Plumbing Blog

Why is Your Toilet Not Flushing Properly?

Posted in Plumbing Repairs, Sewage Backup

When the toilet flush absolutely stops working, you already know that something is wrong. Maybe, that’s the time when you need to call a plumbing emergency service. However, at times, your toilet might smell weird because of the flush, despite working slower. Maybe, your flush does not work absolutely fine like it used to, before. And, this leads you to flush for multiple times. While things are simply not in your hands, you can figure it out. Let’s see how!

Reasons Why Toilet Does Not Flush Enough

Not Enough Water?

If you find that you do not have enough water, then congratulations! You do not require calling a plumber. When there’s not enough water, the tank in your toilet does not contain enough water. Releasing water in plenty would generate suction to flush your toilet. And when the tank, itself, does not have enough water, there is not necessary water while flushing.

Something Wrong with the Lift Chain or Flapper?

At the bottom of your toilet tank, there’s a rubber cup-like structure. It is the flapper that covers the drain from the tank to the bowl. The lift chain attaches atop the flapper and a metal arm at two ends.

After pulling the handle, the arm rises and brings the chain with it. The chain, on the other hand, holds the flapper. While flushing, it allows the water of the tank to enter inside the bowl. In case the flapper is loose or damaged, it might limit a lot of water to enter into the bowl, thus creating a weak flush.

Partial Clogs in the Pipe

The obvious reason for the weak flush is apparently something very common. Most often, you will find debris and other waste products from clogs in the pipe. These clogs might not stop the water flow entirely. However, these might be one reason why your flush gets weaker and slower.

When the partial clogs hinder flushing, it results in an incomplete flush. In a couple of cases, it gets worse when people see water returning through the drain. You can always use a flange plunger in order to improve the water flow. But, if it does not work, you need professional assistance from Surrey plumbers. Given that partial clogs tend to be stubborn, a professional team offers an ultimate solution.

Who’s the Best to Offer Plumbing Assistance in Surrey?

911 Plumbing Heating Drainage, LTD. is your safe choice to hand over the responsibilities. We are a professional team assisting customers with plumbing services, including clogged toilet repair, water heaters, drain cleaning, water leak detection, repiping, and more. For quality workmanship at an economical budget, you can feel free to contact us. Attain more details by visiting our official website.

What Should You Do to Fix Drains from Draining Slow?

Posted in Clogged Drains, Plumbing Repairs

It would be an inconvenience to experience complicated work in your bathroom area with the slower draining system. And, if you see the same in your kitchen, it is probably an early warning sign that something is wrong. Whatever might be the reason for your drains to drain slower, you need to get fixed right away.

Tips and Tweaks You Should Seriously Avoid

Are you thinking of pouring some boiling water, vinegar, and baking soda together? Feel lucky if you absolutely have no knowledge of what has been aforementioned. Your draining system might have nothing to do with the Internet recommendations available already.

Do you want to know why? Well, baking soda, when applied with boiling water, on the drainage system, will tend to damage the sink and pipe. It might cause danger to you too, in case you apply it in conjunction with the drain cleaner. Consider this fundamental reason to avoid this kind of tips and tweaks, instead, follow these:

How to Fix Slow Drainage System?

Using a Plunger

Before contacting a professional plumbing repair service provider, you can use a plunger to clean the drain. You can, perhaps, make the right use of a plunger in order to make your draining system work like before. All you need to do is to warm the pipe with mildly hot water and attach the plunger to the bathtub or sink and thirst a couple of times.

Do You Use a Drain Stopper?

If you do, it is time to bid a temporary goodbye to it. Given that it can cause your drains to get slower, you need to clean it regularly. Be it in your kitchen sink or bathtub; the drain stopper blocks hair and other pesky items in the area. This might be one reason why it’s draining slower. In such situations, remove the drain stopper and clean it with soap. After it gets completed, you can reinsert it.

