5 Reasons Why To Consider an Upgrade

Today, we are going to discuss a topic that might not be the most glamorous, but is certainly essential when it comes to the functionality and comfort of your home – knowing when it’s time for a new toilet. While it may not be a subject that is frequently discussed, the importance of a properly functioning toilet cannot be underestimated. A well-maintained and efficient toilet not only ensures a hygienic environment but also contributes to water conservation and lowers utility bills.

In this blog post, we will explore the signs that indicate it’s time to bid farewell to your old toilet and invest in a new one. So, if you’re experiencing any issues with your current toilet or simply want to stay informed about home maintenance, keep reading to discover the telltale signs that it’s time for a new toilet.

1. It’s Old

If your toilet is old, it might be time for an upgrade. While repairs might still work on the current unit, a modern model will likely be more efficient and save on water bills while providing added comfort and cleanliness compared to what might have existed decades ago.

When your toilet requires multiple flushes to operate effectively, this could be an indicator that its internal parts need replacing. While this may be easily resolved with occasional adjustments to your tank contents, if this problem becomes persistently bothersome then perhaps its time for an upgrade or new purchase of toilet.

Your commode may be nearing its lifespan if it frequently clogs and leaks, which is an inconvenience, while leakage poses risks to both floors and homes.

If your toilet is leaking, the first step should be to turn off its water source to avoid an accidental flood of water. Next, call in a professional plumber; this may require either quick repairs of broken flanges and seals or new purchases due to hairline cracks that consistently cause leakage.

2. It’s Leaking

If your toilet keeps leaving puddles of water on the bathroom floor, it could be time for an upgrade to one more water-efficient. Persistent leakage could indicate loose or damaged fill valves, broken flange seals or hairline cracks – and an inspection with dye test can quickly identify potential sources.

Leakage within your tank typically signals a fill valve or float issue that can be resolved easily with just an adjustment. Leaks from an overflow tube or siphon jet hole could indicate a blocked drain line or outdated flush kit components that need to be updated or replaced, among other possible causes.

If the leak stems from porcelain itself, it’s probably time for an upgrade: porcelain leaks often signal cracking and leaky bowls that must be addressed ASAP; leaving cracked toilets alone could lead to further deterioration, water damage to adjacent flooring and walls and mildew build-up – potentially leaving homeowners exposed to even greater risks than before.

Another key factor is how often your toilet requires repairs. If it requires frequent repairs, calling in plumbers every other week, upgrading to more durable and long-lasting models could save money and make life more comfortable in your home.

3. It’s Clogged

If you find that each time you use the toilet requires you to keep a plunger handy and hope for the best, it may be time to consider replacing it. Clogged toilets can lead to unattractive and hazardous floor damage as well as being an inconvenience for you and your family.

Clogged toilets typically indicate something foreign has made its way into the drain system. This could range from using too much toilet paper (Americans use twice what is accepted in Europe) or more serious issues like sewer line clogs that prevent waste from leaving your home and entering municipal sewage systems. Recurring issues should be dealt with professionally if they persist – regularly plunging the toilet is one of many indications.

Your toilet may also experience internal tank issues, including a stuck float in need of adjustment or an overly-deep refill tube insertion into the overflow tube. In such instances, new fill valve and float assemblies might be required.

Hard water is notorious for clogging toilets as it accumulates in pipes, narrowing their passageway for waste and water to flow freely. A professional can install a water softener in your home to help alleviate further problems in the future.

4. It’s Wobbly

Unstable toilets can be uncomfortable and potentially costly to repair, leading to expensive flooring damage. If yours frequently needs repair work done due to wobbly parts, perhaps now would be a good time for an upgrade?

When a toilet wobbles, often its bolts that secure it to the floor have come loose over time. Tightening them may temporarily resolve this issue; however, eventually their tightening may loosen again and the toilet may begin rocking back and forth again, eventually leading to cracked flanges or subfloor damage that requires extensive repairs as well as the installation of new plumbing fixtures and possibly even another toilet.

A great way to identify the cause of toilet wobbling is to turn off both water sources and flush, then sponge out both tank and base of all excess water. Remove cap covers and nuts from both sets of bolts on either side of the tank; lift tank straight up over them, remove wax ring, inspect for damages/rot or replace entirely as necessary with new one from kit or replacement service provider.

