Having a toilet that won’t stop running can be a frustrating experience for any homeowner. Not only is the constant sound of running water annoying, but it can also lead to higher water bills and potential damage to your toilet and plumbing system if left unaddressed. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through how to fix a running toilet so you can quickly and easily solve this common plumbing issue.
Step 1: Identify the Problem
The first step in fixing a running toilet is to identify the root cause of the issue. Several common reasons a toilet may continue to run after flushing include a faulty flapper, a malfunctioning fill valve, or a leaking flush valve. By determining the specific problem, you can then take the necessary steps to repair your toilet.
Step 2: Turn off the Water Supply
Before you begin any repairs on your toilet, it is important to turn off the water supply to prevent any further water from flowing into the tank. Locate the shut-off valve behind the base of the toilet and turn it clockwise to stop the water flow. Once the water supply is turned off, you can then proceed with fixing the running toilet.
Step 3: Check the Flapper
The flapper is a rubber or plastic seal at the bottom of the tank that controls the flow of water from the tank to the bowl. If the flapper is worn or damaged, it may not create a tight seal, causing water to continually leak into the bowl. To check the flapper, remove the tank lid and inspect its condition. If you notice any cracks, tears, or other signs of wear, replace the flapper with a new one to fix the running toilet.
Step 4: Adjust the Fill Valve
The fill valve is responsible for refilling the tank with water after a flush. If the fill valve is not functioning properly, it may continuously run, leading to a running toilet. To adjust the fill valve, locate the adjustment screw on the top of the fill valve and turn it clockwise to reduce the water level in the tank. Adjusting the fill valve ensures that the tank refills to the correct level and stops running once filled.
Step 5: Check the Flush Valve
The flush valve is located in the center of the tank and is responsible for releasing water into the bowl during a flush. If the flush valve is leaking or not sealing properly, it can cause water to continuously run into the bowl. To check the flush valve, inspect the rubber gasket or seal around the valve for any signs of damage or wear. If necessary, replace the gasket or seal to prevent water from leaking and fix the running toilet.
Step 6: Clean the Tank
Over time, mineral deposits, debris, and other contaminants can build up in the tank and affect the performance of your toilet. To clean the tank, turn off the water supply and drain the tank by flushing the toilet. Use a scrub brush and a mixture of vinegar and water to remove any buildup from the inside of the tank. Once the tank is clean, turn the water supply back on and check to see if the running toilet has been resolved.
Step 7: Test the Toilet
After completing the necessary repairs and adjustments, it is important to test the toilet to ensure the running issue has been fixed. Turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet to see if the tank refills properly and stops running once filled. If the toilet continues to run, double-check the flapper, fill valve, and flush valve for any additional issues that may need to be addressed.
Step 8: Call a Professional
If you have followed these steps and are still experiencing a running toilet, it may be time to call a professional plumber for assistance. A licensed plumber can thoroughly inspect your toilet, identify the root cause of the running issue, and provide expert repairs to ensure your toilet is functioning properly. With their knowledge and expertise, a professional plumber can quickly and effectively fix a running toilet, saving you time and hassle in the long run.
Contact Us Today
A running toilet can be a common and frustrating plumbing issue for homeowners. By following this step-by-step guide, you can quickly and easily fix a running toilet and prevent further water waste and potential damage to your plumbing system. Remember to identify the problem, turn off the water supply, check the flapper, adjust the fill valve, inspect the flush valve, clean the tank, test the toilet, and call a professional if needed to effectively address a running toilet in your home.
If you are experiencing a running toilet or any other plumbing issues in Mesa, AZ, and Valley Wide, contact PlumbSmart for expert plumbing services. From air conditioners to heaters, drains to water heaters, and ducts to garbage disposals, PlumbSmart offers a wide range of plumbing and AC services to meet your needs. Learn more about our services and schedule an appointment today.
Remember, a running toilet won’t fix itself, so don’t hesitate to take action and address this common plumbing problem in your home. With the right knowledge and tools, you can quickly resolve a running toilet and enjoy a properly functioning plumbing system once again.
Owning a home takes a lot of work. Regular maintenance is necessary if you want your house’s systems to function properly for as long as possible. Your air conditioning unit is no exception. You should ensure that you are taking care of your HVAC systems. The last thing you need is for something to go wrong because you need to check your filter sooner. You can do several different things to maintain your air conditioning unit. Many common mistakes involve neglecting to check on something or ignoring a sign that your unit might need to be serviced. Take a look at these six most common air conditioning maintenance mistakes so you can avoid them with your unit in the future, courtesy of PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air.