Use Drain Cleaner

It is always better to get attention from plumbing services in Surrey than doing it your own. However, when drain cleaners are available, why don’t you just try it? If your bathtub or sink do not have drain stopper yet, the drains are slow, pour some cleaner down the pipe. The enzyme drain cleaners work perfectly to minimize the damage of the pipes.

You just require diluting the solution with hot water while pouring the solution down the pipe. For best results, waiting for around 20 to 25 minutes and use the taps to wash away the solution. Still, does not work?

If nothing works out, you have safe hands of a reliable team of plumbers in Surrey. We, at 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage, LTD., are your plumbing team to get your draining problem fixed. You can book an appointment with us.

Check and Make Sure Your Home Does Not Have a Leaking Pipe

Posted in Plumbing Repairs

Plumbing problems are varied in nature. Some issues such as water heater malfunction, clogged toilet or slow drainage are obvious and hard to miss, several other equally significant problems go unnoticed. Issues such as leaks are much elusive. They can develop anywhere – inside walls, ceilings, floors, and places completely out of sight. Leaks and cracks are potentially dangerous and can cause major plumbing emergency if left unchecked.

To make sure your home has any leaks or not, you should learn to read the signs. Keep reading this blog to know what the best plumbers in Surrey have to say about it. Go through your house and look for the signs given below to identify leakage by yourself.

Signs of Leakage

Increased Water Bill

If your water bills spike suddenly, there are good chances of leakage within your home plumbing. To ensure the sudden surge in water bills is due to leakage and not due to normal seasonal change, compare previous bills and assess usage. If everything is in place and you still cannot make out for the surge, consider calling 911 plumbing to check for leaks].

Mold and Mildew

Damp spots on ceilings, floors, and walls are the most vulnerable places to develop a crack or leak. Mold and mildew are common in such spots. Another distinctive feature is the musty smell. If your home reeks of such odor, it is a sign that you are dealing with leaks.

Continuous Ticking of the Water Meter

If your water meter keeps ticking continuously even when you are not using water anywhere in or outside the house, it is a clear sign of water leaking through cracks. Consider calling the plumbers in Surrey right away to keep things from further damage.

Foundation Cracks

Several cracks develop around the house as it settles down over time. But such foundation cracks developing all of a sudden can be a sign of underlying leakage. Water continually seeping out of cracks into the structure of the house can damage the components causing cracks in the foundation. Again, the right thing to do immediately is getting in touch with 911 plumbing.

Wet Spots

Wet spots are also red flags indicating leakage within the structure. Inspect the areas near, under and around fixtures such as sinks, toilets, and tubs. If you can find wet spots and discoloration of walls and floors, you can take it as a sign of warning.

Call 911 Heating Plumbing Drainage for expert analysis and optimal care for your home plumbing. Our professional team consists of the best plumbers in Surrey dedicated solely to provide you with the best plumbing solutions at minimum price. We are available for any general issues as well as plumbing emergency. Get in touch with us today to know more.

Why Your Water Is Taking Too Long To Heat?

Posted in Plumbing Repairs

When you want hot water at home before leaving for work or freshening up after a long day, you must hate to wait up. If the shower takes a lot of time to warm up then there must be some issues with your home plumbing or water heating. Hear out what the plumbers in Surrey have to say about it.

The Probable Reasons Of The Problem

Delayed water heating may cause due to various reasons. According to the best plumbers of the country, the reasons can be broadly classified under 5 types. They are respectively :

A Faulty Water Heater

The typical lifespan of an average water heater is about 10 to 12 years. If the one at your home is nearly that old, it is surely vulnerable to damage and can fail anytime. Their effectiveness reduces resulting in delayed heating. The best course of action, in this case, is to call the best plumbers in Surrey for a water heater replacement.

Distance

If the length of pipes is too long, that is, if the hot water has to cover a long distance before reaching the shower or faucets then it may lose heat. If that is the case then you can remodel your home plumbing or replace the existing heater with a bigger version.

Undersized Heater

If your water heater has to handle more than it is capable of, the result is often delayed heating. Think carefully and recollect when you had the heater installed, how many people were there in the house then and how many now. You may be dealing with an undersized heater and should have it replaced by a bigger model.

