Ways to Help Avoid and Catch Problems With Toilets
If homeowners are tired of dealing with toilet issues and clogs, there are ways to help prevent them and signs that can help identify the need for toilet repair or replacement. By helping to avoid clogs and by catching problems early, homeowners can help take better care of their home's toilets and avoid messy situations.
Signs a Toilet Needs Repair or Replacement
Recognizing the warning signs that a toilet needs repair or replacement and calling a plumber promptly can help prevent costly water damage and high water bills. Problems that can indicate the need for toilet repair or replacement include a constantly running toilet, a leaking toilet, frequent clogging, weak or incomplete flushes, and cracks in the toilet, whether on the tank or bowl.
Additionally, if the toilet's age exceeds 25 years or it has needed repairs too often, these are signs to get a toilet replacement. Older toilets can use 3.5 to 7 gallons of water per flush, compared to modern high-efficiency models, which can use 1.28 gallons or less. So, replacing an old and inefficient toilet can be beneficial for reducing water bills.
Tips to Prevent Toilet Clogs
Preventing toilet clogs starts with being mindful about what is flushed down toilets. The only things that should get flushed down toilets are human waste and toilet paper. Everything else can cause a toilet clog, including paper towels, cotton balls, dental floss, hair, and even products labeled "flushable" like wipes. These items don't break down properly in the water and can catch on pipe joints or combine with other debris to form stubborn blockages. Even if they make it past the toilet, they can cause clogs in the sewer line.
People should also be mindful about how much toilet paper is being used per flush. Flushing excessive amounts of toilet paper at once can also lead to troublesome toilet clogs. Try to limit the quantity used when possible, or flush twice if necessary, rather than sending a large amount down in one go. This simple habit adjustment can help reduce clog frequency.
How Sewer Lines Impact Toilets
When a toilet experiences problems like frequent clogging or backups, the problem may actually stem from deeper within the plumbing system. Sewer line issues, like a clogged sewer line, can impact the toilets, creating frustrating and possibly messy bathroom experiences. So, another way to help avoid toilet problems is by taking care of the sewer line and preventing a sewer line clog.
As previously mentioned, toilet habits directly impact the sewer line. However, some other ways to help avoid clogs in the sewer lines and the problems they can cause include:
- Dispose of grease, oils, and food waste in the garbage instead of down drains
- Using drain screens to catch hair and debris before they can enter the drains
- Schedule regular plumbing maintenance and sewer line inspections to prevent and catch problems
About PHD Mechanical Inc
PHD Mechanical Inc is a plumbing company that has been serving the Denville community since 1990. They provide convenient scheduling, personal attention, and no mess. Call them for clogged toilet repair in Denville, NJ.