Ignoring Out-of-the-Ordinary Noises
If you hear noises that seem strange or out of the ordinary, they should not be ignored. It can be easy to go about your day and promise to pay attention to something later. However, with the business and the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, you will likely forget all about it the second you are not focused on the noise. A strange noise can indicate damage that needs to be addressed. You do not want to ignore a strange noise and find out later that it is something serious. It could lead to irreparable damage, causing you to need a whole unit replacement instead of a repair. If you hear strange noises, call a professional to check it out as soon as possible.
Forgetting to Clean Your Air Vents Regularly
Cleaning your air vents regularly is vital to the functionality of your air conditioning unit. Debris and dirt can get stuck in the air vents around your house. If you don’t clean them often enough, your air conditioner will send that dust through the air in your home. It can eventually lead to enough build-up to block the airflow into any room. If your vent is not blowing air like it used to, you probably need to clean it. Set a schedule for yourself to do this once a month or so. This will help to keep your air conditioning unit healthy.
Not Scheduling Regular Inspections
Regular inspections might not seem like a priority, especially if there is nothing wrong with your air conditioning unit. However, preventative care is one of the most important things you can do to keep your air conditioning systems in good working condition. Make sure you are regularly scheduling a technician to inspect your systems. Having a technician inspect your unit will inform you of any parts that look like they might be worn out or need to be replaced soon. Getting ahead of problems like this will help you avoid unexpected emergencies.
Not Checking Your Filters Often
Air filters are the least expensive part of your air conditioning system to replace, but ignoring them could be detrimental to your unit. It would be best if you replaced your air filters every few months and cleaned them thoroughly every few weeks. This might seem excessive and time-consuming, but air filters are responsible for filtering out all the debris in your air. They can get full and clogged, which will eventually mean they will not work at all. A clogged air filter will prevent unrestricted airflow into your home. Set a reminder to clean your air filters every few weeks and replace them every few months.
Waiting Too Long for Repairs
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make with their air conditioning units is waiting to have repairs addressed. A damaged part does not always mean that your unit is not functioning. You can still be getting cool air and need air conditioning repair. It can be easy to put repairs off until you have time, especially if you are busy daily. You don’t want to wait to get repairs on your unit. Putting off maintenance can lead to damage that is not repairable. Repairing various parts is far less expensive than replacing your entire unit. If you wait too long to repair whatever needs to be fixed in your unit, you could cost yourself thousands of dollars for a whole unit replacement.
Working Your Unit Too Much
Overworking your unit can be harmful. Setting your thermostat as low as possible in the hottest months can be tempting. You want to be comfortable in your home when it is too hot to be outside. However, setting your home’s temperature too low can stress your air conditioning unit. This will lead to unnecessary wear and tear, which will cause you to need repairs or replacements much sooner than you should. You can use other methods to help cool your home. Lower your blinds throughout the day to block the sun, or get fans to help circulate the air in your home. Avoid setting your thermostat too low, especially when it is the most tempting.
Final Thoughts
You should do everything you can to avoid these common AC maintenance mistakes. Neglecting the needs of your unit can be detrimental. You do not want to wait too long to service parts, neglect cleaning your vents, ignore strange noises, or overwork your unit. All of these things can lead to damage that could have been avoided. You can prolong the life of your air conditioning unit by taking proper care of it. Take preventative measures and call a technician with PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Cooling today so we can help you get your regular inspections started!
How We Can Help
For a limited time, we are offering our 1-Year HVAC Maintenance Agreement – or – 1-year Plumbing Maintenance Agreement at no charge. This is a $300 value and includes two semi-annual inspections of your home’s HVAC or Plumbing systems, and it’s absolutely free. You’ll also get 10% off repairs and priority service. It’s our way of introducing ourselves and letting you know we are here at your service, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
For more details on our 1- and 2-year maintenance plans, contact us or visit us online!
Fall has officially arrived, which means cooler weather and the holiday season are coming right behind it. All of this means more time spent indoors and in the kitchen cooking.
Given the increased demands you’ll be placing on your kitchen during the fall, now is a good time to perform some basic maintenance to make sure your kitchen and all your appliances are ready to go for the fall and winter.