Low Volume Restrictors

If you have low volume restrictors installed on your fixtures, they can be the culprit. Consider losing the restrictors as they can lead to delayed delivery of water and hence, delayed heating.

Build-up of Sediments

Layers of build-up accumulate inside your water heater when dissolved minerals like magnesium and calcium settle down at the bottom. This reduces the efficiency of your heater as the sediments slow down the heating process. Such problems can only be detected and fixed by professional plumbers.

Storage heaters have different recovery times. It is the time needed by the tank to deliver warm water again after being completely depleted. The recovery time for each model varies as per many factors and has to be kept in mind.

911 Plumbing Heating Drainage is a trusted name among the best Plumbing services in Surrey. Get in touch with us for any plumbing emergency or issues such as the one discussed above. Our best-in-class service team of highly skilled personnel is dedicated to addressing all your plumbing, heating and drainage issues and is just a call away.

Know-How You Are Causing Damage to the Plumbing System at Your House

Posted in Plumbing Repairs

Plumbing is the nervous system of your house. Their benefits are sometimes invisible but their smooth functioning is immensely important for the uninterrupted operations in the household. The homeowners often take some wrong moves in handling the plumbing system which can cause a total overhaul of the entire unit. The consequences can be worse and you end up spending huge amounts unnecessarily.

Reputed companies offering the services of plumbing in Surrey suggest homeowners follow certain maintenance tips to upkeep their plumbing system effectively. Moreover, users must also avoid certain mistakes that damage their plumbing units regularly.

Trash Flushing in the Toilet:

It is quite tempting for homeowners to use their toilets like garbage cans. You need to realize that your toilet is just to flush out human waste and nothing else. Flushing trashes in the toilet clogs the pipes and can result in a nasty mess. You may find that some products have the word flushable printed on their packets. Do not trust them. You cannot flush down anything in the toilet be it tampons or wipes.

Pouring Greasy Items Down The Sink:

Professional Surrey plumbers always suggest their customers not to pour grease down their sinks. This can cause long-term damage to the pipes. The grease and fat badly clog the drains and thus the consequences turn worse.

Temporary Fixes Rather Than Calling upon Plumbers:

It is important for you to realize that the services of plumbing in Surrey are quite crucial for the proper maintenance of your entire plumbing unit. You cannot perform quick fixes or DIYs with broken valve or a leaky pipe. These temporary fixes can lead you to major problems in the future. The issue might turn even more complex and you require spending much more amounts than anticipated.

Using Cleaning Products Having Harsh Chemicals:

Most homeowners feel that the metal pipes are strong enough to withstand any type of chemical that goes through them. However, the facts are quite different. The metal pipes are quite sensitive compared to your expectations. The chemicals in the cleaning products damage them gradually. You might feel that using the chemical you can fix the clogs in the pipes quickly.

However, you do not realize that the chemicals are eating up the pipes and causing serious damage to the system. So, when you face clog issues, consider calling up a plumbing emergency in Surrey rather than applying the quick fixes.

Placing a Lot of Weight on the Plumbing Fixtures:

Shower shelving or shower caddy can be quite useful for homeowners. However, placing too many heavy things on the showerhead can damage the accessory along with its other parts.

So, you see there are so many errors that homeowners do with their plumbing units every day causing serious damages to the system. At 911 Plumbing and Heating, you get the assistance of qualified experts who can help you with a plumbing emergency, honest assessments, and quick turnarounds. You can call us and get free estimates of various plumbing issues. Our expert technicians assure that your issues get resolved productively and prioritize every service call that comes to them.

Common Shower Problems in Kelowna and What Our Pros Can Do

Posted in Plumbing Repairs

Showers are quite important fixtures in the house. They do not get maintained that well, but their actual benefits come into the picture when people face some common shower problems in Kelowna.

