If a toilet is about to overflow, do not flush again. Lift the tank lid and push the flapper down, or close the shutoff valve behind the toilet by turning it clockwise. That stops more water entering the bowl. Then call our 24/7 line and tell us what the toilet is doing.
Toilet problems fall into four groups: overflow or clog, leak, constant running and a toilet that has loosened or cracked. Each has a different cause and a different fix. Below is how to tell them apart and when a repair is enough.
Stop the water first
Quick shutoff steps
These work on nearly every toilet.
- Close the oval or round shutoff valve on the wall or floor behind the toilet by turning it clockwise.
- If the bowl is rising, lift the tank lid and press the rubber flapper down to block the flow.
- Lay towels around the base and keep children and pets out of the room.
- If water is also coming up in a tub or shower, the main drain may be blocked. Stop using water and see our drain cleaning page.
Four common toilet problems
| Problem | Common cause | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Bowl overflows or will not flush | Clog in the trap or drain | Plunger or closet auger, then check the vent and main line. |
| Water at the base | Failed wax ring or loose closet bolts | Reset the toilet with a new wax ring. |
| Water drips from the tank | Cracked tank or worn tank bolt gaskets | Replace gaskets, or replace the tank or toilet. |
| Runs constantly | Worn flapper, fill valve or chain | Replace the flush parts. |
| Weak flush | Clogged rim jets or low tank water level | Clean jets, adjust the fill level. |
| Rocks on the floor | Loose bolts or rotted flange | Reset on a repaired flange. |
Repair or replace
Repair makes sense when
- The porcelain is intact and not cracked.
- The toilet is a recent model with a good flush.
- Only flush parts, a wax ring or bolts have failed.
- The leak is at a supply line or shutoff valve.
Replacement makes sense when
- The bowl or tank has a hairline crack.
- The toilet clogs often even after cleaning.
- The toilet is an older, high-flow model.
- The flange or floor has water damage that requires a reset.
A toilet that leaks at the base for a long time can rot the subfloor. If you see soft flooring or stains on the ceiling below, ask about leak detection. California requires low-flow fixtures in new installations, so a replacement toilet will use less water per flush than an older one.
Installing a new toilet
Measure the rough-in
The distance from the wall to the center of the drain is usually twelve inches. We confirm before ordering so the new toilet fits.
Remove the old toilet
We shut off and drain the water, remove the old unit and check the flange for cracks and rust.
Set the new toilet
A new wax ring or seal goes in, the toilet is bolted down level and the supply line is connected.
Test and caulk
We flush, check for leaks at the base and the supply and finish the base with caulk if needed.
What affects toilet problems in Saratoga homes
San Jose Water Company supplies most Saratoga homes, and groundwater makes up a share of that supply. Roughly three times harder than Valley Water imported supply, it leaves scale in fill valves and rim jets. If your toilet has a weak flush or a fill valve that sticks, scale is a common reason.
Older homes near the Village may still have original flanges and drain fittings that are corroded or cracked. A new toilet on an old flange can leak again quickly, so we inspect the flange at every reset.
Safety checklist for an overflow
Water from a toilet can carry bacteria, and wet floors hide electrical risks.
- Keep away from outlets and power strips near standing water.
- Wear gloves, and wash hands and tools after any contact with overflow water.
- Never mix drain cleaners, or bleach with ammonia products. The fumes can be dangerous.
- California limits new toilets to 1.28 gallons per flush, so a replacement toilet is a water-saving swap.
Insurance may cover water damage from a sudden overflow but not the toilet itself. Photograph damage before cleanup.
Toilet overflowing or leaking?
Call the 24/7 line. Close the shutoff valve first if you can reach it.
Where we repair toilets
We serve Saratoga 95070 and nearby Los Gatos (95030, 95032), Monte Sereno and Campbell. For faucet and sink problems, see faucet repair. The Los Gatos plumbing page has details for the neighboring area.
Common Questions
Yes. The line is answered 24/7. Close the shutoff valve behind the toilet and call.
Repeated clogs can come from a partial blockage in the drain or from the toilet itself. We check the line and, if needed, the toilet.
The wax ring or closet bolts are the usual cause. Condensation on a cold tank can also drip. Dry the floor and see if the water returns.
Most replacements take one to two hours when the rough-in matches and the flange is sound.
Yes. We confirm the rough-in and clearance before the visit.
A worn flapper or fill valve lets water leak from the tank into the bowl. Replacing the parts usually fixes it and saves water.
We advise against it. Chemicals can damage fittings and are hazardous if the toilet overflows.
Sudden overflows are often covered for resulting damage. Check your policy and photograph before cleanup.