It's easy to panic when you flush the toilet, and nothing happens, and it's worse if it begins overflowing. Sometimes, clogs are so deep in the system that plungers and chemicals can't fix them. When you have a stubborn clog in the toilet, call Charles Krull & Son, Inc. Plumbing & Heating. We've served Malverne residents for five generations, so you can trust that you're getting an expert repair done right the first time.
If you're sick of that old bathroom, contact us about our bathroom remodeling service and find out how we can make your bathroom more functional and relaxing.
Why Do Toilets Clog?
The toilet is one of the most used plumbing fixtures in the home, and when it backs up, it can lead to an awful mess. Understanding what causes toilets to clog will help you prevent them from happening in the future. Common reasons toilets clog includes:
- Low Flow Toilets - People with first-generation, low flow toilets suffer from frequent clogs because these models lack the necessary pressure to clear the drain and trap, which results in frequent backups.
- Flushing Non-Flushable Items - Toilets are designed to dispose of specific materials such as human waste and toilet paper. Flushing items like feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, personal wipes, paper towels, and floss are invitations to toilet troubles down the road.
- Clogged Trap - The S-shaped trap between the drain line and the bowl clogs easily if a foreign object goes down the drain. If the clog resides in the trap, a plunger is often all that's required to fix it.
- Clogged Sewer Line - If your toilet continues to clog, it could mean there's a problem in the main sewer line. If the blockage resides in the main line, no amount of plunging or chemical drain cleaners will clear it out, and you'll need the help of an experienced professional.
When to Consider Toilet Replacement
Malverne homeowners work hard to keep their homes in top shape, but one area that people neglect is the plumbing. Many don't consider their plumbing until there's a problem, but it's wise to be proactive and replace aging fixtures before the disaster strikes. Here are a few signs your toilet needs replacing.
- Frequent Clogs - If you own an older low-flow toilet that doesn't have the flushing power needed to remove waste, it's time to upgrade. New low-flow toilets have plenty of power, and they save you money with each flush.
- Cracks - If you see puddles around the base of the toilet, it could be due to cracks in the porcelain. Leaks from cracks can lead to mold buildup and damage to your flooring.
- Frequent Repairs - If you need toilet repair frequently, consider using that money you're spending on repairs and putting it towards a new model.
- Mineral Deposits - Some homeowners must deal with the effects of hard water, and one of those effects is the buildup of minerals, which can make the toilet inefficient. If the accumulation is significant, replacement may be the only option.
Our water softeners are the perfect solution for hard water problems in Malverne, NY, homes. Call us to find out more.
Are Low Flow Toilets Worth It?
Whether you're considering a low-flow toilet to save money or you want to upgrade an aging fixture, you may wonder if these toilets are worth the price.
Toilets play a significant role in your water bill. Older toilets use anywhere from 3.5 to 7 gallons of water per flush, and the money you spend on water quickly adds up with those numbers. New, low-flow toilets typically use less than 1.6 gallons per flush, so you can imagine how much money you'll save by replacing your old, inefficient toilet. Some EPA estimates say the average homeowner can save up to $110 per year on their water bills by switching to low-flow toilets. Call us today to find if a new toilet installation is right for you.
