Stopping a toilet overflow
- Close the valve behind the toilet.Turn the small oval handle on the wall or floor behind the toilet clockwise.
- Lift the flapper if the valve is stuck.Take the tank lid off and press the rubber flapper down at the bottom of the tank, or lift the float to stop filling.
- Do not flush again.Wait for the bowl level to drop before trying a plunger.
- Check other drains.If the shower or tub fills when the toilet overflows, the main line may be blocked.
Toilet problems and likely causes
| Symptom | Likely cause | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Runs constantly or refills on its own | Worn flapper or misadjusted fill valve | Replace flapper or fill valve |
| Weak flush | Partial clog, low tank level, or scale in the rim holes | Clear, adjust or clean |
| Water on the floor at the base | Failed wax ring or loose toilet | Pull and reset with a new seal |
| Water dripping from the tank | Tank bolts or supply connection | Replace bolts, gaskets or supply line |
| Clogs often | Low-flow design, wipes, or a problem farther down the line | Clear and check the line if repeated |
Shower and tub valves
A shower head that drips after the handle is off usually means a worn cartridge or seal inside the valve. In Buena Park's hard water, mineral scale builds up on these parts and makes them stiff or leaky sooner. A plumber can often replace the cartridge through the trim without opening the wall.
Older homes may have two- or three-handle valves or a valve model that is no longer made. In that case, replacing the whole valve can be the more lasting repair, though it usually means opening the wall behind the shower or working through an access panel.
Fix it yourself or call?
- IfA running toilet with an accessible flapperMany homeowners replace the flapper themselves. Close the supply valve first.
- IfWater on the floor around the toilet baseCall a plumber. A leaking seal can soak the subfloor or slab edge.
- IfA dripping shower with a standard cartridgePossible as a careful DIY job, but the main water may need to be shut off. A plumber can do it quickly.
- IfShower valve inside the wall is leakingCall a plumber and look for water stains on the other side of the wall.
- IfToilet overflows and the tub fillsTreat it as a main line problem and stop using water.
Hard-water upkeep for fixtures
- Clean showerheads and faucet aerators when flow drops.
- Check toilet fill valves and flappers for scale when they start acting up.
- Exercise fixture shutoff valves once in a while so they still turn.
- Replace braided supply hoses that look corroded, kinked or bulging.
What to ask the plumber
- Can this be repaired with parts, or does the fixture need replacing?
- Are replacement parts available for this valve model?
- Will the wall need to be opened, and who handles patching or tile?
- Should the fixture shutoff valves be replaced while you are here?
- What is the written price?
Common questions
- Is a running toilet worth fixing quickly?
- Yes. A constantly running toilet can waste a lot of water and show up on your bill. Most fixes are simple parts.
- Why does my toilet rock?
- It may be loose on its flange or the floor may be uneven. A rocking toilet can break the wax seal and leak, so have it reset.
- Does replacing a shower valve need a permit?
- It can, especially if the wall is opened or the valve type changes. Check with the city and ask the plumber.
General information for Buena Park, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.