When the shower unit in your house fails to operate properly, rely on your local Kelowna plumber from 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd. Our plumbing services in Kelowna guarantee reliable solutions for all your bathroom fixture problems. Your shower is the most useful unit whenever you need a quick cleanse because you’re running late. However, a faulty shower could ruin your plans completely. But don’t fret; our expert plumbing professionals are here to eliminate any shower problems in Kelowna in a timely manner!

Your shower may have several issues that require professional help. Even a well-maintained unit goes through regular wear and might fail to operate at any point in time. Whether it’s the shower sink drain, shower head, or faucet, here’s a list of common shower problems and what our plumbers can do to fix them.

Common Shower Problems in Kelowna That We Fix

Fluctuating Water Pressure

Low water pressure or low flow is one of the most common shower problems that homeowners have. This problem typically arises when there is a limescale buildup in the shower head. Another reason for inconsistent water pressure is a malfunctioning pressure-reducing valve; however, not every home has one.

Solution:

If you descale your shower head, it will temporarily solve the issue. For a long-term solution, our professional plumbers suggest installing a higher-quality unit that prevents limescale accumulation at the nozzles. Another solution would be to get a booster pump at home to monitor the whole process. This device can help in restoring any dips that take place in the water pressure.

Furthermore, the City of Kelowna advises each homeowner to get a pressure-reducing valve installed. This way, they can control their own water pressure and safeguard their home’s plumbing. Without one, your pressure is likely controlled by the City Water Utility. Get in touch with 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd. today, and we’ll be more than happy to complete a pressure-reducing valve installation for you.

Leaky Shower Head or Faucet

This issue can signal two possibilities of which one is more severe than the other. That’s especially true if both your shower head and bathtub faucet are mounted to the shower wall. The first assumption is that either device requires a new cartridge. Over time, it becomes worn and can crack, allowing water to leak through. The other assumption is that you might have a water line leak behind your shower tiles. You will notice additional symptoms, such as mildew growth in the bathroom and musty odours.

Solution:

For the former, our Kelowna plumber will disassemble the shower head (faucet) to inspect the interior components. If the shower cartridge appears to be worn, we’ll simply replace it and voilà! While we’re at it, we’ll also suggest changing out the O-rings and even cleaning off the gunk and mineral deposits that have been accumulating inside.

As for the latter, once we’ve determined it is a water line leak, we’ll have to remove the tile and the cement board behind it to access the damaged pipe. For the best results, we’ll replace the damaged pipe section entirely. Rest assured that our bathroom remodelers will also fix you up with a brand-new cement board and tile wall.

Sudden Burst of Hot Water

You have certainly experienced this before. You take a hot shower, and somebody flushes the toilet, taking away 1.6 gallons of cold water and leaving you with a sudden burst of hot water. What happens is that cool water keeps flowing from the showers to fill up that vacuum. This can be dangerous should the water be scalding hot.

A faulty shower valve is another culprit for fluctuating temperatures, but you would also notice inconsistencies in water pressure. But what causes shower problems in Kelowna are faulty thermostats. Therefore, it’s likely that your temperature fluctuation originates from your water heater.

Solution:

A smaller home likely has a smaller water heater, which means that heated water doesn’t have to travel as far to its destination. However, if you’re using two fixtures at the same time and they are located closely together, it’s not uncommon to experience fluctuations in pressure and temperature.

A more serious issue is a faulty thermostat or another related issue with your hot water heater. Often, calibrating the thermostat fixes the problem. Unless it’s already ten years old, we would recommend replacing the thermostat entirely. Should you be experiencing other inadequacies with your heater, our Kelowna plumbers will be happy to inspect it for you. Routine maintenance and small repairs are required to keep your heater in good working order. We’ll also be happy to discuss any upgrades, such as a larger tank or upgrading to a tankless water heater that delivers heated water on demand.

Pressure-Relief Device Gets Blown

The pressure-relief device offers cushion to the showers so that they can withstand the sudden increase in water pressure. But sometimes, when there is an increase in water pressure, the shower system does not get blown. Instead, the pressure relief device gets blown out. This is also a common shower problem that results in leaks or the unit failing to function as smoothly as before.

