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>

Q: What are the disadvantages of a wall-hung toilet?

• <div><p>Even though they&rsquo;re modern-looking, easier to clean, can be hung at any height, and help save space compared to traditional toilets, wall-hung toilets have some downsides. They&rsquo;re more expensive than standard toilets, sometimes by a few hundred dollars. They&rsquo;re also difficult to install and may require major plumbing work to reroute the drain if the previous toilet was a floor-mount model.</p><p>This tight fit can make repairs more difficult. You&rsquo;ll also have to consider where you can hang them and weight limit restrictions, so they may not be the best fit for every home.</p></div>

Question 1

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.

Question 2

Does pouring water down the toilet help it flush?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, you can pour water down the toilet to help it flush. For each flush, you’ll need 1 to 2 gallons of water for newer toilets or 3 to 5 gallons of water for older toilets. Rather than dumping the entire bucket in all at once, pour the water in slowly for the best results. If you’re pouring water down the toilet to help it flush after a clog, only use 1 gallon of hot water.

Question 3

How urgent is a leaky toilet?

Accepted Answer

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If you notice that your toilet is leaking puddles near the base, the leak is coming from your toilet bowl, and the water could be unsanitary. This is a situation that needs to be dealt with immediately—call a nearby plumbing repair pro right away. A contained leak from tank to bowl is not as urgent a situation, but it could be raising the cost of your water bill—have it looked at as soon as you can.

Question 4

What are the disadvantages of a wall-hung toilet?

Accepted Answer

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Even though they’re modern-looking, easier to clean, can be hung at any height, and help save space compared to traditional toilets, wall-hung toilets have some downsides. They’re more expensive than standard toilets, sometimes by a few hundred dollars. They’re also difficult to install and may require major plumbing work to reroute the drain if the previous toilet was a floor-mount model.

This tight fit can make repairs more difficult. You’ll also have to consider where you can hang them and weight limit restrictions, so they may not be the best fit for every home.

Question 5

Can you over-tighten toilet tank bolts?

Accepted Answer

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You definitely can over-tighten toilet tank bolts. Unlike some other materials, porcelain can’t bend or flex, so when you over-tighten a screw into it, it could break against the added pressure. Only tighten them as much as needed to keep them in place and firm; any more and you could risk breaking the porcelain.