FAQs | TOILET PROBLEMS
Why Does My Toilet Keep Running?
What might you be experiencing?
You may hear water continuously flowing into the toilet pan or the cistern repeatedly refilling when nobody has flushed it. You might also notice ripples in the bowl, a hissing sound or increased water usage.
What is likely causing the problem?
Common causes include:
- A worn or damaged outlet-valve seal
- A faulty inlet valve
- An incorrectly adjusted float
- A sticking flush button or mechanism
- Mineral buildup inside the cistern
- Water overflowing into the internal overflow
What can you do to fix it?
Remove the cistern lid if it can be lifted safely and check whether the water is overflowing or leaking through the outlet valve. Avoid forcing or overtightening any components. Use the toilet’s isolation valve to stop the water temporarily if it is continuously running.
MAS Plumbing Solutions can identify the faulty part, replace worn inlet or outlet-valve components and correctly adjust the cistern to prevent ongoing water waste.
Why Won’t My Toilet Flush Properly?
What might you be experiencing?
Your toilet may produce a weak or incomplete flush, require several attempts or leave toilet paper and waste behind. The water may rise unusually high, drain slowly or continue running afterward.
What is likely causing the problem?
Common causes include:
- A partial blockage in the toilet or sewer drain
- A low cistern water level
- A faulty inlet or outlet valve
- A damaged flush button or mechanism
- Blocked flushing holes around the toilet rim
- A drainage ventilation problem
- A worn or unsuitable toilet suite
What can you do to fix it?
Avoid repeatedly flushing if the water is rising, as the toilet may overflow. A plunger may clear a minor blockage, while visible mineral buildup around the rim can be cleaned carefully. Do not use chemical drain cleaners in the toilet.
MAS Plumbing Solutions can locate and clear blockages, repair faulty cistern components and determine whether the toilet or drainage system requires further repair.
How Do I Unblock a Toilet?
What might you be experiencing?
The toilet water may rise after flushing, drain slowly, gurgle or fail to remove waste and toilet paper. A severe blockage may also cause wastewater to overflow or appear in nearby drains.
What is likely causing the problem?
Common causes include:
- Excess toilet paper
- Wet wipes or sanitary products
- Foreign objects
- A blockage within the toilet trap
- Tree roots or damage in the sewer pipe
- A blockage affecting the main sewer drain
What can you do to fix it?
Stop flushing if the water is rising. Turn off the toilet’s isolation valve if necessary, then use a toilet plunger with slow, firm movements. Avoid chemical drain cleaners, boiling water or objects that could damage the toilet.
If the toilet remains blocked, repeatedly backs up or affects other drains, contact MAS Plumbing Solutions. We can locate and clear the obstruction using professional drain-cleaning equipment and inspect the sewer pipe for damage.
Why Is My Toilet Making a Hissing Noise?
What might you be experiencing?
You may hear a continuous or occasional hissing sound from the cistern after the toilet has been flushed. The cistern may take a long time to refill, repeatedly top itself up or continue using water when the toilet is not in use.
What is likely causing the problem?
Common causes include:
- A worn or faulty inlet valve
- An incorrectly adjusted float
- A damaged outlet-valve seal
- Water escaping into the toilet bowl
- Sediment inside the inlet valve
- High water pressure
What can you do to fix it?
Check whether water is continuously running into the bowl or overflowing inside the cistern. If the hissing continues, temporarily turn off the toilet’s isolation valve to prevent water waste.
MAS Plumbing Solutions can identify the faulty component, replace worn inlet or outlet-valve parts and correctly adjust the cistern.
Why Is My Toilet Cistern Taking So Long to Fill?
What might you be experiencing?
The cistern may refill very slowly after flushing, make a hissing noise or take several minutes before the toilet can be flushed again. You may also notice weak water flow entering the cistern.
What is likely causing the problem?
Common causes include:
- A partially closed isolation valve
- A blocked or restricted inlet valve
- Sediment inside the valve or water line
- A kinked or damaged flexible hose
- A worn cistern inlet valve
- Low household water pressure
What can you do to fix it?
Check that the toilet’s isolation valve is fully open and inspect the flexible hose for visible kinks or damage. Avoid dismantling pressurised fittings unless the water supply has been safely isolated.
MAS Plumbing Solutions can inspect the water supply, clear restrictions and replace faulty inlet valves or flexible connections to restore the cistern’s normal filling speed.
Why Does My Toilet Smell Like Sewage?
What might you be experiencing?
You may notice a sewage-like smell around the toilet that remains after cleaning or becomes stronger after flushing. The toilet may also gurgle, drain slowly, feel loose or leak around its base.
What is likely causing the problem?
Common causes include:
- A failed toilet pan seal
- A loose or poorly connected toilet
- A partial sewer blockage
- A dry or faulty nearby floor-waste trap
- Blocked or incorrectly installed drainage ventilation
- Cracked or leaking sewer pipework
What can you do to fix it?
Clean the toilet and surrounding area, run water into nearby floor wastes and check for visible leaks or movement at the toilet base. Do not attempt to seal around the toilet without identifying where the smell is escaping.
If the odour persists, MAS Plumbing Solutions can inspect the toilet connection, drainage traps, ventilation and sewer pipework to locate and repair the cause.
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