Toilet Installation and Repair Phoenix - Fast, Reliable Toilet Service

Common Toilet Problems and Repairs

Running Toilets That Won't Stop

Running toilets are the most common toilet problem we see. You hear water running continuously in the tank or bowl. The toilet "phantom flushes" refilling randomly when nobody used it. Your water bill increases significantly from the constant water waste.

A running toilet usually indicates a failed flapper valve. The flapper is the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank that lifts when you flush and seals to hold water in the tank. When flappers deteriorate, they don't seal properly allowing water to continuously leak from tank to bowl. The fill valve runs constantly trying to maintain proper water level.

Flapper replacement costs $150-200 and solves most running toilet problems. We replace the old deteriorated flapper with a new one sized correctly for your toilet model. Quality flappers last 4-5 years before needing replacement again.

Other running toilet causes include fill valves that don't shut off properly, incorrect float adjustment causing overfilling, or chain problems preventing the flapper from sealing completely. We diagnose which component failed and replace it rather than replacing parts unnecessarily.

Phoenix's hard water accelerates flapper deterioration. Minerals in the water make rubber flappers stiff and prevent them from sealing properly. Homes with water softeners see longer flapper life than homes with hard water.

Weak Flushing and Poor Performance

Weak flushing toilets don't clear the bowl properly, requiring multiple flushes. This wastes water and frustrates users. Several issues cause weak flushing.

Clogged rim jets are common in Phoenix due to hard water mineral buildup. The rim jets are small holes under the toilet rim that direct water into the bowl during flushing. When minerals clog these jets, less water flows during flushing reducing flush power. We clean clogged jets using specialized tools and descaling solutions removing mineral deposits.

Low water level in the tank reduces flush volume. The tank should fill to the marked water line. If it fills below this line, you're getting a partial-volume flush. We adjust fill valves to proper water levels restoring full flush power.

Partial clogs in the trap or drain slow drainage making flushes appear weak. The toilet flushes but water drains slowly and incompletely. We clear these partial clogs using closet augers designed specifically for toilets.

Older low-flow toilets from the 1990s often have poor flushing performance. Early low-flow designs reduced water volume without improving flush mechanics. Modern high-efficiency toilets flush powerfully with 1.28 gallons—we recommend upgrading old weak-flushing toilets.

Leaking Toilets

Toilet leaks occur at several locations. Leaks around the toilet base indicate failed wax ring seals. Water seeps out during or after flushing, pooling around the toilet base. This leak damages subfloors and can cause serious floor rot if ignored.

Wax ring replacement requires removing the toilet, scraping off the old wax ring, installing a new ring, and resetting the toilet. We level the toilet properly preventing rocking that stresses the seal. Wax ring replacement costs $200-300.

Tank-to-bowl leaks occur where the tank connects to the bowl. Tank bolts pass through rubber washers creating seals. When washers deteriorate, water leaks at these connection points. We replace the washers and tank bolts solving the leak.

Fill valve leaks inside the tank waste water down the overflow tube. You hear water running constantly but it's not the flapper—it's the fill valve not shutting off. Fill valve replacement costs $150-250.

Supply line leaks where the water line connects to the toilet require tightening connections or replacing supply lines. We use braided stainless steel supply lines that last longer than cheaper rubber or plastic lines.

Clogged Toilets

Toilet clogs are common plumbing calls. Most clogs occur in the toilet trap—the S-shaped passage inside the toilet. Foreign objects, excessive toilet paper, or "flushable" wipes that don't actually break down cause clogs.

We clear toilet clogs using closet augers—specialized drain cleaning tools designed for toilets. Closet augers have protective rubber coatings preventing toilet bowl scratches. We feed the auger through the trap breaking up or retrieving the clog.

For stubborn clogs beyond the toilet in the drain line, we use longer drain snakes accessing the clog through the toilet or through drain cleanouts. Sometimes clogs occur where toilet drains connect to main drain lines.

Recurring toilet clogs indicate underlying problems. The toilet might have partial clogs that never fully clear, inadequate venting causing slow drainage, or objects lodged in the trap. We investigate recurring clogs finding the root cause rather than just clearing the symptom.

We also address clogs caused by items that shouldn't be flushed—children's toys, feminine products, cotton swabs, or "flushable" wipes. We educate homeowners about what belongs in toilets (only toilet paper and human waste) versus what causes clogs.