Solution:

When you hire a Kelowna plumber, they will diagnose the actual facts and get the shower repaired. The problem with a failing pressure-relief device is that it cannot be reset; rather, it must be replaced.

Strange Noises

This one is yet another shower problem many Kelowna homeowners face. Your water pressure level might be set too high, as it shouldn’t be more than between 40 and 60 psi. If your pressure level is set at 80 and above, your shower will make annoying humming or roaring noises. That said, it will cause your water pipes to rattle, which is not good for them long-term.

Solution:

The remedies for this issue are only available to experts in the field. Our Kelowna plumbers can fix the issue by securing the pipes and firmly setting the whole system to the wall. Or we simply help regulate your water pressure for you.

Choose 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd.

The team at 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd. has been in business for over 15 years, providing the residents of BC with exceptional plumbing solutions. We are proud to be Kelowna’s first-choice plumbing company, which can handle a wide range of plumbing repairs and plumbing emergencies. We are here to prevent common issues from occurring, such as clogged drains, water pressure issues, and, most of all, unwanted cold showers!

When you hire 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd., you will benefit from:

Insured and licensed plumbers, bringing a track record of excellence
Premium customer service and fast response times
Flexible and convenient schedules
24/7 plumbing emergency services (day and night!)
Guaranteed workmanship and parts

Proudly serving the community of Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country, and Peachland, contact us today for shower problems or drainage services.

Broken Shower? No Consistent Water Flow? We Have Your Shower Problems in Kelowna Under Control!

At 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage, Ltd., we make sure to meet all your plumbing needs by going above and beyond. Our experienced plumbers in Kelowna take customer queries very seriously and aim to reply in the shortest period of time. We deliver long-term plumbing solutions and tips for every homeowner in need of maintaining a healthy plumbing system.

Call our customer service team today at (250) 801-0911 to schedule an appointment! We’ll make sure your shower problems in Kelowna are over and done with once and for all. Better yet, we can offer you a bathroom or shower remodel to elevate your bathing experience.

If you experience shower problems in Kelowna, call our expert plumbers and get your faucet, shower head, or water line fixed immediately.

Know When And Why You Must Upgrade Your Toilet Bowl

Posted in Plumbing Repairs

Dealing with a blocked or clogged toilet can be very irritating sometimes. To be honest, it is unhygienic if not done properly and also straight-up nasty. The main challenge during the holidays or festive season is to keep your toilet clean and working. It can difficult to keep an old toilet bowl up and running for your friends and family. Keep reading to know what the plumbers in Surrey say about the matter.

When To Call A Plumber For Toilet Replacement?

Precautions are always recommended to ensure the longevity of any equipment, including toilets. You can take the necessary preventive measures to avoid chances of clogging. But the best possible move to upgrade your toilet is to get it replaced.

It is probably time to call in a professional for the job when you encounter the following symptoms:

Frequent clogs.
Consistently slow drainage.
Scratches on the surface.
Cracked pipe or porcelain.
Outdated model.

If your toilet exhibits any of the above signs, call in Surrey plumbers right away. You can also go for a replacement if your toilet is simply too old and a new one would look nicer.

Why Should You Go For Toilet Up-gradation?

There are many benefits of getting your toilet bowl replaced by a new, reliable and efficient model. It is needless to say that modern variants of toilet bowls are much efficient. You would never have to weigh down by the embarrassment of toilet malfunctions with friends and family at home during the holidays.

Plumbers in Surrey also have a few tips for you to get the best model that does the job right all the while saving you money and being eco-friendly. For starters, if you choose to get a 1.28-gallon toilet bowl, you can reduce water significantly, reducing your energy bills and conserve water simultaneously. Get in touch with the best plumbing services in the area to know more.