Alternatively, if the toilet flange is undamaged and its elevation has become an issue, shims can be used to address it. As this task requires precise measurement, it may be best left up to professionals if this task feels daunting to you.

5. It’s a Pain to Clean

If your weekends are spent scrubbing and cleaning your toilet, it may be time for an upgrade. Even the best toilets can become difficult to keep clean due to hard water mineral deposits that build up inside their siphon tube and inlet holes; these deposits often cannot be reversed and lead to less powerful flushes as well as more clogs than before; to address these irreversible deposits effectively it would be wiser to install a new model with an enhanced flush system.

In Conclusion

These 5 reasons scratch the surface on why you may need to replace your toilet. Here is an overview checklist you can take in to consideration as well:

Frequent leaks: If your toilet is constantly leaking, despite attempts to fix it, it may be a sign of worn-out components or cracks in the porcelain. Constant leaks can waste water and lead to higher utility bills.

Cracks or damage: Check the toilet bowl, tank, and base for any visible cracks or damage. Cracks can lead to leaks and structural issues, compromising the toilet’s functionality.

Repairs are becoming more frequent: If you find yourself frequently repairing various parts of the toilet, such as the flush mechanism or handle, it may be more cost-effective to invest in a new toilet.

Constant clogs: If your toilet is prone to frequent clogging and plunging doesn’t resolve the issue, it could indicate a problem with the toilet’s design or a worn-out flushing system.

Poor flushing performance: If the toilet consistently struggles to flush waste effectively, it may not be providing the necessary water pressure or the internal mechanisms may be worn out.

High water usage: Older toilets can use significantly more water per flush compared to newer models, leading to higher water bills. Upgrading to a newer, more water-efficient toilet can help save water and money in the long run.

Outdated design and efficiency: If your toilet is quite old, it may lack modern features like dual-flush options or water-saving technology, which are common in newer toilets.

Difficulties finding replacement parts: As toilets age, finding compatible replacement parts can become challenging and expensive.

Stains and discoloration: Stubborn stains in the bowl or frequent discoloration despite regular cleaning may indicate that the toilet’s surface has deteriorated over time.

Unpleasant odors: If you notice persistent foul odors despite regular cleaning, it could indicate cracks or improper sealing, allowing sewer gasses to escape.

Aesthetics and home improvement: If you’re renovating or updating your bathroom and the current toilet no longer matches the desired aesthetics, it might be a good time to replace it.

When considering a new toilet, look for modern, water-efficient models that carry the WaterSense label, indicating they meet water-saving standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Investing in a new toilet that meets current efficiency standards can help you save water and money in the long run.

Time To Call a Professional? Discount Plumbers Is Here!

Toilet repair can be… well a pain in the neck. Toilets are bulky and heavy, can break easily and hard to install properly. With Discount Plumbers, you can trust that your toilet will be in capable hands. Our expertise and attention to detail guarantee a high-quality result that meets your expectations. Whether you are in need of a simple repair or a complete installation, Discount Plumbers has the knowledge and skills to get the job done right the first time.

Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, we’re a reputable plumbing company that excels in toilet repair and installation services. We provide ‘plumbers near me’ services in 65 surrounding metro cities. Don’t hesitate to contact Discount Plumbers for all your toilet repair or installation needs, and experience our exceptional service for yourself. We’re ready to service you today.

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*$94 drain special applies to owner occupied, single family residential homes only.

29Jun

By Discount Plumbersin Recommendations, Toilet Installation, Toilet Repair

10 Common Questions About Toilets

Toilet Questions? We've Got Answers.

Welcome to our blog post on the topic of toilets. In this informative piece, we will be addressing ten commonly asked questions that many individuals have about toilets.

Whether you are a homeowner, a renter, or simply curious about the inner workings of toilets, we aim to provide you with accurate and comprehensive answers. With a professional tone, we will delve into various aspects of toilets, including their functionality, maintenance, and common issues.

So, if you have ever wondered about the intricacies of toilets or need some guidance on how to handle toilet-related problems, this blog post is for you. Let’s get started!

