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Replacing cast iron pipes when they’ve reached the end of their life span is key to preventing leaks and clogs. Over time, cast iron pipes corrode and experience pipe scale, which thickens the inside of the walls and increases the chance of clogs while also decreasing water flow. As the material deteriorates, you could experience costly leaks that increase reparation expenses. 

Cast iron can last between 50 and 75 years, but it’s still a good idea to check for leaks as your pipes approach the 25-year mark, as pipes can already show signs of deterioration within the first three decades.

You should flush your water heater at least once a year, with some experts recommending a schedule of every six to 12 months (e.g., once in the spring and fall). The ideal frequency depends on several factors.

If your area has hard water with high mineral concentrations, you should flush the heater more often—typically every four to six months. Additionally, a water heater that is used frequently may require more frequent flushing than one that is used less often.

Regular flushing is important because it removes sediment buildup from the bottom of the tank. This maintenance helps improve the heater's efficiency, extend its lifespan, and prevent issues like clogs, overheating, and increased energy consumption. You can either learn to perform this task yourself or arrange for a service plan with a professional plumber.

Yes, frozen pipes can prevent a toilet from working correctly. If the pipes are frozen, water cannot flow, which means your toilet tank won't be able to refill after a flush. This will prevent the toilet from flushing again. Depending on which lines are frozen, the ice can also block the drain pipe, preventing water from flushing away.

As a temporary workaround, you can manually add water to the tank for each flush. To clear a frozen drain pipe, you can try filling the toilet bowl or tank with warm water and flushing to help thaw the ice. However, the best long-term solution is to unfreeze the pipes to get your toilet back in working order.

Toilet handles can get stuck for a couple of reasons, but it’s commonly an issue with the chain. Remove the lid and check the chain’s connection, running from the flapper to the handle arm. Sometimes the chain gets snagged on or against another part of the tank. 

The chain might not have the right tension. For example, a chain that’s too short can make the handle feel stuck. Check that there’s some slack in the chain. Old, worn-out flappers can get stuck, too. In this case, you’ll need to see which size toilet flapper you need.