The toilet is not the first thing that catches people’s eye at your home, but it is a major contributor to the overall outlook of your living space. The right (or wrong) toilet bowl has quite an impact on the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom. Imagine an old, faded toilet next to the sophisticated decor of your bathroom, it would not fit in right. You can redefine the look and feel of this space by upgrading your toilet and that too within affordability.

Call The Best Plumber Today

We at 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage LTD are dedicated to addressing all your plumbing, heating and drainage – installation, maintenance and up-gradation needs. Our expert professionals are ready to go on a call’s notice. Get in touch with us for any issues, from fixing a broken pipe to complete plumbing remodel.

Know About Some Basic Components of Your Home Plumbing

Posted in Plumbing Repairs

What is the first picture that pops in your mind when you hear the word plumbing? Is it a picture of the toilet, a dripping tap out faucet, a bathtub? You would be surprised to know that these are only some of the external fixtures. All these, when put together, constitute only a fraction of the elaborate plumbing system of your house.

In this blog, you will learn about some of the primary parts of your home plumbing from words of the professional plumbers in Surrey. Keep reading to get insights into the plumbing system of your home. You can use the knowledge to do a little bit of maintenance yourself and know when to call for a plumber.

The Basic Parts of Home Plumbing

You must not limit your understanding of this matter to superficial levels. Take a look at some of the smaller components that are easily missed, but very essential to form the plumbing system.

Water Main Valve: The water main valve is installed during the initial stages of the construction of every home. This valve controls the water flow of your house. In case a pipe bursts or leaks, you can use this valve to stop the flow of water. You must know the location of this valve so it comes in handy during any plumbing emergency.
Cut off Valves: These valves are added to the water main valve. They are used to cut off the water supply to particular sections of your plumbing system, mainly the fixtures such as the toilet and sinks. They are useful to encounter a leakage and prevent water spilling all over your floor.
Water Meters: Water meters help you read the plumbing system’s overall health. Various types of water meters are available in the market. Get the best ones recommended by most plumbers in Surrey and get detailed information about your water usage. It also helps you pinpoint the damaged plumbing and let you know when to slow down the water usage and make real savings.
Water Pressure Regulators: Would you like hot water running under high pressure when you get a shower? No, right. With the help of water pressure regulators, you can check the water pressure and lower it whenever it’s too high. The regulators help you prevent any plumbing emergency.
Electric, Gas and Hot Water Valves: These valves help you control the essential resources of the house. In case the water gets too hot, use the valve. Gas and electric valves also help to depend on the fuel of your water heater.

Learn more from us. 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage LTD is counted among the leading plumbing services of the country. Call us today to fix an appointment for any kind of plumbing, heating and drainage solutions.

How To Pet-Proof Your Home Plumbing?

Posted in Plumbing Repairs

Over half of the total households across the country have a pet! Having a cute pet is fun and helpful indeed, but not necessarily in every aspect. There are many potential problems which come with having pets. Pets put up the special strain on all kinds of household fixtures, especially the plumbing.

Here are some important notes from the best plumbers in Surrey on how you could pet-proof your home plumbing. Follow these tips by heart and you would never have to stress out about pet plumbing problems in the future.

Do Not Leave Pipes Exposed

Just like children, your pets also love to mess around with exposed fixtures. You can avoid a trip to the vet by covering the exposed fixtures such as pipes and wires. When your pet bites and damages a pipe, fixing it is much costlier and tedious than simply prevent or from happening. This can damage your home or worse, get your pet hurt. You should go for concealing all open fixtures and piping to protect your home and your pet.

Keep Water Available for your Pets

Pets often drink out of the toilet because they are thirsty. If you make sure that there is plenty of water available in the home for your pets, they would stay away from toilet water. You must check at least twice a day that their water bowl has enough to quench their thirst. If you ensure a non-toilet option for drinking water, your pets will use that.

Rinse off Dirty Pets Outside

When your dog rolls around in the mud and dirt, it gets soiled all over. Cleaning that mess of muddy, matted fur is not easy for you, just like that, it is also a plumbing nightmare. The mud and fur forms clumps and clogs in your drains and sticks around stubbornly, creating a lot of problems that would require the help of professional Surrey plumbers. To avoid the mishaps, it is recommended to wash and rinse off your pets outside.

