A functional toilet bowl is a fundamental part of any home, yet many homeowners encounter problems that disrupt their daily routine. From clogging and leaks to flushing malfunctions, understanding the most common toilet bowl issues can help prevent costly repairs.
In this guide, we will explore the most frequent toilet bowl problems and provide practical solutions to fix them. Whether you have a wall-hung, floor-mounted, or smart toilet bowl, these troubleshooting tips will help keep your toilet in top shape.
Issue #1: Toilet Bowl Clogs
One of the most frequent toilet bowl problems is clogging, which can occur due to excessive toilet paper usage, flushing non-flushable items, or drainage blockages.
How to Fix It:
- Use a plunger – A forceful plunge often helps dislodge blockages.
- Try a toilet auger – A plumbing snake can help break apart stubborn clogs deeper in the pipes.
- Use a baking soda and vinegar solution – Pour one cup of baking soda, followed by two cups of vinegar, and let the mixture sit before flushing with hot water.
Avoid: Flushing baby wipes, sanitary products, or excessive tissue paper, as these are common culprits of clogging.
Issue #2: Weak or Incomplete Flush
If your toilet bowl flushes weakly or doesn’t clear waste properly, the issue may be due to low water levels, partial blockages, or faulty flushing components.
How to Fix It:
- Check the water level in the tank – If it’s too low, adjust the float valve to increase water intake.
- Inspect the flush valve – A worn-out or misaligned flapper valve can cause incomplete flushing.
- Clean the rim jets – Mineral build-up can block the water flow, so use a toothbrush and vinegar to clear the jets.
Avoid: Using low-quality toilet paper that doesn’t dissolve properly, as it may contribute to flushing inefficiency.
Issue #3: Running Toilet
A running toilet wastes water and can significantly increase your water bill. This issue typically occurs due to a faulty flapper valve or an improperly adjusted float.
How to Fix It:
- Replace the flapper valve – If the rubber flapper is old or damaged, replace it with a new one.
- Adjust the float height – If the float is too high, excess water will continuously flow into the overflow tube.
- Check for leaks – Add food colouring into the toilet tank and wait 15 minutes. If the colour appears in the bowl, there’s a leak.
Avoid: Ignoring this issue, as a running toilet can waste hundreds of litres of water daily.
Issue #4: Toilet Leaks Around the Base
Water pooling around the base of your toilet bowl can indicate a damaged wax seal, loose bolts, or cracks in the toilet base.
How to Fix It:
- Tighten the mounting bolts – If the toilet wobbles, securing the bolts may prevent further leakage.
- Replace the wax ring – A deteriorated wax seal should be removed and replaced with a new one.
- Inspect for cracks – If the toilet bowl itself is cracked, replacement may be necessary.
Avoid: Ignoring leaks, as they can cause floor damage and mould growth.
Issue #5: Unpleasant Odours from the Toilet
A persistent bad smell coming from your toilet may indicate sewer gas leaks, bacterial growth, or insufficient ventilation.
How to Fix It:
- Check the P-trap – Ensure that water is present in the toilet’s trap to block sewer gas.
- Deep clean your toilet – Use a disinfectant to clean the bowl, rim, and under the seat.
- Use an odour-neutralising cleaner – Certain enzyme-based cleaners break down organic matter, reducing odours.
Avoid: Harsh chemical deodorisers, as they mask odours instead of eliminating the source.
Issue #6: Toilet Won’t Stop Filling Up After Flushing
If your toilet continues to fill up with water long after flushing, the float valve or fill valve may need adjustment or replacement.
How to Fix It:
- Adjust the float – Lowering the float may help regulate the water level.
- Check the fill valve – If it’s worn out, replace it with a new, compatible model.
- Inspect the overflow tube – If water flows into this tube continuously, adjust the fill level.
Avoid: Over-tightening the float mechanism, as it may restrict water flow altogether.
Issue #7: Loud or Noisy Flushing
If your toilet makes gurgling, whistling, or banging sounds after flushing, there may be air trapped in the pipes, loose components, or excessive water pressure.
How to Fix It:
- Check for trapped air – Turn off the water supply and flush the toilet to release excess air.
- Inspect the fill valve – A worn-out valve may produce a whistling noise.
- Install a water hammer arrestor – If banging occurs, a water hammer arrestor helps regulate pressure changes.
Avoid: Ignoring persistent noises, as they can indicate serious plumbing issues.
When to Call a Plumber
While many toilet issues can be fixed with DIY solutions, certain problems require professional assistance:
- Severe leaks that continue despite replacing the wax seal
- Major cracks in the toilet bowl
- Recurring clogging issues that persist even after plunging
- Low water pressure problems affecting multiple fixtures in your home
If your toilet frequently experiences issues, consider upgrading to a more reliable toilet bowl. Singapore has several options available that you can consider for your needs.
Final Thoughts
Toilet bowl issues are common but manageable with proper maintenance and timely repairs. Whether you’re dealing with clogs, leaks, odours, or flushing problems, addressing these issues early can prevent costly damage.
Key Takeaways:
- Regular maintenance prevents most toilet bowl issues.
- Plungers, augers, and cleaning solutions can resolve minor problems.
- Leaks, persistent clogging, and low water pressure may require professional plumbing services.
- Upgrading to a dual-flush or smart toilet bowl can improve efficiency and reduce water consumption.
By staying proactive, you can keep your toilet in optimal working condition, ensuring hygiene, comfort, and efficiency in your bathroom.
