Call a licensed plumber today
- IfSewage rises in a tub, shower or floor drain when the toilet is flushedThenThe main drain or sewer lateral is blocked. Stop using water and call.
- IfWater keeps seeping from under the toilet baseThenThe seal has failed and waste water may be reaching the floor. Stop using the toilet and call.
- IfThe shutoff valve will not close and water is still runningThenClose the main and call.
- IfThe tank or bowl has cracked and is leakingThenShut off and empty the toilet, then call.
Schedule a visit soon
- IfThe toilet rocks and tightening the bolts does not holdThenBook a reset before the seal fails.
- IfA clog keeps coming back within days or weeksThenBook a visit and ask about checking the drain line.
- IfThe shutoff valve is stiff or drips after useThenBook a valve replacement.
- IfThe supply line looks worn, kinked or rustyThenClose the valve if it looks close to failing and book a replacement.
Usually fine to handle yourself
- IfA single clog that clears with a flange plungerThenWatch for a repeat; log it if it comes back.
- IfA tangled or too-short flapper chainThenAdjust it with the water on.
- IfWater spilling into the overflow tubeThenLower the float to the fill line.
- IfCondensation on the tank on humid daysThenWipe it and ventilate the bathroom; it is not a leak.
Quick reference
| Symptom | Group |
|---|---|
| Sewage in tub or shower | Today |
| Water under the base | Today |
| Leaking crack | Today |
| Rocking toilet | Soon |
| Repeat clogs | Soon |
| Stiff or dripping valve | Soon |
| Single clog | Yourself |
| Running tank | Yourself, or soon if parts do not fix it |
When the answer is not obvious
If a symptom falls between groups, ask what happens if it gets worse overnight. A running tank wastes water but stays in the bowl. Water escaping onto the floor, or sewage with nowhere to go, gets worse the longer it runs. When in doubt, shut the water off first and decide second.
Common questions
Is a running toilet an emergency?
Usually not. It wastes water but rarely causes damage. Close the shutoff if you want to stop it until it is fixed.
Can I use a toilet that rocks slightly?
For a short time, if the base is dry. Fix it soon, because movement breaks the seal.
What if I smell gas while dealing with a plumbing problem?
Leave the building right away and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside. Do not use switches or flames.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.