- Golzar Home
Wall-Hung Toilets-How to Handle Repairs Without Breaking the Wall
Scared of invasive wall-demolishing repairs with a Wall-hung toilet? Put down the sledgehammer, we’re busting the myth that Wall-mounted toilets are a nightmare to repair.
Wall-Hung Toilets-How to Handle Repairs Without Breaking the Wall ; Love the way Wall-hung toilets provide a modern aesthetic, are easier to clean and offer space-saving solutions? Are you scared off from purchasing this modern design as you are daunted by the idea of repairs due to the concealed plumbing within the wall? The good news is that many common issues with wall-hung toilets can be addressed without the need to open the drywall! It’s no secret that toilets (due to their utility) are going to face some issues from time to time with wear and tear.
However, knowing how to address them and perform regular maintenance is the key to having a trouble-free Wall-hung toilet without the mess and expense of opening the wall if there is ever a plumbing concern.
How Does a Wall-Hung Toilet Work?
It’s good to get the basics of the mechanics of a Wall-hung toilet if you are considering this in your next remodel. The more the functioning is understood, the better chances you will understand how well-designed Wall-hung toilets can be and better yet, be informed on how easily common issues can be addressed.
A Wall-hung toilet consists of several components that work together to provide functionality. Here are the key components:
- Bowl: The toilet bowl is made of ceramic or porcelain and is designed for comfortable use.
- Carrier System: The carrier system is a metal or steel frame that supports the toilet and is
securely installed within the wall. It provides stability and holds the weight of the toilet.
- Cistern (Concealed Water Tank): The hidden tank is the key feature to a wall-hung toilet.
The hidden plumbing gives the toilet that sleek appearance as all of the inner workings of the toilet bowl is located within the wall.
The tank is connected to the water supply and holds the water the flushing, keeping the bulk of the tank (as you see in traditional floor-mounted toilets) nicely out of sight.
- Actuator Flush Plate: The flush plate or buttons are on the wall above the toilet, initiating
the flushing mechanism. This is also the area that provides an access point to the plumbing for repairs.
- Drainpipe: The drainpipe connects the toilet bowl to the sewage system, carrying away the
waste.
If the Plumbing is Hidden, How is it Easy to Fix?
Wall-hung toilets are designed for maintenance and repairs to be conducted from the front, through an installed access panel as well as the flush actuator plate. When considering a Wall-hung toilet in your remodel. It is recommended that in addition to the Flush plate being removed to access plumbing, you also have a wall access panel maintenance installed for further accessibility, which eliminates any struggle to repair or maintain the plumbing
While it’s confined, all the parts are accessible and replaceable.
Unless the actual tank fails (highly unlikely) then there will never be a reason to access it through the wall.
If you are asking how your plumber accesses the cistern ( otherwise known as the tank that stores the water), There’s no need to worry about this as there is a slim chance that major repairs may require access through the wall behind. Generally, the main body of the cistern does not get damaged or break down by itself unless it is punctured by a hard object. Most routine maintenance and repairs, however, can be performed through both the flush plate and access panel above the toilet.
If the access panel provides sufficient maintenance access, the convenience and aesthetics of a wall-mounted toilet may still outweigh the minimal risk of major repairs. There is no need to get the sledgehammer involved, they are all repairable they are all accessible with relatively easy access to the problem. Here are the common problems that you may face with your toilet and here’s how to fix them without opening the wall:
Running Toilet
That pesky toilet sounds like it won’t settle down, this is a common problem with all toilets from time to time, in the case of a Wall-hung toilet, by accessing the panel to check the flush valve and flapper. These components might need cleaning, adjustment, or replacement.
A Weak Flush
In this instance, a simple fix of opening the panel to inspect the fill valve and the flush valve, ensuring that there are no blockages and that the water level in the tank is appropriately set if it’s too low, adjust the fill valve to raise it to the appropriate level.
Leaky Toilet
To address minor leaks, first, turn off the water supply. Remove the flush plate or wall access panel giving you access to cistern and internal components. Inspection usually points to the following easy-to-fix issues. Most sources of leaks occur located in the connections between the toilet and the wall, the flush valve, the fill valve or in the mounting bolts, here, you can tighten or replace any of these parts that may need to be addressed.
Adjustable height options
Unlike traditional toilets, which are fixed at a standard height usually between 15” and 19” from the ground. One of the most unique aspects of wall-hung toilets is that they can be mounted at a height that is flexible to ensure the most comfortable height for you! This is particularly valuable in households that are accommodating the elderly or individuals with mobility challenges.Is a Wall-hung Toilet Right for you?Is a Wall-hung Toilet Right for you?
Water Efficiency
Water efficiency is a critical consideration when choosing a toilet. An older toilet can typically use upward of 11 litres of water per flush and the average person flushes their toilet 5 times daily. That’s a lot of water use! Wall-hung toilets can be as low as 6 litres of water per flush.
This not only helps conserve water but also reduces utility costs for homeowners or building managers. These can be a great addition to a new build as part of a sustainable building strategy. It can also be a great add-on to improve your home’s water conservation and be a perk for the resale value of your home.
