No one wants to deal with a clogged toilet. However, your child might try to flush a toy or an entire roll of toilet paper down the toilet. Or you might have a larger issue that’s causing a clog. When this happens, don’t delay before seeking professional help. Our experts at Cooper’s Plumbing & Air are available 24/7 for plumbing emergencies. Servicing the Tallahassee, FL area for more than a decade, we promise to arrive on-time to resolve the issue.
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How to Prevent Toilet Clogs
You might think of a clogged toilet as more of an inconvenience than a plumbing emergency, but backed up toilets need to be repaired as soon as possible. Clogged toilets can cause damage to your home or building, and an overflow of sewage can lead to health problems.
To prevent clogged toilets, follow these tips:
- Never flush disposable diapers or wipes.
- Don’t place large wads of toilet paper into the toilet.
- Never flush paper towels.
- Don’t place items like Q-tips or other beauty and hygiene products in the toilet.
- Avoid flushing hair trimmings or nail clippings.
- Keep a waste basket near the toilet to remind yourself and others to throw non-flushable items theret.
Professional Solutions to Clogged Toilets
When your toilet is clogged and a plunger isn’t working, it’s time to call a professional. While you might be tempted to try a drain cleaner to remove the blockage, remember that these solutions can do more harm than good to your toilet bowl and plumbing. Instead, let the professionals clear the clog with their tools. In most cases, a plumber will use an auger or hydrojetting to remove the clog.
An auger is a tool specifically designed for toilets. It consists of a hollow tube attached to an elbow fitting that’s covered by a rubber sleeve to protect the toilet bowl from scratches. The auger has a flexible cable that is fed through the toilet drain with a hand crank to dislodge the clog.
With hydrojetting, a professional will insert a high-pressure hose with special nozzles into the drain. The hose is connected to a machine that pressurizes the water, creating a force to dislodge the clog.
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Signs Your Toilet Needs to Be Replaced
Unless you’re planning a bathroom remodel, you might not consider installing a new toilet. However, there might be signs indicating it’s time to replace your toilet with a newer model. Some signs to watch for include:
- Age: If your toilet is old and requires a lot of replacement parts to keep it functioning, it can be more cost-effective to replace the toilet with a new model.
- Cracks: Because most toilets are made of porcelain, cracks can develop in the bowl and tank cover. These might start as hairline fractures, but as these expand they can cause serious water damage to your home or building.
- Frequent clogs: Older toilets might have design issues that prevent water from properly pushing through the toilet with enough force. This can cause clogs to occur.
- Wear and tear: As your toilet ages it can develop scratches from wear and tear. These scratches can show stains and cause dirt to cling to them, making the toilet more difficult to clean over time. If this happens, it can be time to replace your toilet.
- Increased utility bills: Older toilets may use more water than newer models. If you notice an increase in your utility bills it can signal it’s time to replace the toilet.