1. How Does a Toilet Work?

Toilets are one of the world’s most useful yet simple machines, yet we often take them for granted. In order to properly care for our toilets, it’s crucial that we understand their inner workings – the bowl siphon, flushing mechanism and refill mechanism being its core components.

Pushing the handle will raise a lever inside of the tank which, when raised, releases water through a flush valve at the bottom of the tank into the bowl through a siphon tube, siphoning out all its contents into the sewer system.

The toilet tank contains a rubber flapper which sits atop its tank seat to seal off when empty. As soon as water fills up the tank, an indicator float rises up from within it that signals to its ballcock (water supply valve) when fullness has been reached and stops supplying supply.

Utilizing a toilet is simple and essential to our overall health and wellbeing, yet today 2.4 billion people struggle without access to safe, reliable toilets for survival.

2. Why Is My Toilet Bubbling?

Seeing water bubbling out of your toilet drain could indicate improper venting; to address it may require professional plumbing assistance as this requires breaking through walls to access and disconnect drain lines.

Another frequent toilet issue is seeing water collect at the base of the bowl. This is often due to a damaged wax seal – an essential piece that connects floor flange and toilet base and needs to be intact in order for your toilet to function correctly. While repairs might seem challenging at first, seeing this phenomenon indicates your toilet requires professional intervention immediately.

Tank fill valve isn’t closing correctly after flushing; the float on top of the tank connects directly with it, rising whenever you flush, to open and allow water into your toilet tank. However, if this float is broken or misaligns itself it won’t close and thus the tank won’t fill after you flush.

3. What is a Toilet Flange?

Toilet flanges (sometimes referred to as closet flanges) are pipe fittings used to secure toilets to the floor and connect them with drainage systems. A toilet flange ensures waste goes directly down into drains instead of staying in your bathroom and taking up valuable space.

Flanges are typically constructed of copper, steel, cast iron or brass. Other flange varieties available on the market include aluminum and stainless steel versions – stainless steel being particularly advantageous as it will not rust or corrode while still offering tight seals.

Faulty installation of the flange can cause your toilet to rock or tilt, damaging its wax seal and potentially leaking water onto the floor below it. To avoid this happening again, secure it to the flooring with screws; damaged flooring must first be repaired prior to installing a new one; level fit offset closet flanges allow installers to adjust its height as necessary if the new flange doesn’t lie flush against it.

4. What Should I Do If My Toilet is Leaking?

If your toilet is leaking, it is critical that you act quickly. A leaky toilet can quickly skyrocket your water bill while also potentially causing serious damage to the floor and subfloor of your bathroom over time.

If water is dripping under your toilet, turn off its source by turning the valve clockwise. This valve may be found in either your basement or crawl space depending on where your plumbing runs.

Leakage at the base of your toilet may be caused by any number of issues; from needing to replace its tank-to-bowl gasket to tightening up bolts holding it down or degraded wax rings which allow wastewater to escape through connections between it and drain pipes in the floor.

Also check the wall behind your toilet where the water supply line connects for any signs of moisture damage. Finally, caulk around your toilet fixture if necessary to prevent moisture entering its vicinity and leading to complications like mold growth and wood rot.

5. Why Does My Toilet Occasionally Overflow?

Depending on the configuration of your septic system, your toilet could overflow for various reasons, including an overfull tank or issues in your pipes leading to and from it. In such an instance, professional plumbing services should be called out immediately so they can empty and clean out your tank and system accordingly.

If the overflow is coming from the rim of the bowl, this could be a telltale sign of blocked rim jet holes. Mineral deposits accumulate along these small openings and prevent them from creating their swirling action that forces waste down to drains. You can easily unclog these small holes using mineral remover and flushing your toilet several times afterward to break up any remaining sediment.

Cracked fill valve seals can also lead to overflow, sending water shooting out every time you flush. You can replace this seal by turning off and draining your tank, then taking steps such as removing and installing a new seal (a universal or toilet specific fill valve may work best; many hardware stores sell them and should be easy to use).

6. How Can I Fix a Clogged Toilet?

No matter the cause – whether your child accidentally flushed their beloved stuffed animal down the toilet or you simply forgetting to flush away coffee grounds – toilets can become clogged. Luckily, most clogs can be fixed at home using common household items.