Is a Wall-Mounted Toilet Right for your Bathroom Renovation?
Slow Fill Tank Refill
Waiting for the toilet to fill and it’s taking longer than normal? This is a sign that your valves may need to be cleaned or replaced. Take a look at your water pressure and ensure its adequate and inspect the supply line to ensure there is not a blockage.
Stubborn Flush Button
The solution may be as simple as a good clean. Before doing so, here’s a good time to pull out your manufacturer’s manual and follow their specific directions on cleaning and lubricating the flush button mechanism. Inspect the flush valve to ensure it is working properly. If the valve is stuck or not opening, it may need to be cleaned or replaced. Look at any broken or worn-out components, as they may need to be replaced.
Wobbly toilet
This may not be as big of a job as it may seem. It’s as easy as removing the toilet bowl from the wall, inspecting the fixing sets, tightening the mounting bolts, and reinstalling the toilet bowl.
Broken Hinges
As with any toilet, over time and with usage, the toilet lid hinges may corrode or break, it goes without saying that this is an easy repair without any invasive tactics. Your wall-hung toilet supplier will likely carry replacement or spare parts making this an easy fix.
Odours
A source of toilet odours, the best place to start is by removing the toilet bowl. Inspect the wax ring or seal and replace it if necessary. In addition to this, check to ensure that the drainage is in good working order. If there is any concern about the drainage, give your plumber a call just to be sure.
Clogs
As with traditional floor-mounted toilets, unclogging a toilet can be a nuisance but not extremely difficult. First, check the water level in the bowl, nearing a water overflow. Find a way to empty some of the water first. Now, it’s time to plunge. For deeper clogs, you may have to employ a toilet auger (also known as a plumbing snake). Once the clog appears to be cleared, flush the toilet. If the clog remains, repeat these steps. It’s important to follow proper flushing practices and avoid flushing anything that can lead to a blockage. Regular maintenance is also always suggested to ensure that your wall-hung toilet stays clog-free.
Here are some additional considerations:
Hire an Expert
As Wall-mounted toilets are more complex to install, you must start on the right foot; professional installation is going to be the key to ensuring that there are no major problems with your wall-hung toilet. It is advised that you hire a contractor who is familiar with in-wall toilet installations will be the first step to ensure that your toilet is not only installed correctly,
ensuring all plumbing is securely mitigating any potential future leaks or installation concerns. Hiring a trusted expert also will be able to routinely maintain your toilet as well as inform you on common fixes and repairs that may be in your future.
Buy Quality Products
You know the old saying cheap people spend more money, the same goes with purchasing your wall-hung toilet. It’s easy to compare prices and get swayed by the more affordable option, however, with any household fixture, a wall-hung toilet is a long-term investment for your home. Having said this, it is important to avoid purchasing low-quality components such as cistern for your Wall-hung toilet as they can result in higher unforeseen costs down the road.
Regular Inspection
Proper maintenance is key to ensuring your Wall-hung toilet has optimal performance. It is best to have a professional inspect all visible and accessible components for signs of wear and tear.
Keeping your eyes trained to identify signs of leaks, and you tighten any loose connections or replacing worn-out seals are preventative measures that can be easily accessible and easily maintained. Investing in yearly inspections may elevate larger repairs by identifying any smaller maintenance and repair issues before they become invasive repairs.
Regular Cleaning and Flush Mechanism Maintenance:
As with any home bathroom fixture or appliance, it is good to develop a consistent cleaning routine to prevent future concerns. Specifically with a Wall-hung toilet, it is important to clean the buildup of limescale, mineral deposits and other contaminants that can clog the toilet or affect its performance. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and lubricating the flushing mechanism to ensure smooth operation and prevent premature wear which can cause leaks.
Final Thoughts ( Wall-Hung Toilets-How to Handle Repairs Without Breaking the Wall )
Wall-hung toilets offer modern simplicity with their design, cleaning ease and space-saving solutions. Many people, yourself included may shy away from this when shopping for a new toilet system as you have unsubstantiated fears about extensive demolition work required to repair a wall-hung toilet. It is understandable to have concerns about a wall-hung toilet, especially if you don’t understand the basic components and how work together. By, understanding the mechanics of this modern design, you are certain to understand how to diagnose as well as repair common problems.
By ensuring a professional contractor installs your wall-hung toilet you are unlikely to have large repairs, and by performing maintenance you can make sure that your toilet functions with ease without all the invasive drywall demolitions. With access through the flush plate or wall panel, many common issues like running water, weak flushes, leaks and noise can be resolved efficiently. It goes without saying, that if you have persisting issues or those beyond the common issues listed here, you should consult a professional.
At Golzar Homes, we want to ensure that your mind is at ease when investing in a Wall-hung toilet for your home or commercial property. We make sure that you are fully satisfied if you purchase your Wall-hung toilet from us. Should you require components of your Wall-hung toilet rest assured most repairs are relatively common and can be completed easily with spare parts we offer you free of charge to our customers.
