Unexpected repairs in your living space can be troublesome, especially when it comes to plumbing.
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That's why videos like the latest from TikTok's resident plumber @theplumbersplunger are resonating with so many.
In the clip, which has been viewed over 410,500 times since December 1, he explains what went wrong with a customer's toilet. He also shows viewers exactly how he fixed the problem.
What was the problem with the toilet?
“This customer's toilet kept running and they thought it was a flapper problem,” he says as he begins the repair.
According to the plumber, the customer purchased a new damper while grocery shopping at HEB and installed it in hopes of fixing the problem. But when that didn't work, they called him to take a closer look.
“The fill valve didn’t close properly, so the water in the tank overflowed,” he explains. Luckily, the overflow pipe for the flush valve was cut to the correct height so the water could drain safely instead of flowing onto the floor.
To fix the problem, he replaced the faulty fill valve and also installed a new supply line. “These are essentially disposable items,” he says, adding that if they are unplugged and more than a year old, they should be replaced.
The flapper the customer bought also did not meet his standards. “I'm also replacing this flapper because the one they bought was a cheap generic… I have no idea how long that would have lasted,” the TikToker explains.
After installing the new parts, the plumber turned the water back on, adjusted the fill valve height, cleaned the tank, and made sure everything was working properly. “Overall, this can be a fairly easy repair as long as you have the right parts,” he notes.
However, he points out that many of his customers either do not want to carry out such repairs or are unable to do so for health reasons. “But I've noticed that many of my clients don't want to deal with it because it takes too much time,” he says.
Other common bathroom problems
There are several plumbing problems in bathrooms that can be very annoying.
Over time, hair, soap scum and dirt often build up and clog drains, making them one of the most common bathroom problems.
As Mauzy Heating, Air & Solar points out in a blog post, this buildup can lead to slow drainage or even standing water in sinks and tubs. Regular cleaning and the use of drain guards can help prevent clogs.
Another common problem is leaky faucets, which not only waste water but can also significantly increase utility bills.
As Construction Review Online reported, these leaks are usually caused by worn washers or seals in the faucet. Fortunately, replacing these components is often enough to resolve the problem.
Experts recommend addressing these bathroom plumbing problems quickly as this can prevent major damage in the future.
Viewers react
In the comments, users expressed their own theories about the toilet problem and suggested alternative solutions.
“Service lines that are single use only sound like plumbing salesman talk, these things only leak when they are very old,” one user surmised.
“I'm just wondering why change the whole thing?” asked another user. “Why not just pull the ring and take the top off?”
The plumber responded to the comment above by saying, “When you hire a plumber, you expect a professional repair.”
Another user joked about home repair prices, writing, “15 minute job = $250.”
@theplumbersplunger Fixing a leaking toilet by replacing the fill valve, flapper and supply line. #plumbing #repair #fyp ♬ Original sound – The Plumbers Plunger
The Daily Dot reached out to @theplumbersplunger via TikTok and Instagram direct message.
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