Before attempting to fix a clogged toilet, it’s essential to switch off the water source in order to prevent flooding or any other potential disasters. Furthermore, any items stuck in the drain/bowl such as toys should also be removed as this could further cause damage.

To unclog a toilet effectively, the best approach is using a plunger with an extendable rubber flange designed specifically to fit into its drain opening. Push gently down until clogging has been disturbed before pulling up abruptly to shift debris.

Pouring hot water down the toilet may also help break up clogs; just be careful not to pour boiling water as this could crack its porcelain surfaces and break. If this doesn’t work, however, professional plumbers may need to be hired in order to unclog your toilet successfully.

7. How Can I Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger?

If you don’t have access to a plunger, there are a few alternative solutions for unclogging your toilet. One is to flush multiple times; this may help loosen and dislodge any organic matter clogging your plumbing and loosen clogs so they can be flushed away more easily.

An alternative method is using hot water to break up the clog. To do this, fill a 2-liter bottle with hot (not boiling) water, remove its lid, and drop the opening directly into your toilet drain before squeezing the bottle to force its hot contents down the pipe.

Alternatively, use a wire hanger to break up or dislodge the clog, making sure to cover its end with cloth or rag to avoid scratching porcelain surfaces. Or squeeze some liquid dish soap directly into your toilet bowl – this may only work on smaller clogs but could come in handy.

8. How Can I Remove Rust Stains from Toilets?

Rust stains are unpleasant to see in any home and difficult to eradicate, yet there are various methods available for doing just that. Luckily, however, they’ve proven successful at eliminating these stubborn marks.

One alternative to the use of bleach is using distilled white vinegar. As this cleaning product contains acetic acid, which can effectively break down and dissolve any rust stains found in your toilet bowl, cleaning vinegar may be more suitable as opposed to food-grade vinaigrette as this latter could damage porcelain surfaces more severely.

Lemon juice and table salt make an effective combination to address rust stains on most household surfaces, with its acidity breaking down the stain while its light abrasiveness providing some additional help against corrosion. This combination can be surprising effective and is safe.

If none of these methods work for you, commercial rust removers may be available at your local store. Most often these contain borax as their active ingredient – an entirely natural mineral that’s safe to use around the house in small doses.

9. My Toilet Has A Foul Odor. What Now?

One way is to maintain a regular schedule for cleaning and deodorizing your bathroom. This includes wiping down walls, floors, sink and bathtub as well as disinfection to combat mildew, mold and fungus which all contribute to foul odors.

Use natural, low-cost air fresheners like eucalyptus leaves as natural air fresheners to fight odors in your restroom, such as hanging them. Hanging them will emit a pleasant pine or mint fragrance while also helping absorb moisture to combat any possible odors that arise from leaky pipes or moisture accumulation.

If, after trying all these steps and your toilet still stinks, it may be necessary to call in professional plumber. Sometimes there can be more at stake than simple homemade solutions like baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice, or essential oils.

Foul odors from toilets may be caused by an issue with the wax ring not properly sealing to the toilet base, allowing air and sewer organisms to seep through from underneath, or by an obstruction in plumbing vent. Another potential culprit could be an old or inoperative plumbing vent system that must be unclogged in order to keep operating at full efficiency.

Odors may also hide in floor drains. While designed to collect toilet overflows, clogged drains can become breeding grounds for unpleasant odors. Bleach may help, and it is advised that you use an enzyme-containing drain cleaner at least once each month for best results.

10. How Can I Improve the Water Efficiency of My Toilet?

Excessive water consumption is detrimental to our environment and economy. Excessive usage strains water utilities, overloads wastewater treatment plants and can even lead to residential septic system malfunction or failure. But don’t despair just yet: there are simple fixes available which may help save water use without replacing toilets with more efficient models.

Add a toilet tank fill cycle diverter. This small piece connects directly to the fill line and overflow tube of the toilet and prevents water from flowing directly down into the bowl after its tank has filled up – saving water that would otherwise flow straight down the drain and potentially saving an average of half-gallon per flush.

Adjusting the flush valve on your toilet can also help save water by adjusting its usage. Hardware stores and home improvement centers sell toilet flapper adjustment kits that make this task simple; newer toilets usually consume only 1.6 gallons with each flush while those manufactured prior to 1990 may use up to 5!

