5 Quick Fixes for Common Toilet Problems

Key Takeaways

• Skill Level: Beginner  |  Time: Under 2 hours (varies by issue)
• Always turn off the water supply before tackling any toilet problems.
• An overflowing toilet is usually clogged or has a faulty float mechanism. A plunger or auger can clear most blockages.
• A toilet that won't stop running is often caused by a worn flapper or a faulty fill valve, both simple, inexpensive fixes.
• No water reaching the tank? Check the supply valve and line before assuming you need a new fill valve.
• A weak flush or low water in the bowl usually comes down to adjusting the float.

Toilet issues are never fun, especially when your in-laws decide to stop by for a couple of days and must share your only bathroom. What can you do when a toilet tragedy strikes? Here's how to fix some common toilet issues when your commode is causing headaches.

To begin, turn off the water supply. The water supply valve is located near the back or bottom of the toilet. Turn it to stop the flow of water.

Fix a Clogged Toilet

If your toilet becomes clogged, the first step is to prevent the water from overflowing. Remove the tank lid and push the flapper down to stop the water from flowing into the bowl. Next, turn off the water supply and try a plunger to unclog the toilet. If that doesn't work, use a toilet auger, or snake.

Feed the toilet auger through the throat of the toilet and start turning it to add tension to the cable. Be careful not to scratch the toilet bowl. You'll feel the auger reach the clog and it will require a little extra tension to pierce the clog. You can go back to the plunger to help force through any residual material.

Fix an Overflowing Toilet

Resist the temptation to panic if the water in your toilet starts rising. The problem is likely caused by either a clog or a broken flow mechanism that should be regulating the flow of water. Remove the tank lid and pull up on the float (the part that moves freely up and down with the water level) to stop the bowl from filling. Use a cup to remove the water at the brim of the bowl and dump it into a bucket (you can flush it later).

Use a plunger or auger (as in the previous tip) to remove any clogs. Adjust the float mechanism so it is lower in the tank to keep it from overflowing. Make sure the chain attached to the float isn't tangled and that the float is free to move.

Fix a Running Toilet

If your toilet won't stop running, it's more than just annoying background noise; it's wasting water and adding to your bill. The good news is that it's usually a quick fix.

Remove the tank lid and check the flapper (the rubber piece that covers the drain hole at the bottom of the tank). If it's worn, warped, or not sitting flat, water can slowly leak past it into the bowl, which keeps the tank refilling over and over. Replace the flapper if it looks damaged or isn't sitting properly.

Fix a Toilet with No Water Flow

If you're dealing with no water flow to your toilet at all, start by checking that the water supply valve (usually located near the base of the toilet) is fully open, and look at the supply line for any visible leaks. It's also worth checking whether there's a broader water issue affecting the rest of your bathroom or house.

If water is reaching the tank but the level still seems too low, the float (the part that rises and falls with the water level to control the fill valve) may need adjusting. See the tips above for raising the water level in your tank.

If adjusting the float doesn't solve your toilet problem, the fill valve itself (the part that controls water flowing into the tank) may need replacing. Turn off the water supply, then disconnect the supply line and remove the old valve from the tank. Set the new fill valve in place, reconnect everything, turn the water back on, and test your flush.

Raise the Water Level in Your Toilet

If there isn't enough water in your bowl to allow for a proper flush, the problem could be a clog, insufficient water in the tank, blocked vent pipes or a hairline crack. If the vent pipes are blocked, it might be time to contact a plumber. If the problem is a crack, it's time to replace your toilet to avoid structural damage and a potentially large water spill. But if there is insufficient water in the tank, here are the steps you should take to fix the problem.

Remove the tank lid and check the water level, which should be about an inch below the opening of the overflow tube. If it's a lot lower, there might not be enough water to fill the bowl. You can fix this by adjusting the float. 

If you have a fall-type float mechanism, screw the ball on the end of the float arm clockwise to shorten it, relieving the pressure on the valve and causing it to take longer to close. If you've got a cup-style float that fits around the overflow tube, shorten the adjustment strap to make the float rise higher to shut off the valve.

If you hear gurgling sounds when you flush a different toilet in the house or empty the bathtub, it's likely the plumbing vents are blocked and you'll need to contact a plumber. You should also immediately contact a plumber if you see water around the base of the toilet.

Most toilet issues are quick, inexpensive fixes, but if you're dealing with frequent leaks, cracks, or repairs that don't seem to stick, it might be time for an upgrade. Delta® toilets feature the SmartFit Tank-to-Bowl Connection, designed to reduce leak points from the start.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's wrong with my toilet?

The most common toilet issues usually fall into a few categories:

• Won't flush or flushes weakly: likely a clog, or low water level in the tank
• Water won't stop running: usually a worn flapper or fill valve
• No water reaching the tank: check your water supply valve and line
• Water rises when you flush: likely a clog or overflow issue

Not sure which one matches your toilet? Scroll up for step-by-step fixes for each.

Why is the water in my toilet bowl cloudy?

Cloudy toilet water is usually caused by mineral buildup, like calcium or magnesium from hard water, dissolving into the tank and passing into the bowl when you flush. If the cloudiness clears up after a flush or two, it's typically not a cause for concern. However, if it persists, cleaning your tank with a mix of water and vinegar can help dissolve the mineral deposits.

My toilet won't flush and the water keeps rising. What's wrong?

If water rises after you flush but doesn't drain, turn off the water supply immediately to prevent an overflow, then check for a clog using a plunger or auger. If you've cleared the clog and this keeps happening, see our tips on fixing a clogged or overflowing toilet above.

When should I call a plumber instead of fixing it myself?

Most common toilet issues like clogs, running water, or a weak flush, are simple enough to fix yourself. But a few signs mean it's time to call a professional: gurgling sounds when you flush another toilet or drain in the house (often a sign of blocked vents), water pooling around the base of your toilet, or a crack in the tank or bowl. If you have a septic system, it's also worth having a plumber flush it periodically rather than relying on DIY fixes alone.