobOpen wall with new PVC drain and supply rough-in
A few things that help
Turn off the stop valve behind the toilet if it is running or leaking, and lay a towel at the base. Do not use chemical drain cleaner in a toilet, as it can damage the bowl and is hazardous for us to work around.
QuestionsCommon questions about toilet repair
Why does my toilet refill on its own every so often?
Water is slowly leaking from the tank into the bowl, usually past a worn flapper. A replacement flapper normally fixes it.
Is caulk enough for a leak at the base?
No. Caulk hides the leak, but the failed seal keeps letting water soak into the subfloor. The toilet should be pulled and reset.
Should I repair or replace an old toilet?
If the porcelain is sound, repair is usually sensible. If it is cracked, uses a lot of water per flush or keeps clogging, replacement is worth considering.
Related workServices that often go with it
Talk it through with usOpen 7 AM to 11 PM every day. Se habla español.
(210) 761-4788