To determine how much water your toilet uses, remove its lid and check for a flush volume stamp or date stamp in its tank. This will indicate how many gallons per flush (gpf) is consumed with each flush (gallons per flush standard is 3.5). If your current model exceeds this benchmark by more than 20%, install a tankless water heater instead, this may save money as well as conserve water globally – gallon by gallon!

Questions To Ask If You Need To Buy a New Toilet.

When considering the purchase of a toilet, there are several important questions you should ask to ensure you make an informed decision. Here are some key questions to consider:

What is the rough-in measurement? The rough-in refers to the distance between the wall behind the toilet and the center of the drainpipe. It is important to know this measurement to ensure the toilet you choose will fit properly in your bathroom.

What is the water usage and efficiency? To conserve water and save on utility bills, it’s essential to consider the toilet’s water usage. Ask about the gallons per flush (GPF) rating and look for toilets with a low GPF, such as 1.28 GPF or less. Additionally, inquire about any water-saving features like dual-flush mechanisms.

Is it a one-piece or two-piece toilet? One-piece toilets are seamless units with the tank and bowl fused together, offering easier cleaning and a sleek appearance. Two-piece toilets have a separate tank and bowl, and they are generally more affordable. Determine which style suits your preferences and needs.

What is the height and size of the toilet? To ensure comfort and accessibility, consider the height of the toilet. Standard height toilets are around 15 inches high, while comfort or chair height toilets are taller, around 17-19 inches high. Additionally, consider the overall size and dimensions of the toilet to ensure it fits your bathroom space.

Does it have any special features? Some toilets come with additional features like built-in bidets, heated seats, self-cleaning mechanisms, or air deodorizers. Determine if any of these features are important to you and if they align with your budget.

What is the flushing system like? Inquire about the flushing mechanism and its performance. Look for toilets with efficient and effective flush systems that prevent clogs and ensure proper waste removal.

Is the toilet compatible with your plumbing system? It’s crucial to ensure that the toilet you choose is compatible with your existing plumbing system. If you have any specific plumbing requirements or limitations, consult a professional to determine compatibility.

What is the warranty and customer support like? Inquire about the warranty provided by the manufacturer. A reliable warranty and good customer support can offer peace of mind and assistance in case of any issues or defects with the toilet.

What is the overall cost? Consider your budget and compare prices across different brands and models. Don’t forget to factor in any additional costs for installation, accessories, or maintenance.

Are there any user reviews or recommendations? Check online reviews and seek recommendations from friends, family, or professionals who have experience with different toilet models. Their insights can provide valuable information and help you make a more informed decision.

By asking these questions and considering your specific needs and preferences, you can choose a toilet that meets your requirements in terms of functionality, efficiency, comfort, and budget.

In Conclusion

Toilets are more than just a basic necessity; they are an essential part of our daily lives. By addressing common questions and misconceptions about toilets, we can ensure proper usage, maintenance, and hygiene.

So, let’s continue to educate ourselves and others about toilets to create a cleaner and more comfortable environment for everyone.

Discount Plumbers in Minneapolis, Minnesota is a reputable plumbing company that excels in toilet installation and repair services. Our professionalism, affordability, and dedication to customer satisfaction make them the go-to choice for homeowners in need of reliable plumbing solutions. Don’t hesitate to contact Discount Plumbers for all your toilet repair or installation needs, and experience our exceptional service for yourself.

Proudly providing ‘plumbers near me services‘ in 65 surrounding metro-areas.

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*$94 drain special applies to owner occupied, single family residential homes only.

07Jun

By Discount Plumbersin Toilet Repair

How to Fix a Running Toilet

Running toilets waste both water and money, as they cause expensive plumbing damage. Luckily, addressing this issue typically doesn’t necessitate calling in professional help – just follow these simple steps to resolve the problem on your own!

Running toilets can often be traced back to an issue with its flapper; however, other possible culprits include too-long or too-short chains or an out of place float.

In this article, we’ll identify what other issues may be causing problems.

Check the Water Level

An ever-running toilet can waste water and add significantly to utility costs, not to mention cause costly water damage to both its bowl and surrounding area. But fixing this issue shouldn’t be difficult!