Here are a few maintenance tips to use in your kitchen this fall that will help you get the best operation out of your appliances all season long:
Clean your refrigerator: There are a lot of steps you can take to clean your refrigerator, both inside and out, to get the best and most efficient operation out of the system while keeping it highly sanitary. First, consider removing all items from the fridge, fully wiping down all surfaces and throwing out expired or unusable items before you put everything back in. Next, carefully inspect the refrigerator coils. All of these coils need to be vacuumed on a routine basis, as they serve as traps for dirt, dust, pet hair and other debris, thus making operation less efficient. Finally, check all door gaskets and make sure they’re clean and clear of gunk so the doors close and seal properly, preventing air leaks and food quality issues.
Go up under the hood: Range hoods help you to cut down on heat and filter out odors, so it’s important to make sure they’re clean and functioning properly. The metal filters on the hood should be washed in hot, soapy water or in the dishwasher. If you have charcoal or paper filters, replace them on a seasonal basis.
Check the oven seal: You’re probably aware of the importance of fridge seals, but don’t forget about your oven seals! The oven door should seal correctly to trap all the heat inside. If the oven is not sealed properly, it will lose a significant portion of the heat it generates, which will warm up your home and cause your oven to waste energy. The heat loss also lengthens the amount of time it takes for you to cook your food, and could compromise the quality of your baking.
Deep cleaning: Now is a great time to deep clean all of your appliances and fixtures. Cleaning out your appliances will get you prepared for all the extra cooking you’ll likely be doing over the holidays. Clean as thoroughly as possible, inside and out. This includes your dishwasher—get rid of that food debris and soap scum so you can keep it looking and functioning great.
These tips provide you with an introductory glance at how to maintain your kitchen during the fall. If, however, you find yourself in need of more maintenance tips for your kitchen this fall, contact the team at PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating & Air and we will be happy to provide you with further advice geared toward keeping all your plumbing and appliances in great shape.
Having a well-maintained HVAC system is only half the battle. If you want to keep your home at a comfortable temperature year-round, you need good home insulation in Mesa, AZ. Without proper insulation, your home is far more prone to heat transfer. That means a hot, miserable house in the summer and a cold one in the winter—and costly energy bills all year long.
Here is a quick guide to home insulation.
What does insulation do?
Insulation prevents heat transfer. If you remember your elementary school science classes, you may recall that when hot and cold air meet, they try to level out. If the hot air outside is intruding into your air-conditioned home, your air conditioner will have to work twice as hard to keep the house cool.
If you have appropriate insulation, however, it will block heat transfer. That keeps warm air inside during the winter, and cool air inside during the summer. How well a material insulates is called its “R-value.” Different types of insulation have different R-values, and which type you need will depend on your specific home.
Typically, heat transfer occurs in your walls and attic. If you insulate your walls, you can reduce heat transfer by up to 67 percent, and an insulated attic can reduce it by up to 40 percent. Since heating and cooling costs make up about 54 percent of a household’s utility bills, it’s worth investing in quality insulation. It’ll pay for itself over the long term.
Types of insulation
Here are some of the most common types of insulation:
Fiberglass: Fiberglass is the most commonly used insulation material. It comes in loose fill varieties and batts, and is often the cheapest option available. It’s usually installed between joists, beams and studs, is fire resistant and can protect your home from humidity (although that’s not usually a major concern in the Mesa area).
Spray foam: Spray foam insulation is, true to its name, sprayed into new wall spaces, unfinished attics and your existing walls. The spray foam expands to fill the space, and can be “carved” down after it has dried and cured. It’s fast, easy and effective, although it tends to be more expensive than fiberglass.
Mineral wool: Mineral wool is similar to fiberglass insulation. It comes in loose fill, which is blown into empty spaces. Not only is it extremely heat resistant, but it also helps soundproof your home. It is, however, significantly more expensive than fiberglass insulation.
Cellulose: Finally, cellulose insulation is an organic type of insulation—but because it absorbs moisture, it needs to be replaced every five years. It’s installed similarly to mineral wool.
Whichever type of insulation you choose, make sure you have a professional install it. Some insulation types are hazardous to your health—not to mention messy—so it’s best to work with an experienced contractor.
Are you ready to install, replace or upgrade your insulation? Work with the Mesa, AZ home insulation professionals at PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air. Call today to learn more.
How long has it been since you last had your air ductwork tested? If you’re like most people, that’s probably lurking at the bottom of your priority list—if you even realized you need to do it at all. Ductwork testing in Mesa, AZ is the key to getting great performance from your HVAC unit, as well as improving your indoor air quality.
Here’s how to tell when it’s time for ductwork testing, and what the process involves.
