We’re pretty sure you have never wanted to deal with a clogged toilet. Unfortunately, it is a fact of life, no matter how many people live in your home or how many toys are thrown into the system. The key to fixing a clogged toilet is making the call to a professional. Towers Plumbing has over 75 years of experience in every plumbing problem. We answer our phone 24 hours a day so in the event of a broken or clogged toilet, our technicians can be at your door in no time.
What Causes a Clogged Toilet?
You’ve noticed your sinks and tubs draining slowly, and maybe you’ve caught a quick breath of a pungent smell. You might chalk it up to nothing, or maybe a clogged drain, but it doesn’t occur to you that these are signs of a clogged toilet. After all, you’re careful about what is flushed and your children know better than to drop toys into the bowl.
Even after all precautions are met, toilet clogs can still happen. This can be from hard water deposits, too much waste like toilet paper, baby wipes, or feminine products (including the ‘flushable’ ones,) a clogged trap, or even a problem with the sewer line. Until one of our technicians diagnoses the cause of the problem, attempting to fix it will simply be trial and error.
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The Problem with Old Toilets
Low-flow toilets were introduced in the mid-1990s. These toilets became popular because of their ability to use far less water than previous models. However, as you might know, the first few models of a product will always have kinks. Low-flow toilets worked decently for a long time, but the initial ones are getting older and need to be replaced. Also, because of the fact they use less water, they often don’t push waste far enough into pipes, which leads to clogs. High-efficiency toilets are still on the market, but there are several more options available. These newer toilets provide more flushing power and use less water.
If your toilet seems to stay clogged and is an older model, it could be due to the fact it is one of the first-generation low-flow toilets. In that case, replacing the toilet with a newer option will end up costing you less in repair work and water bills. Our technicians can help you pick the type of toilet that is best for your home and family.
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Towers Plumbing Toilet Repair
As mentioned, we are a full-service plumbing company. Our technicians are capable of not just repairing, but also replacing any plumbing fixture. We can also help guide your decision on whether or not repairing or replacing something is best. Our focus is to keep your plumbing safe while providing honest service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does my toilet keep running?
A constantly running toilet often has issues with its internal tank components. Here are some things to check:
- Toilet Flapper: This rubber seal at the bottom of the tank controls water flow. Replace it if it's old, corroded, misaligned, or warped, or if it fails to seal properly.
- Float Valve: This regulates the water level in the tank. If it doesn't shut off completely, it could cause continuous running or overflow into the bowl.
- Fill Tube Alignment: If the fill tube is misaligned or damaged, it could lead to water continuously flowing into the overflow pipe.
- Mineral Buildup: Hard water or a high mineral content can impair the function of the fill valve, flapper, and other components.
- Handle or Chain Issues: Check if these parts are broken or improperly functioning, which can cause the toilet to run continuously. Ensure they aren’t stuck or tangled.
- Water Level Adjustment: Sometimes adjusting the water level in the tank to shut off properly can resolve the issue.
- Other Internal Issues: If none of the above solutions work, further professional diagnosis might be necessary.
Q: Can I flush “flushable” wipes down the toilet?
Despite being marketed as "flushable," wipes should not be flushed down the toilet. They do not dissolve like toilet paper and pose a risk of clogging your drains or main sewer line.
Q: What kind of low-flow toilets do you recommend?
Low-flow toilets have greatly improved over the years. When selecting a low-flow toilet, consider consulting a plumber who can recommend options based on flapper size, manufacturer, style, and cost, to find the best fit for your needs.
Q: How do I replace my toilet flange?
Replacing a toilet flange is a moderately complex task and may be better handled by a professional if you're unsure. Here's a brief overview of the process:
- Shut off the water supply to the toilet.
- Remove the toilet by disconnecting the water line and unscrewing the floor bolts.
- Inspect and, if necessary, remove the old flange.
- Clean the drain pipe of any debris or old wax.
- Install the new flange, ensuring it's properly aligned and secured with screws.
- Reinstall the toilet with a new wax ring, reconnect the water, and test for leaks.
Q: How do I test if my toilet is leaking?
To detect leaks in your toilet, you can:
- Conduct a visual inspection for any signs of dripping or pooling water.
- Listen to the sound of running water.
- Perform a dye test by placing dye in the tank to see if it seeps into the bowl without flushing.
- Check your water meter while all other water sources are shut off to see if it indicates usage, or suggests a leak.