Phantom Flushes
Phantom Flushes | Toilet Upgrades and Replacements | Plumbing | Townsend
Whether your old commode keeps ghost-flushing in the middle of the night or you’re ready to switch to a water-saving model, HEP’s Phantom Flushes Plumbing has Townsend covered. Our licensed pros diagnose the sneakiest leaks, banish wobbles and weak flushes, and handle complete toilet upgrades and replacements without turning your bathroom into a construction zone. We carry the latest comfort-height, dual-flush, and touch-free options, so you can trade constant tinkering for dependable performance and lower utility bills.
From the first call to the final test flush, you’ll get clear pricing, courteous service, and the peace of mind that comes from a local team backed by HEP’s 20-plus years of experience. Schedule today and let us put an end to phantom flushes—your Townsend bathroom will never sound the same again.
FAQs
What are “phantom flushes,” and why do they happen in my toilet?
A phantom flush is when a toilet refills by itself even though no one has used it. In almost every case, water is slowly leaking from the tank into the bowl because the flapper, flush valve seat, or fill valve seal is worn or mis-aligned. Once the water level in the tank drops far enough, the fill valve opens and the toilet “runs” for a few seconds to top itself off, creating the phantom flush. Hard water common in Townsend can accelerate seal deterioration, so periodic inspection is important.
Can phantom flushes be repaired, or do I need a full toilet replacement?
Most phantom flushes can be fixed with a simple in-tank rebuild—replacing the flapper and adjusting or swapping the fill valve. If the tank, bowl, or flush valve seat is cracked or pitted, however, repairs may be temporary and a full replacement is the better long-term solution. During our service call we pressure-test the flush valve and inspect for hairline cracks to let you know which option is most cost-effective.
How do I know when it’s time to upgrade or replace my current toilet?
We recommend considering replacement when: (1) your toilet is older than 20 years, (2) it uses more than 1.6 gpf (gallons per flush), (3) you experience frequent clogs, phantom flushes, or tank sweating, (4) parts are no longer available, or (5) there are visible cracks or wobbles at the base. Upgrading to a modern WaterSense-certified model can cut water usage by up to 60 %, saving a typical Townsend household about 13,000 gallons—and roughly $150—per year.
What high-efficiency toilet models do you recommend for Townsend homes?
We regularly install Toto Drake II, Kohler Highline, and American Standard Cadet 3 Flowise models because they flush at 1.28 gpf or less, have proven reliability, and carry parts readily available in the local supply chain. For compact bathrooms, we like the Gerber Viper 10-inch rough-in. All of these units are EPA WaterSense certified and qualify for Maine’s EfficiencyMaine $50 rebate when professionally installed by a licensed plumber.
How long will a toilet replacement take, and will my water be shut off?
A standard swap-out in Townsend usually takes about 2–3 hours from arrival to cleanup. We shut off the water only to the toilet itself, so the rest of your home’s fixtures remain usable. If we need to move the supply line or repair damaged flooring, the job can extend to half a day; we’ll let you know before we start and provide floor protection and full debris removal.
What warranties and guarantees do you provide on toilet upgrades and repairs?
All replacement toilets come with the manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty on vitreous china and a 1- to 5-year warranty on internal parts, depending on the model. Our labor is guaranteed for 2 years, covering leaks, loose connections, and seal failures. For phantom-flush repairs, parts carry a 1-year warranty and labor is covered for 12 months. You’ll receive all documentation plus registration assistance for any rebates or extended warranties available in Townsend.