Clogged toilets are one of the most common home plumbing problems. Whether caused by a toy your child flushed or another cause, toilet clogs can cause overflows and introduce wastewater into the house. If you have a stubborn clog that won’t go away with traditional methods, call Pride Plumbing. We’ve been in the industry since 1965. Our technicians are highly trained and equipped to handle any plumbing issue, no matter how complex.
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Winston-Salem, NC, Toilet Replacement
While toilets are built to last for many years, they’re not indestructible. If you have a large family, the toilet can break down more quickly. Here are some key signs you need a new toilet installation:
- Frequent Repairs: Calling a plumber every few months to fix the toilet is a good indicator that it’s past its prime. A new toilet will perform better and save money on repeated repairs.
- Cracks: Cracks in the porcelain, especially the bowl or tank, mean you need a new toilet. Even small cracks can leak eventually, causing water damage to the bathroom floor.
- Wobbling: A toilet that wobbles or feels unsteady could mean that the floor underneath is damaged. You can fix this in most cases, but if the flooring is compromised, you may need to replace the toilet.
- Inefficient Water Usage: Older toilets use much more water per flush than modern models. If your toilet was installed before 1994, it could use as much as 3.5-7 gallons per flush, compared to modern toilets with 1.6.
- Constant Running: A toilet that constantly runs can be more than just an annoyance -- it can also waste a significant amount of water and raise your bills.
- Outdated Style: Another reason to replace your toilet might be aesthetic preferences. If your toilet looks like it came from the 70s, upgrading to a modern design and color can dramatically change the room.
Do your pipes make noise or leak constantly? Call and ask about our repiping service.
What Causes a Clogged Toilet?
Toilets clog for various reasons, and knowing why they happen can help you take steps to prevent them. Here are the main reasons toilets clog:
- Flushing Non-Flushable Items: One of the most common causes of toilet clogs is flushing things that shouldn’t go down the toilet drain. Items like paper towels, baby wipes, “flushable” wipes, cotton balls, etc., should go in the trash.
- Too Much Toilet Paper: Excessive amounts of toilet paper can overwhelm the system and cause a blockage.
- Blocked Trap: The toilet trap is a curved portion of the toilet’s pipe that holds water and prevents gases from flowing into the house. This curve is a common culprit of clogs.
- Plumbing Vent Blockages: The toilet’s plumbing system has vents that allow air to circulate, which helps with water flow and prevents pressure imbalances in the pipes. If the vent is blocked, the reduced airflow can cause slow drainage.