Tips to Help Avoid and Identify Toilet Problems

Ways to Better Care for a Home’s Toilets

If homeowners are tired of unexpected toilet problems wrecking their day, there are ways to help avoid or catch these problems. This guide will share some tips to help prevent and identify toilet issues before they cause more costly damage or inconvenience. Feel confident with expert advice that promises long-lasting relief and smooth operation.

Signs That Toilet Repair or Replacement Is Needed

Recognizing the warning signs that a toilet needs repair or replacement can help homeowners get the necessary toilet repair or toilet replacement to avoid more costly water damage and problems. Toilet problems often start with subtle indicators before developing into major plumbing emergencies.

A constantly running toilet is one of the most common red flags requiring immediate attention. This persistent water flow not only wastes water but can significantly increase water bills. Weak or incomplete flushes and frequent clogging also indicate problems, signaling it's time for a professional assessment.

Physical damage like toilet leaks or hairline cracks in the porcelain tank or bowl demands immediate replacement, as these structural weaknesses cause water to leak, leading to high water costs and potential water damage. Toilets requiring frequent repairs within short timeframes also indicate they should be replaced. Additionally, older toilets typically use 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush, whereas modern high-efficiency models use just 1.28 gallons or less. So, replacing an old, inefficient toilet or a toilet that's over 25 years old is an upgrade that improves performance while reducing monthly expenses through significant water conservation.

Tips for Preventing Toilet Clogs

Preventing toilet clogs and the problems they can cause starts with understanding what should and shouldn't go down the toilet. The most common cause of toilet blockages is flushing inappropriate items. Only toilet paper and human waste should ever be flushed. Everything else belongs in the trash. Paper towels, "flushable" wipes, dental floss, feminine hygiene products, hair, cotton balls, and more might seem harmless to flush, but they don't break down like toilet paper does. These items create serious drain obstructions that can clog toilets and sewer lines, and lead to expensive plumbing repairs.

Even with proper flushing habits, using too much toilet paper at once can be a cause of clogs. Most residential toilets aren't designed to handle large amounts of toilet paper in a single flush. Try using less toilet paper when possible, or flush a smaller amount of toilet paper before using more and flushing again when more is needed.

The Connection Between Sewer Lines and Toilet Performance

Another thing to remember to prevent toilet problems is that sewer line problems directly impact toilet functionality in ways some homeowners don't realize until facing a messy situation. When the sewer line develops issues, such as a clogged sewer line, toilets can experience trouble like repeated clogs or even sewage backups. These warning signs shouldn't be ignored, as they indicate sewer line problems beneath the property.

On the other hand, a household’s daily toilet habits not only affect the toilets but also the sewer lines. Flushing the wrong items like wipes, feminine hygiene products, or excessive toilet paper creates obstructions that accumulate over time. Even if these items make it past the toilets, they can become lodged in the sewer pipe and create a sewer line clog. The relationship between toilets and sewer lines works both ways. While a clogged sewer line can cause toilet issues, preventing sewer line clogs also involves proper toilet usage. Maintaining healthy sewer lines means protecting the home's plumbing infrastructure from costly and unsanitary emergencies.

About Lambert Plumbing & Heating, LTD

Lambert Plumbing & Heating, LTD has more than four decades of experience serving the Vancouver area. They provide 24/7 emergency service, upfront pricing, and financing. Call them for toilet installation and repair services in Vancouver, BC.

Contact Information:

Lambert Plumbing & Heating, LTD

113 – 6741 Cariboo Road
Burnaby, BC V3N 4A3
Canada

Vince Lambert
+1 604-734-0890
https://lamberthomecomfort.com/