While keeping the shut-off valve off, open up the toilet tank lid and observe its water level. If it exceeds the overflow tube, this indicates that your float arm could be set too high. To adjust this lower it by turning the adjustment screw located near the fill valve – this will reduce water levels and stop running toilets altogether.

Repeated attempts may be necessary until your toilet water reaches the ideal setting. Aim to keep its level 1 inch below the overflow tube at all times.

When water enters your overflow tube, this indicates that your flapper or overflow pipe isn’t sealing correctly, perhaps due to a broken flapper, poor fill valve, or chain length issues. In such instances, you must replace both elements; you’ll also need to adjust their length by either adding or subtracting links as necessary in order to stop them tangling around float arm and flapper.

Check the Overflow Tube

Overflow tubes connect a toilet tank to its bowl. If water continues to drain into it despite flushing, it could be because the float setting is too high and needs adjusting by using either the float rod or cup (a horizontal rod extending from the fill valve to a float ball or small cylinder wrapped around the float) or using channel locks to turn its screw counterclockwise and lower its setting.

Modern toilets often use plastic fill valves instead of flappers to seal their tank, with floats moving up and down to seal off its contents, but these valves can break or leak, leading to running toilets. No matter which valve your toilet uses, check it carefully for issues like broken handles, rusty hooks, or signs of wear & tear to avoid running issues in your throne.

An excessively running toilet wastes hundreds of gallons daily and can increase your water bill significantly, so it’s crucial that its source be identified and resolved swiftly. Luckily, these issues are easy to identify and resolve with straightforward solutions that will save money while simultaneously decreasing water consumption.

Check the Fill Valve

One of the main causes of running toilets is an improper functioning fill valve or flapper. If your tank keeps leaking or overflowing, chances are your fill valve or flapper isn’t sealing securely enough and likely needs replacement.

Locate the screw that connects a float rod or cup to the fill valve and use a screwdriver or set of channel locks to turn it counterclockwise for one quarter turn, to lower water levels in your tank. Continue making this adjustment until water stops flowing into your overflow tube.

If your water levels continue to fluctuate, it might be time for a replacement fill valve. Closing off and flushing the toilet will help drain most of the tank’s contents before beginning this task.

Once you have located a replacement part, close off the shut-off valve, disconnect your water supply hose, remove refill tube from overflow tube and put a bucket underneath fill valve to catch any potential spilled water while you install new one.

Remove chain from flapper before beginning; slide off both pegs in tank to disconnect before beginning installation process; once adjusted and filled back into position snap lock ring and refill tube back in.

Check the Flapper

If the water in your tank is running continuously without leaving, but is still not escaping, the issue could lie with the float or flapper not functioning correctly. These two plastic tank components are easy to repair without calling in professional plumber services for installation.

The flapper is a rubber piece that opens during each flush before slowly retracting back down over the flush valve to seal off water flow into the toilet bowl. Over time, this flapper may become stiff or brittle or covered in grime, leading to poor seal performance that allows water to continue entering from its tank into its bowl.

Checking the flapper involves taking two steps. First, unlatching and disconnecting the lift chain connected to the flush handle. Second, lift off and release any pegs from overflow tube and replace as necessary (flappers cost around $10 at hardware stores).

When installing new flappers make sure chain is not too tight as this could prevent it from securing drainpipe hole when dropping onto or closing up drainpipe hole.

An annoying running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons every day and significantly raise your water bill, but most issues with running toilets can be fixed using simple solutions outlined above. From replacing flappers or adjusting floats, to removing and cleaning fill valve assemblies – these steps will help save both money and water without costly plumbing services being required to resolve it.

Discount Plumbers to the Rescue!

If you’ve tried all these fixes but are still having issues, call Discount Plumbers. We’ll be happy to send out one of our licensed, professional plumbers.

While we’re located in the heart of Minneapolis, we provide plumbers near me services in 65 surrounding metro-areas. We are in your city daily. So call the number below or contact us here via our webform. We look forward to servicing you today.

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*$94 drain special applies to owner occupied, single family residential homes only.

14Feb

By Discount Plumbersin Recommendations, Toilet Repair

Unintentionally Flush Something Down the Toilet?

