Q: Do I need a new toilet if it keeps clogging?

• <div><p>While you don&rsquo;t have to run out and immediately buy a new toilet at the first sign of a clog, if the toilet keeps clogging because it&rsquo;s a low-flow or poorly designed model, a new toilet may be the way to go. If your toilet keeps clogging, you can try using less toilet paper, adjusting the fill valve, checking the toilet vent pipe on the roof, and using a toilet auger to make sure nothing is stuck in the pipe or trap.</p></div>

Question 1

What is the most common plumbing item to fail in a residential home?

Accepted Answer

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Many parts of your plumbing system can fail, but clogged drains are one of the biggest plumbing problems you’ll likely encounter. From your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or bathtub, there are plenty of opportunities for gunk, hair, food scraps, and more to get stuck in drains. When this happens, water will slowly drain, leading to standing water, bad odors, drain flies, and other issues.

Many homeowners can handle a minor clog themselves, but if you have a clog in your main line, you’re best off hiring a local plumber to get the drain back to its normal flow rate.

Question 2

How long does a pressure-assisted toilet last?

Accepted Answer

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One of the many benefits of a pressure-assist toilet is how long it lasts. You can expect a well-maintained one to last up to 30 years. That's five years longer than a standard gravity-fed toilet, so it can be a worthwhile investment if you’re willing to spend more on your toilet installation.

Question 3

How do you unclog a toilet without a plunger?

Accepted Answer

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There are a few ways to unclog a toilet without a plunger. Break up the clog with homemade solutions containing soap, vinegar, and baking soda, or simply let hot water spend some time in the drain. You can also use a two-liter soda bottle filled with water to push pressurized water into the pipe to dislodge the debris (see the steps above).

Question 4

How can you save money when hiring an emergency plumber?

Accepted Answer

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Hiring an emergency plumber is expensive because of the urgency and inconvenience, but there are a few things you can do to help keep costs down:

Minimize water damage by shutting off your water main
Clean up pooling water immediately to reduce damage and mold growth
Avoid using fixtures if you have a clog or septic system backup
Verify that your plumber is licensed before hiring
Call a few plumbers for estimates if you can afford a short delay in getting service

Question 5

Do I need a new toilet if it keeps clogging?

Accepted Answer

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While you don’t have to run out and immediately buy a new toilet at the first sign of a clog, if the toilet keeps clogging because it’s a low-flow or poorly designed model, a new toilet may be the way to go. If your toilet keeps clogging, you can try using less toilet paper, adjusting the fill valve, checking the toilet vent pipe on the roof, and using a toilet auger to make sure nothing is stuck in the pipe or trap.