Rocking or Loose Toilets

Toilets should sit firmly on the floor without rocking or movement. Rocking toilets indicate improper installation, failed wax ring seals, or deteriorated floor structures under the toilet.

When toilets rock, the movement eventually breaks the wax ring seal causing leaks. The leak damages floors which worsens the rocking creating a deteriorating cycle. We address rocking toilets promptly before they cause serious floor damage.

Fixing rocking toilets involves removing the toilet to inspect the floor, repairing any floor damage from previous leaks, shimming the toilet if floors are uneven, installing a new wax ring, and securing the toilet properly with closet bolts.

Sometimes the toilet flange—the fitting connecting the toilet to the drain—is broken or corroded. We repair or replace damaged flanges ensuring solid mounting for the toilet.

Sweating Toilets

Toilet tanks "sweat" when cold water in the tank causes condensation on the exterior. The condensation drips onto floors creating puddles that homeowners mistake for leaks. Sweating is common in humid climates but happens in Phoenix during monsoon season.

Toilet tank insulation kits reduce sweating by insulating tank walls preventing temperature differential between cold water inside and warm air outside. For severe sweating, we install mixing valves adding small amounts of hot water to tank water reducing the temperature differential.

True sweating is annoying but harmless. However, we verify it's actually condensation and not a leak before recommending insulation solutions.

Toilet Repair vs. Replacement Decisions

When Repair Makes Sense

Toilet repair is cost-effective when the toilet is relatively new (under 15 years), the problem is isolated to replaceable components, the toilet model is reliable and efficient, and the porcelain isn't cracked or damaged.

Common repairs that extend toilet life include flapper replacement for running toilets, fill valve replacement for constant running or tank issues, wax ring replacement for base leaks, and minor clog clearing.

These repairs cost $150-300 and provide years of additional service. A 5-year-old toilet with a failed flapper deserves repair—the toilet has most of its lifespan remaining and the repair is simple.

We provide honest recommendations about repair versus replacement. A toilet that's been repaired three times in two years probably needs replacement. Ongoing repairs waste money better spent on a new toilet.

When Replacement Makes Sense

Toilet replacement is the better choice when the toilet is old (over 20 years), you've had multiple repairs recently, the toilet has cracks in the porcelain, the toilet is an inefficient older model, or repair costs approach half the replacement cost.

Cracks in porcelain are unrepairable. Cracked toilets leak and will eventually fail completely. We recommend immediate replacement for cracked toilets before they cause water damage.

Old inefficient toilets waste substantial water. Pre-1994 toilets use 3.5-7 gallons per flush compared to modern 1.28-1.6 gallon toilets. A family of four saves 15,000-20,000 gallons annually upgrading to high-efficiency toilets. That's $75-100 in water bill savings yearly.

Toilets with recurring clogs despite proper use often have internal passage problems that can't be fixed. Some older toilet designs simply don't flush well. Replacement with modern high-performance toilets solves chronic clogging problems.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

We help homeowners evaluate repair versus replacement by comparing immediate repair costs to replacement costs, estimating how long the repair will last, calculating water savings from efficient new toilets, and considering the toilet's overall age and condition.

Toilet replacement costs $300-500 including the new toilet and installation labor. High-end or specialty toilets cost more. For a toilet that needs a $250 repair and is already 18 years old, spending $400 on replacement makes more sense than $250 on a temporary fix.

The water savings from efficient toilets help justify replacement. If you're replacing a 3.5 gallon toilet with a 1.28 gallon model, the water savings pay for the toilet within 4-6 years. You're essentially getting a new toilet and enjoying improved performance for free.

Signs It's Time for Replacement

Replace toilets when you notice frequent ongoing repairs needed, cracks visible in the tank or bowl, constant clogs despite proper use, poor flushing performance that repairs don't improve, inefficient water usage (pre-1994 models), or aesthetic updates during bathroom remodeling.

The "frequent flyer" toilet that needs service every few months is telling you it's worn out. Replacing it ends the cycle of repairs and provides reliable service for years.

Bathroom remodels are perfect opportunities for toilet upgrades. New toilets complement updated bathrooms and you're already paying for plumbing work, so incremental costs for toilet replacement are minimal.