- HEP Plumbing
- Phantom Flushes

Phantom Flushes
Phantom Flushes | Toilet Upgrades and Replacements | Plumbing | Spring City
Is your Spring City bathroom serenaded by random gurgles and ghostly refills? HEP’s Phantom Flushes Plumbing squad tracks down the source of that wasted water and transforms it into pure, quiet efficiency through expert toilet upgrades and replacements. From sleek, water-saving models to comfort-height installs, our certified pros arrive on time, protect your floors, and haul away the old fixture—leaving nothing behind but flawless flushes.
Whether you’re chasing lower utility bills, prepping a rental, or finally updating Grandma’s powder room, we make the process easy with upfront pricing, same-day service, and a satisfaction guarantee backed by Tennessee’s most trusted home-service team. Call or click today and let HEP turn your restroom into a worry-free zone.
FAQs
What exactly is a “phantom flush” and why does it happen?
A phantom flush is when your toilet refills briefly even though no one has used it. This usually means water is escaping from the tank into the bowl through a worn-out flapper, corroded flush valve seat, or a misadjusted refill tube. As water drops below the fill line, the fill valve opens to top the tank up—creating the sound of an unsolicited flush. Besides being annoying, a phantom flush can waste hundreds of gallons of water each month.
How can I tell whether my toilet should be repaired or completely replaced?
Repairs are fine for isolated issues like a leaky flapper or loose handle, but replacement makes more sense if: • Cracks appear in the tank or bowl. • The toilet is over 20 years old and uses 3.5 gpf or more. • You experience chronic clogs or rocking at the base (a sign of flange damage). • Internal parts have corroded to the point that multiple parts need changing. • You want lower water bills and a fresher look. Our Spring City technicians can inspect your toilet and provide an honest repair-vs-replace estimate on the spot.
What upgrade options do you offer for homeowners in Spring City?
We install a full line of WaterSense-certified toilets, including: • High-efficiency 1.28 gpf gravity models. • Dual-flush units (approximately 0.8 gpf for liquids, 1.28 gpf for solids). • Pressure-assisted systems for homes with low gravity pressure. • Comfort-height/ADA bowls for easier sitting and standing. • Skirted and one-piece designs that simplify cleaning. Add-ons like soft-close seats, integrated bidet seats, and touchless flush valves are also available.
Will a high-efficiency toilet really lower my water bill?
Yes. Replacing an older 3.5 gpf toilet with a 1.28 gpf model cuts water use by about 63 %. In Spring City, where the average water/sewer rate is roughly $0.010 per gallon, a family of four flushing 5 times each per day can save around $110 per year—paying for the new toilet in just a few years while conserving over 13,000 gallons of water annually.
How long does a professional toilet replacement take, and will my bathroom be out of service?
Most standard replacements take 2–3 hours, including removal of the old unit, inspection of the flange, installation of a new wax (or waxless) ring, leveling, caulking, and cleanup. Your bathroom will only be unusable during that window. We can also schedule work to minimize disruption—for instance, replacing multiple toilets one at a time so at least one bathroom stays functional.
Do you pull permits, haul away the old toilet, and provide warranties?
Absolutely. Spring City plumbing codes require a simple plumbing permit for fixture replacements; we handle the paperwork and inspection scheduling. Your old toilet is removed, recycled, or disposed of in compliance with local regulations at no extra charge. All new fixtures carry the manufacturer’s warranty, and our labor is covered by a 1-year workmanship guarantee, giving you complete peace of mind.