Everyone needs the toilet, but toilets can develop many issues. In some cases, this can lead to high water bills and costly repairs throughout the bathroom. While some problems may require total replacement, a good toilet repair may be enough. Check out these four common toilet issues and complications.
1. Running Toilet
A running toilet can sound incredibly annoying and wastes a lot of water. The amount of wasted water and the money you’re wasting depends on the speed of the running water. Slow leaks can waste about 30 gallons a day, but if the water is continually running, you could waste up to 4,000 gallons of water a day. This increases your water bill drastically and is bad for the environment.
In most cases, damage to the rubber parts inside the toilet tank causes a running toilet. A good plumber can replace the parts and look for any potential underlying issues. You can help reduce the risk of damage to the rubber parts by not using harsh chemicals to clean the toilet, as they can cause corrosion and may deteriorate the plastic seals and flappers.
2. Clogged Toilet
A clogged toilet can be caused by a variety of issues. For example, you may have a lot of buildup and grime on the pipes, which can cause the toilet to clog. Of course, flushing certain items down the toilet increases the risk of clogs. These include:
- Paper towels
- Kitty litter
- Condoms
- Tampons/sanitary pads
- Wet wipes
- Hair
- Dental floss
These materials are more likely to get trapped or catch other debris. For example, a wad of dental floss can become a net that captures a bunch of debris.
You can use toilet drain cleaners to get rid of some clogs and grime, but using these chemicals too often can corrode the pipes. Instead, it may be best to get a professional to fully clean, repair, and replace the pipes.
A clog may also be caused by damage to the pipes, such as roots growing into the pipes. In this case, you’ll need the damaged pipes replaced. In the case of root intrusion, you’ll need the damaged pipes replaced or repaired using trenchless technology. Roots can be cleaned out using a mechanical or hydro-jet method and then inspected for a trenchless solution such as CIPP pipe lining.
3. Toilet Leak
If your toilet’s tank or bowl is leaking, you may have a crack. If this is the case, you’ll need to replace the toilet. However, leaks often appear around the base of the toilet. These leaks are often caused by an improper or damaged seal.
You may think you have a leak if the tank is constantly moist, but this may actually be tank sweat. Tank sweat develops when the room becomes humid. If there isn’t enough ventilation, the water vapor lands on the toilet and cools to become water.
This doesn’t damage the toilet, but it can lead to water damage to the walls around the toilet and mold. If your toilet sweats because of poor ventilation, you may need to have one installed.
4. Septic Tank Complications
If you have a septic tank, you may face additional problems or complications. If your toilet flushes slowly or backs up, the tank may be getting full. Luckily, if this is the case, emptying the tank should fix the problem and prevent the tank from overflowing.
Using harsh chemicals and flushing non-degradable items also impacts the tank. Non-degradable materials cause the tank to fill faster, and harsh chemicals kill the bacteria used to naturally break down solid waste. If there is something wrong with your septic tank, contact a professional immediately.
If your toilet is showing signs of problems or your water bill is rising, it may be time to contact a professional. If you would like to know more, contact us at Pipe Restoration Solutions.
