Ways to Help Avoid and Catch Toilet Problems
Nobody wants to deal with toilet clogs and messy toilet issues, such as backups and frequent clogging. Therefore, households should take steps to help prevent toilet problems and identify issues that require toilet repair or replacement when they arise. This blog will share signs that indicate a toilet needs to be repaired or replaced and tips to keep toilets working well and problem-free.
Signs a Toilet Needs Repair or Replacement
It is important for homeowners to recognize the signs that toilet repair or replacement is needed and call a plumber to help avoid costly water bills, water damage, and other problems. Common warning signs that indicate a toilet needs to be repaired or replaced include:
- A toilet that is constantly running
- Leaking from the toilet
- Frequent clogging toilets
- Weak flushes or incomplete flushes that don't completely clear the toilet bowl
- Cracks or damage to the toilet, such as on the tank or bowl
Additionally, toilets requiring constant repairs or those over 25 years old indicate that toilet replacement is needed rather than repair. Older toilet models use significantly more water per flush compared to modern high-efficiency toilets, which can use as little as 1.28 gallons per flush versus the 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush of old toilets. Replacing an outdated toilet can dramatically reduce water bills, and replacing a toilet that requires frequent repairs can deliver improved performance and save money on repair costs.
Tips for Preventing Toilet Clogs
The most fundamental rule for toilet clog prevention is being mindful about what is flushed. Only human waste and toilet paper should go down the toilet drains. Other items, such as paper towels, hair, "flushable" wipes, dental floss, cotton balls, and feminine hygiene products, do not break down like toilet paper and can lead to a clogged toilet and even a clogged sewer line.
Even though toilet paper is safe to flush, how much is flushed at once also matters. Flushing excessive amounts of toilet paper at once can overwhelm and clog toilets and sewer lines. People should use less toilet paper when possible or flush twice during a bathroom visit if needed to break up how much toilet paper gets flushed at once. These simple habit changes can help prevent both toilet clogs and sewer line clogs.
How Sewer Lines Impact Toilets
A toilet's performance can also be affected by the condition of sewer lines. When the sewer line clogs, it can lead to toilet problems like frequent clogging and toilet backups. Sewer line clogs create a domino effect throughout the plumbing system because the waste has nowhere to go. As the sewer line becomes restricted, toilets in the home may begin flushing slowly, appear clogged, or back up. So, another way to help avoid toilet problems is by taking care of sewer lines and preventing a sewer line clog.
Besides routine plumbing maintenance and inspections, other ways to take care of the sewer line and help avoid clogs include keeping the wrong items out of toilets, avoiding the disposal of grease, oil, or fats down the drains, and refraining from putting food waste down drains, even those with a garbage disposal. Additionally, homeowners should call a plumber for drain cleaning as soon as they suspect a sewer line clog to prevent the clog from causing additional problems for the home and its toilets. Signs of a clogged sewer line include slow drainage, gurgling sounds or bad smells from drains, and water backing up into drains and toilets.
About Honey Go Fix It
Honey Go Fix It is a residential and commercial plumbing company serving the Dayton community. They provide same-day service, friendly service, and the latest technology. Call them for clogged toilet repair in Dayton, OH.