How often do I need my ductwork tested?
Generally, you should have your ductwork tested every three to five years. If you live in a particularly dusty area, have family members with respiratory illnesses or have noticed that your indoor air quality is declining, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Some other signs that it’s time to have your ductwork checked out include smelling mold—it’s a musty odor that is usually unmistakable. You might also notice your HVAC unit sending out puffs of dust, or black dirt collecting around your air vents. If it’s been a while since you’ve changed your air filters, that could be contributing to the problem, too.
Age is also a good indication of when it’s time to have your ductwork inspected. Over time, your ductwork and its components will deteriorate, even if you’ve kept up with regular maintenance. A well-maintained ductwork system usually lasts about 15 years on average.
Finally, if you notice buzzing or screeching sounds—or have seen insects and other pests enter your ductwork—schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Insects, rodents and other critters can travel inside your ducts and cause damage.
The ductwork testing process
When you schedule a routine HVAC maintenance appointment, your contractor should inspect your ductwork at the same time. They’ll go through your home’s ductwork system and look for holes, tears, evidence of pest intrusion and other problems. If the ducts are in relatively good shape, they might simply repair minor problems. However, if your ductwork has suffered extensive damage, you’ll probably need to replace it.
You can also schedule appointments specifically for ductwork testing.
Benefits of testing your ductwork
Ductwork testing in Mesa, AZ offers immediate benefits. First, you’ll save money on your utility bills. When you have leaky or malfunctioning ducts, your HVAC system has to work twice as hard to distribute hot or cold air. If the ducts are leaking, you might be paying out the nose to air condition or heat your attic.
You’ll also notice an improvement in indoor air quality, which is great for people with respiratory ailments and allergies. Clean, sealed ducts are less likely to send dirt and debris into your home through the vents. You’ll breathe easier, your home will smell better and you’ll pay less money to the utility company.
If it’s been a few years since your last ductwork testing in Mesa, AZ, call PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air today to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help with all your HVAC and plumbing needs.
The older your home gets, the more likely you’re going to suffer some plumbing problems. That’s why it’s so important to keep up on your plumbing preventative maintenance. Like appliances and vehicles, the sooner you catch problems with your plumbing, the easier—and cheaper—it is to fix them. Luckily, many plumbing companies offer plumbing maintenance contracts in Mesa, AZ, making it simpler than ever to stay on top of your maintenance. Here’s why you should consider investing in a plumbing maintenance agreement with your favorite local plumber.
Set a schedule and payment plan in advance
A plumbing maintenance contract may differ from company to company, but the general idea remains the same: you pay a fee in advance and get a certain number of inspections and minor services during the term of the contract. They’re usually a year long, and may offer additional benefits besides an annual inspection and services.
Plumbing maintenance contracts offer great benefits
Here’s a closer look at some of the key advantages of getting enrolled in a plumbing maintenance program:
Schedule your annual inspection in advance: Your home needs an annual plumbing inspection, but few homeowners remember to schedule one until their toilets are overflowing and flooding the bathroom floor. Without an annual inspection, you’ll have no way of knowing what kinds of problems may be lurking underneath and inside your home.
Preventative maintenance reduces the chance of emergencies: The easiest, cheapest way to fix problems is to find and repair them early. That’s why preventative maintenance, like annual inspections and associated services, is key. Your plumber will let you know if there are any problems developing, and how urgent they are. If they’re minor services, they might even be included in your maintenance contract. Don’t wait until you find yourself unable to flush the toilet or do your laundry—schedule in advance to avoid emergencies.
Keep repair costs low: Plumbing emergencies are expensive. Not only are you paying for your plumber’s expertise and time, but you’re paying to get them out to your Mesa, AZ home or business as soon as possible. Plus, the longer the problem has been brewing, the more damage can accumulate in your pipes, foundation, walls and floors. Those costs add up quickly. Scheduling regular service with a maintenance agreement ensures that your costs will be included in the contract, or as low as possible since the problem was caught earlier.
Establish a relationship with your plumber: Finding and working with a great plumber should ideally be done before there’s an emergency. Most people go with the first available contractor during an emergency, rather than researching the best plumber and hiring them. Signing a maintenance contract allows you to research the company and get to know them on your time, so if an emergency does occur, you’ll know you’ve already got the best people possible on call.
Ultimately, plumbing maintenance contracts are an “insurance policy” for your plumbing system. By paying up front, you’re ensuring that you have a skilled and reliable plumber ready to help when you need it.
