How to Better Care for the Home’s Toilets
Suppose homeowners are tired of seemingly constant or unexpected toilet clogs and other toilet problems. In that case, these tips can help avoid future issues and also allow for problems to be caught, so plumbers can quickly be called for toilet repair or replacement. Discover practical, proven ways to help prevent and identify toilet problems and say goodbye to constant plumbing headaches.
Signs That Toilet Repair or Replacement Is Needed
Is the toilet acting up? Recognizing the signs that a toilet needs repair or replacement promptly and calling professionals can help avoid unexpected bathroom disasters, costly water bills, or damage. Some homeowners may miss the early warning signals until a major problem occurs. However, knowing the telltale indicators that toilet replacement or toilet repair is needed allows homeowners to take action promptly.A constantly running toilet is one of the most common red flags that something's wrong. This persistent issue not only creates an annoying background noise but can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily, according to the EPA, raising water bills. A leaking toilet or a toilet that has cracks also requires immediate attention. A frequently clogged toilet or one that has weak or incomplete flushes also suggests deeper issues requiring a plumber to fix.
Beyond performance issues, toilets that require constant repairs and old toilets, particularly those over 25 years old, are at the end of their life and need replacing. Older toilet models typically use about 3.5-7 gallons of water per flush compared to modern, efficient models using just 1.28 gallons. So, replacing an old toilet can be beneficial to a household’s water bills.
How to Help Prevent Toilet Clogs
Preventing toilet clogs before they happen can save time and money, as well as the unpleasant experience of dealing with clogs and bathroom backups. The most fundamental toilet maintenance rule is simple: be mindful about what is flushed. Only human waste and toilet paper should ever go down the toilet drain. Common household items like paper towels, "flushable" wipes, dental floss, cotton balls, feminine hygiene products, and more should not be flushed as they can cause toilet clogs and blockages in the sewer line. Adding a small trash can in the bathroom helps encourage proper disposal of non-flushable items.These materials don't break down like toilet paper does, so they should be kept out of the plumbing. However, even when flushing only toilet paper, clogs can occur when too much is flushed at once. Flushing excessive amounts down the toilet at once overwhelms the system and creates blockages. So, instead, people should try to use smaller amounts of toilet paper at once and flush twice if necessary to send the toilet paper down in smaller quantities at a time. This simple habit can help prevent clogged toilets and sewer line clogs.
The Connection Between Sewer Line and Toilet Performance
Sewer line problems, like a clogged sewer line, can also cause toilet issues that can disrupt the household. When toilets repeatedly clog or drain and toilet backups occur, the culprit may actually be a sewer line clog. These underground pipes carry waste from all the home's drains to the municipal sewer system. So, when it clogs, it can noticeably affect drains and toilets.
Additionally, toilet habits also directly impact the sewer line. Flushing inappropriate items like paper towels, feminine hygiene products, excessive toilet paper, and more can clog the line. So, if these items make it past the toilet trap without clogging, it can give a false sense of security. However, they can accumulate farther down in the sewer line, causing clogs or even a sewer line leak. This makes taking care of the sewer line and preventing sewer line clogs important for preventing toilet problems and vice versa.
About Zing Plumbing
Zing Plumbing is a residential and commercial plumbing company serving the Tucson community. They provide flat-rate pricing, emergency service, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them for clogged toilet repair in Tucson, AZ.
