Anyone who’s ever had to go without indoor plumbing, even for a short time, can tell you just how essential it is for a modern home. And for most homeowners, the toilet is at the top of the plumbing necessities list. A broken toilet isn’t just frustrating; it makes for a whole slew of difficulties until you can get a toilet repair or replacement service. Of course, knowing the warning signs of an impending broken toilet can help you potentially resolve the problem before it really begins. Here are just a few telltale signs that may indicate that you’re in need of a toilet repair or replacement from a professional.
Frequent Clogging
If your toilet clogs more than once within a two-week span, it may be the toilet that’s causing the problem (and not your digestive system). This is often the case with older toilets that may be equipped with outdated parts. It could also signal an issue deep within the plumbing that only a professional can dislodge. Unless you have professional experience with toilet repairs, it’s best to consult a professional to diagnose and resolve the problem.
Leaking
A trillion gallons of water, worth $6 billion, is wasted each year as the result of running toilets, leaking faucets, and other plumbing problems. Experts say that this type of leak — one that starts in the tank and flows into the bowl — is surprisingly common.
“You may periodically hear your toilet begin to spontaneously refill, as though someone had flushed it. A toilet that cuts on and off by itself, or runs intermittently, has a problem that plumbers call a phantom flush. The cause is a very slow leak from the tank into the bowl. This problem is almost certainly caused by a bad flapper or flapper seat,” writes Ed Del Grande on DIY Network.
If you’re not sure whether or not your toilet has a leak, keep this advice in mind: according to the EPA, you can identify toilet leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, you have a leak. And for that, you should contact your toilet repair experts right away.
Ultimately, understanding these common signs of toilet issues is the key to keeping your plumbing system in proper working order and preventing the need for repairs. For more information about toilet repairs, contact On The Ball Plumbing.