Keep Harmful Cleaning Chemicals Out of Reach

Make sure the cleaning chemicals for bathroom and toilet are kept behind locked cabinets or high up to keep your pets out of harm’s way. If your pets can reach the cleaning chemicals, they could get seriously sick. You must about potentially harmful drain cleaners in the first place. They can damage your plumbing as well. Get your piping cleaned by a professional plumber in Surrey regularly rather than using chemicals

Even if your loving pets cause any plumbing trouble, there is no reason to worry. Keep the contacts of your vet and professional Surrey plumbers in the speed dial to cope up with any unforeseen situation with ease.

How to Fix a Loose Toilet Handle in Kelowna

Posted in Clogged Drains

Loose and wiggly toilet handles are not only slack while using, but they are also annoying and can affect the functions of your toilet adversely. Even if nothing is wrong with the toilet itself, a loose toilet handle can cause several issues, such as an inoperable toilet. In some cases, they even lead to a plumbing emergency.

If you encounter a loose toilet handle in Kelowna, you can take matters into your own hands and tackle the issue with some elbow grease. Your experienced Kelowna plumbers at 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd. have put together a detailed guide for you to fix your toilet handle like a pro.

Get ready for our list of tips to follow and fix your toilet handle correctly and effectively. Give it a thorough read, and feel free to contact your local pros at (250) 801-0911 if you have any questions!

Common Causes of a Malfunctioning Toilet Handle

Before we delve into how to fix a loose toilet handle, let’s try to understand the common causes first. Once you know the culprit, the repair process becomes a walk in the park.

Loose plastic nut: Lift the toilet lid to check the nut to which your handle connects. If the nut is loose, use a pair of pliers to tighten it.
Damaged or cracked nut: While metal nuts are more durable, you’ll still find many plastic nuts in households. If it’s cracked or damaged, it will fail to hold the handle securely in place.

Wrong installation: It happens that people accidentally installed a new handle backwards, making the handle appear like it’s constantly in a flush position. We recommend taking it apart again and giving it another go.
Broken handle arm: Another common plastic piece is the rod or handle arm that is inside the tank and connects to the chain. When broken, it can’t initiate the chain to lift the flapper.
Chain is not the right length: You need a taut chain that effectively lifts the flapper. Oftentimes, the toilet chain length needs to be adjusted. While doing so, please make sure other components, such as the lift arm assembly, are intact.
Worn-out flapper: This piece of rubber seals the opening between your toilet tank and toilet bowl. If it’s not sealing properly, you’ll experience ghost flushes and a loose toilet handle.

What Are the Different Types of Toilet Handles?

You will be surprised to know that many households still have toilet handles (also known as trip lever, flush handle, or trip handle). The only thing that differentiates this type from the more modern push button type is that the trip lever connects to the flush valve via a chain. On the other hand, the push button type connects to two different valves, each of which controls the amount of water used to flush.

While there are many different types of toilet handles, they are not created equal or designed for every type of lever-operated toilet.

Common standard types include:

Front mount – located on the front of the tank
Angle mount – typically roundly shaped and best suited for rounded tanks, adjustable
Side mount – a rarer type that connects on the side of the tank and has a 90-degree bend

No matter the type you have in Kelowna, loose toilet handles occur frequently. But it’s time that you play the surgeon and remove that tank lid to investigate the issue.

Is Your Toilet Handle Loose? Here’s How You Tighten It!

