Question 1

What is a dual flush toilet?

Accepted Answer

A dual flush toilet is a water-efficient toilet design that gives you two flushing options: a lower-volume flush for liquid waste and a higher-volume flush for solid waste.

How It Works

The mechanism is straightforward. Instead of a single flush button or handle, dual flush toilets have two buttons (usually on top of the tank) or a split handle. The half flush typically uses around 3 litres of water, while the full flush uses around 6 litres. Traditional single-flush toilets often use 6 litres

Question 2

Why does my toilet rock back and forth?

Accepted Answer

A rocking toilet is almost always caused by a loose or failed wax ring seal at the base, or loose floor bolts (called closet bolts) that anchor the toilet to the floor flange. This is something you'll want to address promptly — a rocking toilet can cause serious water damage if left alone.

The most common culprit is simply that the two bolts at the base of your toilet have loosened over time. You can try tightening the plastic caps at the base of the toilet, removing them and snugging up the nu

Question 3

What is the best toilet brand?

Accepted Answer

The "best" toilet brand depends on your priorities, but a few manufacturers consistently stand out for quality, reliability, and availability in the Ottawa market.

TOTO is widely considered the gold standard by plumbers and consumers alike. Their toilets feature powerful flushing technology (the Tornado Flush system), excellent water efficiency, and exceptional durability. Models like the TOTO Drake and Ultramax are workhorses that rarely need service calls. The downside is cost — TOTO toilets

Question 4

How do I stop my toilet from sweating?

Accepted Answer

Toilet sweating occurs when warm, humid air contacts the cold surface of your toilet tank, causing condensation to form and drip onto your bathroom floor. This is especially common in Ottawa during humid summer months when there's a big temperature difference between the cold water in your tank and the warm bathroom air.

The most effective solution is to install a toilet tank liner or insulation kit. These foam liners attach to the inside walls of your toilet tank, creating a barrier that preve

Question 5

Should I get a round or elongated toilet?

Accepted Answer

Elongated toilets are generally the better choice for most Ottawa homes, offering superior comfort and performance, though round toilets work well in tight spaces.

Elongated toilets provide better comfort and functionality. The longer bowl (about 2 inches more than round) offers more seating area and better waste removal efficiency. Most adults find elongated toilets significantly more comfortable, and they're easier to clean thoroughly. The extra length also reduces splashing and provides bett

Question 6

Why is my toilet leaking at the base?

Accepted Answer

A toilet leaking at the base is typically caused by a failed wax ring seal between the toilet and the floor drain, though it could also indicate loose bolts or a cracked toilet base. This is a common issue that requires prompt attention to prevent water damage to your flooring and subfloor.

The wax ring is a donut-shaped seal that sits between your toilet and the toilet flange (the pipe connection in your floor). Over time, this ring can deteriorate, shift, or compress, breaking the watertight

Question 7

Can I install a toilet myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can install a toilet yourself if you're comfortable with basic plumbing tasks, but there are important considerations for Ottawa homeowners. Most DIY-capable homeowners can handle a straightforward toilet replacement, but new installations or significant plumbing changes typically require permits and professional work.

For a simple toilet replacement where you're swapping an old toilet for a new one in the same location, this is generally a manageable DIY project. You'll need basic too

Question 8

What causes a toilet to clog frequently?

Accepted Answer

Frequent toilet clogs are usually caused by a combination of what's being flushed and underlying plumbing issues that restrict water flow or trap debris.

The most common culprit is flushing inappropriate items like excessive toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, wet wipes (even "flushable" ones), cotton swabs, or dental floss. Many people don't realize that modern low-flow toilets use significantly less water than older models, so they can't handle the same volume of material. Even too much

Question 9

Why does my toilet bowl empty slowly?

Accepted Answer

A slowly emptying toilet bowl is typically caused by a partial blockage in the drain or issues with the toilet's flushing mechanism. The most common culprits are buildup in the trap, rim jets, or the drain line leading from your toilet.

Partial blockages are the leading cause of slow-draining toilets. Over time, toilet paper, waste, and mineral deposits can accumulate in the toilet's trap (the curved section at the base) or further down the drain line. Unlike a complete blockage that prevents f

Question 10

Why does my toilet randomly run for a few seconds?

Accepted Answer

Your toilet is likely running randomly because the flapper valve isn't sealing properly against the flush valve seat, allowing water to slowly leak from the tank into the bowl. When the water level drops enough, the fill valve kicks in to refill the tank, creating that brief running sound you hear.

The most common culprit is a warped or deteriorated flapper. Over time, the rubber becomes flexible and can't create a tight seal, especially if mineral buildup or debris gets caught underneath it. S

Question 11

Why does my toilet keep running?

Accepted Answer

A running toilet is typically caused by a faulty flapper, chain, or fill valve that prevents the toilet from completing its flush cycle properly. This wastes water and can increase your utility bill significantly.

The most common culprit is the rubber flapper at the bottom of the tank not sealing properly against the flush valve seat. Over time, flappers warp, crack, or accumulate mineral buildup that prevents a tight seal. When water continuously leaks from the tank into the bowl, the fill val

Question 12

How do I replace a toilet wax ring?

Accepted Answer

Replacing a toilet wax ring is a manageable DIY project that typically takes 2-3 hours and requires basic tools. You'll need a new wax ring, toilet bolts, and potentially a new toilet flange if the old one is damaged.

Start by shutting off the water supply at the valve behind the toilet and flushing to empty the tank and bowl. Remove the water supply line and unscrew the nuts holding the toilet to the floor bolts. Carefully lift the toilet straight up - it's heavy and awkward, so having a helpe

Question 13

How do I fix a toilet that won't flush properly?

Accepted Answer

A toilet that won't flush properly is usually caused by low water level in the tank, a clogged drain, or faulty internal components - most of these issues can be diagnosed and often fixed with basic troubleshooting.

Start by removing the toilet tank lid and checking the water level. The water should sit about 1 inch below the rim of the overflow tube. If it's too low, the flapper chain might be too long or broken, preventing the flapper from sealing properly. Adjust the chain so there's slight

Toilets

What is a dual flush toilet?

Why does my toilet rock back and forth?

What is the best toilet brand?

How do I stop my toilet from sweating?

Should I get a round or elongated toilet?

Why is my toilet leaking at the base?

Can I install a toilet myself?

What causes a toilet to clog frequently?

Why does my toilet bowl empty slowly?

Why does my toilet randomly run for a few seconds?

Why does my toilet keep running?

How do I replace a toilet wax ring?

How do I fix a toilet that won't flush properly?

Plumbing Problems?
We're Here to Help.

Toilets

What is a dual flush toilet?

Why does my toilet rock back and forth?

What is the best toilet brand?

How do I stop my toilet from sweating?

Should I get a round or elongated toilet?

Why is my toilet leaking at the base?

Can I install a toilet myself?

What causes a toilet to clog frequently?

Why does my toilet bowl empty slowly?

Why does my toilet randomly run for a few seconds?

Why does my toilet keep running?

How do I replace a toilet wax ring?

How do I fix a toilet that won't flush properly?

Plumbing Problems?We're Here to Help.

Plumbing Problems?
We're Here to Help.