Get matched with top toilet pros in Broken Bow, NE

Yes, and no. Your shower, toilet, and sink all connect to the same main drain, but the secondary drains going from each fixture to the main drain are usually separate. This isn’t always the case—especially in older homes—but since toilets contain black water and showers, tubs, and sinks have grey water, toilets are more regulated and come at a greater risk of contamination. It’s best to keep these drains separate using individual waste collection for this reason.

The lifespan of a toilet can vary significantly. While the porcelain body itself can last up to 50 years or more with proper care, most plumbers suggest an average functional lifespan of 10 to 25 years, and many homeowners replace their toilets after about 20 years.

A toilet's longevity is influenced by factors like maintenance quality, hard water buildup, and damage to the finish. It's also important to note that internal components have much shorter lifespans than the bowl; for example, flappers may last only a few years, while fill valves can last around 10 years.

Even if an older toilet is still functional, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency model to save on water costs.

While gasket-sealed PVC flanges are the type most commonly found in homes, flanges come in a range of different materials, including copper, brass, stainless steel, cast iron, and aluminum, that pros sometimes secure with glue. If this is the case in your bathroom, the replacement is a job better left to the pros.

Toilet augers are hand-held drain snakes. Most of them come with 3 to 6 feet of cleaning cable and a curved, plastic elbow sleeve to protect your toilet bowl. If your clog does not go beyond the toilet’s wax seal, a 3-foot auger would be sufficient. Otherwise, you may need a 6-foot auger to unclog the drain.