Can a Bad Flapper Cause a Toilet to Overflow in Selkirk, Manitoba?

No one wants to deal with an overflowing toilet, especially when it's due to something you can prevent. This begs the question: can a bad flapper cause a toilet to overflow? Discover the answer in this guide from King's Services, Selkirk, Manitoba's plumbing contractor for toilet repairs. 



Can a Bad Flapper Make a Toilet Overflow?

Selkirk residents don't always see a flapper in action since it sits inside the toilet tank, but this crucial piece of equipment can affect how the entire fixture operates.

The flapper's main responsibility is to lower all of the water in the tank when you flush the toilet and then promptly help it fill back up. If the flapper doesn't have a tight seal over the opening, water will continue to fill the toilet bowl and cause the tank to keep running. As water continues to leak into the bowl between flushes, it can eventually spill over the edge of the bowl. 

It's critical to notice any changes in your toilet's performance and monitor changing water levels in the bowl. Otherwise, you'll face a significant water damage risk if the bowl overflows because of a flapper with an improper seal. 

So can a bad flapper make a toilet overflow? The short answer is yes, it can, and so you must be on the lookout for any problems.

Signs of a Bad Flapper

Toilet water leakage isn't the only problem a bad flapper can cause. If you notice the following issues, an overflowing toilet may be imminent.

Weak Flush

Not only can a bad flapper cause a toilet to overflow but it might leave you struggling to flush any waste. Say your toilet's flapper fully seals the opening leading to the bowl but only partially lifts when you flush. Rather than seeing the powerful force of water from a full tank, you might have weak or incomplete flushes because the flapper can't release enough water. 

Hissing Sounds

You'll know it's time for a flapper replacement if you hear strange hissing noises coming from beneath the tank's lid. You shouldn't hear any weird noises when your toilet isn't in use, so be mindful of the following sounds:

• Banging noises
• Water gurgling or bubbling 
• High-pitched squealing sounds
• Water running

Contact a plumber who serves Selkirk and inform them about the sound you hear. They'll inspect the toilet and recommend repairs that will silence the fixture for good. 

High Water Bills

For many Selkirk locals, water conservation remains a big goal. However, it's hard to keep your usage down if your toilet flapper needs replacing. The damaged equipment will have water consistently run from your tank and raise the price of your water bill. 

A smart toilet can give you better insight into your bathroom habits and help you monitor your water consumption. If you happen to notice any unusual upticks in water usage, it's your sign to schedule a plumbing inspection. 

How To Troubleshoot Your Toilet Flapper in Selkirk

Instead of wondering, "Can a bad flapper cause a toilet to overflow?" take steps to alleviate the issue before it reaches that point. Use the following tips to troubleshoot this common plumbing issue.

Check for Flapper Damage

Lift the lid of your toilet tank and look at the bottom to find a rubber, ball-like piece that connects to a chain. Once you locate the flapper, inspect it for any cracks or visible damage. If you see an exposed valve beneath the flapper, this confirms that it's not properly sealing water inside the tank and will need to be replaced.

Test for Water Leaks

The flapper could seem perfectly fine upon your inspection, yet you're still experiencing issues with your toilet's flush and water usage. Is the flapper to blame or could another piece of equipment be the reason for your plumbing problems? A simple test will help you get to the bottom of things.

To find out if you have a faulty flapper, perform the following steps:

• Open the lid of your toilet tank.
• Place a few drops of food colouring into the tank.
• Wait 30 minutes.
• Check the water in the toilet bowl.

If you see some of the coloured water inside your toilet bowl, the flapper is definitely leaking water from the tank. However, if the bowl looks the same as always, you'll need to investigate another component. 

Contact a Trusted Selkirk Plumber

Whether you spot visible damage to your flapper or can't tell where the problem stems from, you'll need a qualified plumber to take over. Experts can quickly replace the flapper without damaging other parts inside the tank and diagnose any other problems affecting your toilet. 

Toilet Flapper Maintenance Tips

Along with, "Can a bad flapper cause a toilet to overflow?" one of the most common questions plumbers receive about toilet flappers is, "How can you avoid common flapper issues?" Flappers will naturally wear over time and need replacing eventually. Thankfully, they are relatively inexpensive to replace and fairly easy to maintain. 

By following these tips, you can keep your toilet working properly and get the most out of your flapper:

• Clean the flapper: Mineral buildup from hard water can cause the items in your toilet tank to deteriorate. Wiping the debris will preserve the look and function of your flapper. 
• Limit chemical use: Don't pour any chemical cleaners or other harsh substances into your toilet tank, as this can also damage flappers. 
• Inspect the tank regularly: Every now and then check the inside of the tank to rule out cracks or damage to the flapper. 
• Adjust the chain: If the chain connected to the flapper is too loose or too tight, water might not fill the bowl when you flush. 

Choose King's Services for Top-Notch Toilet Repairs in Selkirk, Manitoba

Not only can a bad flapper cause a toilet to overflow but it can cause a wide range of other toilet issues, including strange noises. Take charge of your plumbing system with the help of King's Services. We help Selkirk residents with everything from toilet repairs to septic tank cleaning and more. 

Reach out today to request service in your Selkirk home.