Not only do we help homeowners in Kelowna fix their loose toilet handles, but we also educate and help them understand the issue so that in future, it becomes a minor toilet problem they can fix on their own. That said, you can fix it quite easily by homely means. Go for tightening it by following the steps below:

Put down the toilet seat cover to close it.
Carefully uncover the toilet tank with both hands and set the lid aside on a flat surface to avoid accidental damage.
Locate the shut-off valve to shut off your water supply.
Manually operate the valve to flush the toilet so the tank is empty. (You should find the valve at the base of the toilet, near the back.)
Look inside the tank, directly opposite the handle, to find the mounting nut.
Turn the handle nut counterclockwise with a wrench till it is snug. Be careful not to tighten it too much, as this could crack up the porcelain and make a bigger mess!
Once the nut is tight enough, depress the lever to test it. If it is fixed, you will know it by the feel and sound of the lever.
Turn on the water supply and cover the tank with the lid. And voilà! You just fixed the loose handle with the tips from professional plumbers in Kelowna.

Sometimes, the issue still persists even after tightening the handle. This means that there is still something wrong with the toilet lever. In that case, you can replace the handle entirely.

Got a Broken Toilet Handle? Here’s How to Replace It!

If your toilet handle is still not functioning properly despite tightening, you might have to replace it. Double-check its quality and parts and check for corrosion. We have encountered many low-grade metal levers in the past, which, after years of regular use, could suffer from wear and tear. The rule of thumb is to replace them every three to five years, along with other components, such as the toilet flapper and rubber washers. This way, you’ll be on top of your toilet maintenance services, ensuring water efficiency and optimal performance.

However, the process of replacing a broken or loose toilet handle can be tricky, depending on the type you have. You can always use the previous handle lever as a guide unless you wish to install a more efficient one or learn more about other compatible flush levers.

Feel free to call the plumbers in Kelowna for assistance if you’re looking to get a replacement handle or do it yourself. Here is how:

Do a little research and figure out which hardware you need and which corresponds to the brand you have. This includes facts about your existing toilet model and its specific parts.
Gather the necessary tools and hardware from your nearest store (i.e., adjustable wrench, new handle, new mounting nut).
Uncover the lid of the tank and empty it just as directed in the previous guide.
Inside the tank, find the chain clip attached to the lever’s inside that goes to the flapper.
Undo the clasp and detach the handle.
Remove the mounting nut inside the tank holding the handle. Rotate clockwise to loosen it with a wrench.
Pull out the old handle once the nut and the chain are removed.
Take the new handle and unscrew the mounting nut.
Put the new lever in the tank and attach it using the screw and chain.
Turn on the water and test your new handle by flushing.

We believe that whenever you encounter a loose toilet handle in Kelowna, you can fix it yourself. In case of any plumbing emergency or regular maintenance, please get in touch with our professional Kelowna plumbing services for the best results. Your time is valuable, and we want to make sure that no loose toilet handle will disrupt your daily routine.

Why 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd. Is the Right Choice

We are proud to be Kelowna’s leading plumbing company. We have professional Kelowna plumbers you can rely on at any time, as your safety and well-being are our top priority. But don’t take our word for it; instead, check out our customer reviews to see what your neighbours have to say about us!

Furthermore, we excel in our job because we adhere to our company values:

Always on time: We offer convenient appointments to fit your schedule, and you can expect us to always arrive on time in a clearly marked company van.
Long-term solutions: Our team cares that your plumbing is in a decent condition for many years to come. We don’t believe in band-aid fixes that leave your future uncertain. Trust us for comprehensive repairs and long-lasting replacement services to restore your balance.
Insured and licensed professionals: Our certified plumbers are well-versed in what they do and always deliver premium customer service combined with outstanding workmanship.
24/7 emergency service: No matter what type of plumbing emergency you have, we’ll dispatch a team of professionals to deliver efficient services. Whether you have a burst pipe at midnight or a sewer backup on a Saturday. Our professional services are available 24 hours a day.

Dealing with a Loose Toilet Handle in Kelowna? Trust Our Local Experts for a Flawless Flushing Experience!

Whether you have a loose or wobbly toilet handle, our Kelowna plumbers have the skill and experience to handle every type of oilet repair. Even small plumbing issues can evolve into something major if not taken care of. No matter how big or small your problem is, our friendly team is available when you need it. Reach out to us today at (250) 801-0911 to learn more or schedule an appointment with a Kelowna plumber.