Almost everyone has experienced accidentally flushing something down the toilet, whether it slipped out of a pocket, fell from a counter, or was thrown in by a child. But don’t worry – no matter how it ended up in there, there’s usually a way to retrieve it.

Turn off the water supply: Before attempting to remove the object, turn off the water supply to the toilet to prevent it from flushing and causing further damage or complications.

Use rubber gloves: Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from any germs or bacteria, and have a plastic bag or container ready to place the object in once it is retrieved.

Try a plunger: If the object is visible and close to the surface, you can try using a plunger to dislodge it. Create a seal with the plunger over the hole in the toilet bowl, and then push and pull the plunger in a steady motion. Be careful not to push the object further down the pipe.

Use a toilet snake: If the object is not visible or close to the surface, a toilet snake can be used to retrieve it. Insert the snake into the toilet bowl and maneuver it down the pipe until it reaches the object. Use the snake to gently pull the object back up and out of the toilet.

Call a professional plumber: If the object cannot be easily retrieved or if the above methods do not work, it’s best to call a professional plumber. They have the experience and specialized equipment to safely and effectively remove the object without causing damage to the toilet or plumbing system.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so be mindful of what you flush down the toilet to avoid any future mishaps.

Last resort tactics

Use a toilet auger: A toilet auger, also known as a closet auger, is a tool specifically designed for unclogging toilets. It can be inserted into the toilet bowl and maneuvered down the pipe to break up and remove any stubborn clogs.

Pour hot water and dish soap: Boil a pot of water and add a few squirts of dish soap to it. Pour the hot water and soap mixture into the toilet bowl and let it sit for a few minutes. The heat and soap may help break up the clog and allow it to be flushed away.

Use a wet/dry vacuum: If you have a wet/dry vacuum, you can try using it to suction out the clog. Be sure to set the vacuum to the wet setting and create a seal around the toilet bowl with a towel to prevent any air leaks.

Call a professional plumber: If none of these methods work, it’s best to call a professional plumber. They have the experience and specialized equipment to safely and effectively remove the clog without causing damage to the toilet or plumbing system.

It’s important to note that you should never use chemical drain cleaners as a last resort, as they can be harmful to both your plumbing system and the environment.

It would be time to call a plumber when you are experiencing plumbing issues that you cannot resolve on your own or that require specialized equipment or expertise. Some examples of plumbing issues that may require a plumber include:

A complete lack of water or low water pressure: If you are experiencing a lack of water or low water pressure in your home, it may be a sign of a larger issue with your plumbing system. A plumber can assess the problem and identify the root cause of the issue.

Clogged drains: If you have a clogged drain that cannot be resolved with a plunger or other DIY methods, it’s time to call a plumber. They can use specialized equipment, such as a drain snake, to safely and effectively remove the clog.

Leaks or burst pipes: If you notice a leak or burst pipe in your home, it’s important to call a plumber right away. They can identify the source of the leak and repair the pipe to prevent further damage to your home.

Sewer line issues: If you are experiencing issues with your sewer line, such as slow draining or sewage backups, it’s important to call a plumber. Sewer line issues can be dangerous and require specialized equipment to diagnose and repair.

In general, if you are experiencing any plumbing issues that you cannot resolve on your own or that require specialized equipment or expertise, it’s best to call a plumber. They have the experience and knowledge to diagnose and repair plumbing issues safely and effectively.

01Sep

By Discount Plumbersin Recommendations, Toilet Repair

5 Reasons Your Toilet Keeps Clogging

Hi guys Discount Plumbers here and today we’re going to ask ourselves:

Why does my toilet keep clogging?

And the number one reason that i’ve seen in my experience with toilets clogging is somebody in your household is flushing. The wrong thing could be. It could be your kids could be anybody in the house. Flushable wipes are real popular.

Paper toys, feminine hygiene, wipes...

A lot of people use too much paper toys if you have small kids, feminine hygiene products, another big deal, so these are all things you don’t want to put in the toilet. So the easiest thing for you to do is let everybody in your house know what they can and can’t flush and kind of monitor what’s going on, and then you can see why it’s happening and if it continues then there’s other things that you can look at.

