Toilets & sanitary
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Your trusted, local same-day plumbers
Some of our recent work....
Leaking toilet – rodent probelm.
Caversham customer – Homeowner’s daughter Liv.
Liv contacted in November us on behalf of her elderly parents. Their downstairs toilet in the WC was leaking large amounts of water each time flushed.
On visiting, our plumber found the flexi connector linking the toilet to the soil pipe was holed and where the leak was coming from.
The flexi connector was subsequently replaced and toilet secured.
Liv got in touch again the following January, asking us to take another look at the toilet which was again leaking when flushed. In chatting, she also said that her parents and a number of neighbours were having vermin issues. To help with this, she had arranged for pest control to visit.
Our plumber, on moving the toilet saw that the new flexi had a large hole in the side and quickly concluded that it was made by rodents which were coming up from the sewer and into the house. To prevent this, a hinged anti-cross-flow/anti-rodent barrier was installed in the soil pipe where it met the connector. This provided a one-way gate mechanism allowing waste to flushed away but stopping anything returning up the pipe. There have been no further issues with the toilet.
Leaking toilet – £800 Thames Water monthly bill.
Reading customer – Homeowner Charlie
Charlie on receiving a third consecutive £800+ monthly water bill and a letter from Thames Water informing him that his home had a water leak – got in touch to arrange a visit from one of our plumbers.
On arriving, the plumber inspected all of the home’s water using appliances. All except the first floor toilet were working properly. With this, there was a continual stream of water running down the back of the bowl.
Examining the toilet’s flush mechanism, the source of this leak was clear – a large mineral build up on the flush’s sealing valve. This was stopping the valve from closing and in turn letting water flow continually into the bowl.
The seal was replaced by our plumber with Charlie’s water bill returning to a significantly smaller sum.
The quickest way to get in touch to discuss repairing or installing toilets and other sanitary fittings is to WhatsApp, text or phone us on 07442966664.
You can also email plumbing@angusplumbing.co.uk or use the form – and well get back to you as soon as we can.
The AngusPLUMBING team
Toilets - some background
Toilets are essential bathroom fixtures available in various types, styles, and flushing systems to suit different needs and preferences. Key factors to consider include the installation type (close-coupled, wall-hung, etc.), flush mechanism, and specific features like comfort height or rimless designs.
Common toilet types and features
- Close-coupled toilets: The most common and versatile type, where the cistern is directly attached to the back of the toilet bowl.
- Wall-hung toilets: These mount to the wall using a concealed frame and cistern, which saves floor space and creates a modern, clean look.
- Back-to-wall toilets: Similar to wall-hung, but the pan sits on the floor while the cistern and pipework are concealed within the wall or a unit.
- Comfort height toilets: Taller than standard toilets (around 5cm higher), making them easier to use for taller individuals or those with mobility issues.
- Rimless toilets: Feature an innovative bowl design without a traditional rim, eliminating hidden areas where bacteria and limescale can build up, which improves hygiene and makes cleaning easier.
- Dual flush system: An eco-friendly option that provides two buttons or a lever to select either a full flush (for solid waste) or a reduced flush (for liquid waste), saving significant amounts of water.
Toilet installation
Toilet installation in 2026 typically costs between £200 and £600 for a standard replacement, including labour and materials. The process usually takes a plumber 2 to 4 hours to complete.
Toilet repair
Many common toilet issues such as running water, clogs, or weak flushing can be diagnosed and repaired with DIY knowledge and tools. The problems typically stem from internal cistern components like the flapper valve, fill valve, or water level adjustments.
Common repairs and DIY fixes
Toilet running/constantly filling
Cause: Faulty flapper or fill valve; water level set too high.
Solution: Adjust the float height or the fill valve screw to lower the water level (about 1 inch below the overflow tube). If the flapper is worn, warped, or the chain is the wrong length, replace it with a new one.
Clogged toilet
Cause: Blockage in the trapway or drain line (e.g., too much paper, non-flushable items).
Solution: Use a flange plunger to create a tight seal and plunge vigorously to dislodge the clog. A toilet auger (snake) can be used for deeper or tougher clogs. Avoid chemical cleaners which can damage pipes.
Weak/partial flush
Cause: Low water level in the cistern or mineral deposits clogging rim jets.
Solution: Check and adjust the water level. Clean the small holes (rim jets) under the bowl rim with a wire or brush to remove limescale buildup.
Leaking toilet base
Cause: Worn-out wax ring or loose mounting bolts.
Solution: Tighten the mounting bolts gently. If the leak persists, you will need to remove the toilet and replace the old wax ring seal with a new one.
When to call a plumber
While many problems can be fixed with basic tools, some issues require professional expertise to avoid further damage. Consider calling a professional for:
- Persistent blockages that a plunger or auger can’t clear, which may indicate a main sewer line issue or a blocked vent stack on the roof.
- Visible cracks in the porcelain tank or bowl, as these usually require replacement of the unit.
- Leaks where the source is not apparent, such as a damaged toilet flange or corroded pipes that are hidden.
- Concealed cisterns where internal components are difficult to access.
Other plumbing services....
Our local plumbers provide a range of expert plumbing services that’ll keep you and your family safe, save you money and your home running smoothly and as it should including:
- Improving water pressure and flow (to see our work click here).
- Leak detection (to see our work click here).
- Water and waste pipe repair & maintenance (to see our work click here).
- Unblocking waste systems (to see our work click here).
- Dripping/running overflow pipe investigation (to see our work click here).
- Turning off/isolating your homes water supply (to see our work click here).
- Softening/conditioning your home’s water (to see our work click here).
- Repairing and maintaining your home’s water tanks (to see our work click here).
- Installing, repairing and de-commissioning your home’s kitchen, bathroom and WC electrics (to see our work click here).
Kitchen plumbing
& appliances
With our kitchen plumbing services, we provide expert installation and repairs.
Bathroom
plumbing
Our bathroom plumbing services ensure everything runs smoothly.
Toilets &
sanitary
We also specialise in toilet plumbing services to resolve any issues.
Taps &
valves
We provide tap and valve plumbing services for optimal water flow.
Heating & hot / cold water
Heating plumbing services are crucial for maintaining comfortable living spaces.
Outdoor & garden plumbing
Outdoor & garden plumbing services ensure your garden thrives and home’s sound.
Our Mastering - no frills series....
…. gives confident, capable homeowners and DIYers the knowledge and skills needed to troubleshoot and repair common plumbing problems.
An essential read if you're a home owner, renter or landlord!
& our Plumbing blog....
…. provides free expert plumbing heating and renewables tips and advice.