The Flapper

All right, so the second thing that we see in this industry a lot is the flapper is incorrect for the toilet or it’s old, and it’s just not working like it’s supposed to toilets, especially now have a million different flappers.

The flapper (see Image) is very important. That’s what tells it how much water needs to go from here in the tank to the bowl. So that’s a really important part of the toilet, and, if that’s not working correctly, it will never flush correctly.

Old Pipes

So the third problem that we see in this industry is probably old: piping houses. A lot of them had cast iron piping, which is known to build scale and crack and get brittle over time and deteriorate quite a bit. Here in Minneapolis, we deal with frozen pipes in the winter as well.

Even newer homes with pvc can have issues with the house settling and the plumbing settling, so there’s ways to find out. If that’s your problem, we have a bunch of cool high tech cameras that we can look through the pipes with we just did a job. Last week, where they had cast iron pipes from the 40s that we had to cut the floor and replace the entire plumbing system, so there’s ways to do it less evasive ways than cutting the floor, but cutting the floors the most practical way.

The trap

So the fourth thing that we see a lot of is something stuck in the trap way, which is the section of of curved area between the bowl and the floor of the toilet.

And what happens? Is things get stuck in there and you think they’re clear and you flush and it backs up again and then you you plunge it or whatever and it’s clear and then you flush a few times later and it clogs up again normally there’s something stuck in your trap way, when that happens, it’s there, you get stuff past it, and then it comes back. So that’s a normally a clear indication that something stuck in there. It’s not supposed to be there and the really.

The only way to get that out is to pull the toilet and try to shake it out or break the toilet to get it out. It’s not that much fun.

Even Toilets get old

So the fifth thing that we see is the toilet’s just old they’re wore out they’re tired, and you say how does it wear out? It’s porcelain.

Well, there’s ports inside that move, water and the water is hard in states like Florida and it it clogs things up. So the ports get clogged up over time with mineral deposits and different things, so your toilet’s not flowing correctly. The tank is not flowing water to the bowl, exactly like it’s supposed to so it slows things down.

So one way to test to see if it’s your toilet or your plumbing system is to take a bucket of water about a half a bucket of water and pour directly into the toilet bowl. If the toilet seems to flush good. When you do that, then it’s not your plumbing system, it’s more related just to your toilet, so that’s a good place to start and then you can kind of go through the steps from there.

These are the five most common things we see in the industry and if you have looked at this article and you’re trying to take care of this yourself, if you continue to have problems, it may be time to call a plumber.

That’s going to be number six, so if you need a plumber in Minnesota, you can always call Discount Plumbers at 612-503-4560

$94 Any Drain. Even Sewer Lines.

612-503-4560

5 Reasons Why To Consider an Upgrade

1. It’s Old

2. It’s Leaking

3. It’s Clogged

4. It’s Wobbly

5. It’s a Pain to Clean

In Conclusion

Time To Call a Professional? Discount Plumbers Is Here!

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*$94 drain special applies to owner occupied, single family residential homes only.

Toilet Questions? We've Got Answers.

1. How Does a Toilet Work?

2. Why Is My Toilet Bubbling?

3. What is a Toilet Flange?

4. What Should I Do If My Toilet is Leaking?

5. Why Does My Toilet Occasionally Overflow?

6. How Can I Fix a Clogged Toilet?

7. How Can I Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger?

8. How Can I Remove Rust Stains from Toilets?

9. My Toilet Has A Foul Odor. What Now?

10. How Can I Improve the Water Efficiency of My Toilet?

Questions To Ask If You Need To Buy a New Toilet.

In Conclusion

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*$94 drain special applies to owner occupied, single family residential homes only.

How to Fix a Running Toilet

Check the Water Level

Check the Overflow Tube

Check the Fill Valve

Check the Flapper

Discount Plumbers to the Rescue!

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*$94 drain special applies to owner occupied, single family residential homes only.

Last resort tactics

5 Reasons Your Toilet Keeps Clogging

Why does my toilet keep clogging?

Paper toys, feminine hygiene, wipes...

The Flapper

Old Pipes

The trap

Even Toilets get old

Connect with us!

*$94 drain special applies to owner occupied, single family residential homes only.

*$94 drain special applies to owner occupied, single family residential homes only.