Yes, toilets can go bad. Everyone likes a good plumbing fixture but for certain reasons, the toilet can go bad. Knowing the reasons why toilets go bad and signs of a bad toilet can help you prevent your toilet from going bad.
In this article, we will explore the various signs of a bad toilet, the reasons why a toilet can go bad, and the steps you can take to prevent your toilet from going bad.
Signs of a Bad Toilet
Here are some major signs of a bad toilet. If you notice any of these signs in your toilet, then you have a bad toilet.
Clogs and Blockages
One of the most common signs of a bad toilet is a clog or blockage in the toilet trap or drain pipe. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as an excessive buildup of toilet paper or flushing foreign non-biodegradable materials.
Clogs can cause water to back up in the toilet bowl, making it difficult to flush and this will not only make your toilet messy but also cause unpleasant odors.
Leaks and Drips
Another sign of a bad toilet to look out for is leak and drip from the base of the toilet tank or toilet bowl.
Leaks and drips can be caused by a variety of issues, which include a worn out or damaged flapper valve, damaged or rusted toilet bolts and nuts, a crack in the toilet tank or bowl, a loose or misaligned fill valve, and a damaged toilet flange.
Leaks and drips can waste a significant amount of water. More so, they can make your toilet floor and surrounding area look unsightly.
Running or Noisy Toilets
A toilet that is constantly running or making a noisy refill is bad. A running toilet can waste a significant amount of water while a noisy toilet can be a nuisance.
A running toilet is often caused by a worn or damaged flapper valve, a misadjusted fill valve, or a malfunctioning lift chain or flush handle.
Wobbling Toilet
Either you have a one-piece or two-piece toilet, if your toilet wobbles, it’s a sign that it is bad. A wobbling toilet may be as a result of loose bolts and nuts.
Sometimes, the wobbling may be caused by more serious reasons like water damage or rotten floor. If the wobbling toilet is not attended to immediately, it can lead to a bigger problem.
Cracks
Cracks on the toilet bowl or tank is another sign that the toilet is bad. This is usually associated with aging or wear and tear.
Odors
An unpleasant odor coming from the toilet can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a clog or blockage in the drain pipe, a buildup of bacteria or mold, or a sewer gas leak. Odors can be unpleasant and can indicate a serious problem that needs to be addressed.
Reasons Why A Toilet Can Go Bad
Overuse and Neglect
Toilets that are used frequently and not properly maintained can experience more wear and tear, and are more likely to go bad. Failure to clean and flush the toilet regularly, or not addressing small toilet issues as they arise, can lead to more serious problems down the road.
Poor Maintenance
Toilets that are poorly maintained can experience a variety of problems, such as leaks and drips, slow flushing due to clogs, and stains and odors. Poor maintenance can include not checking for leaks and drips, not replacing worn or damaged parts, or not cleaning the toilet regularly.
Hard Water Buildup
Hard water is water that has a high mineral content, such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals can build up in the toilet, causing stains, slow flushing, and damage to internal components.
Improper Installation
Toilets that are not installed properly can experience a variety of problems, such as leaks and drips, wobbling, and so on. This can include not properly attaching the water supply line, not leveling the toilet properly, or not properly sealing the base of the toilet to the floor.
Aging and Wear and Tear
Like any other appliance, the toilet can experience wear and tear over time due to aging or overuse. This can include the wearing out of internal components, such as the flapper valve, fill valve, and flush handle, as well as cracks or leaks in the tank or bowl.
Aging can also make your toilet more susceptible to issues such as hard water buildup and mineral stains.
Prevention and Maintenance
Regular flushing and cleaning:
One of the most important preventative measures is to flush the toilet immediately after use and clean the toilet regularly. This will help to prevent clogs and blockages, as well as keep the toilet bowl and surrounding areas clean and free of unpleasant odors.
Checking for leaks and drips:
Checking the toilet regularly for leaks and drips can help to address the issue immediately and prevent water damage and high water bills.
Replacing worn or damaged parts:
Replacing worn or damaged parts, such as the faulty flapper valve, fill valve, and flush handle, can help to prevent the toilet from going bad, and ensure that the toilet functions properly.
Installing a water softener:
Installing a water softener can help to prevent hard water buildup and mineral stains in the toilet.
When to call a professional
For complex repairs or replacement of major components:
If your bad toilet requires a complex repair that you are unable to fix yourself, or if you need to replace major components of your toilet, such as the toilet tank or bowl, it is best to call a professional plumber.
If you suspect a problem with your sewer or drain line:
If you suspect that you have a problem with your sewer or drain line, it is important to call a professional plumber. A professional plumber will have the necessary tools and expertise to diagnose and fix the problem.
If you are unable to fix the problem yourself:
If you are not comfortable or able to fix the toilet problem yourself, it is best to call a professional plumber. This will ensure that the problem is fixed correctly and safely.
Conclusion
Toilets are an essential part of every home and need regular maintenance to function properly. Understanding the signs of a bad toilet, the reason why a toilet can go bad, and the preventative measures to take can help keep your toilet in good working condition and avoid costly repairs.
Remember to regularly clean and flush the toilet, check for leaks and drips, replace worn or damaged parts and install a water softener to prevent hard water buildup. If the problem is complex or you are unable to fix it yourself, it’s better to call a professional plumber.
Taking care of your toilet can help ensure that it will last and serve you for many years.
Can hard water cause damage to my toilet?
Yes, hard water can cause damage to your toilet. The minerals in hard water can build up in your toilet, causing stains, slow flushing, and damages to internal components.
Installing a water softener can help to prevent hard water buildup and mineral stains in the toilet.
How do I know if my toilet is leaking?
To check if your toilet is leaking, put a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If the color appears in the bowl within 30 minutes, it means there is a leak.
Another way to check is to place a small amount of tissue or paper in the base of the toilet, if it becomes wet after a few minutes then you have a leak.
Can I fix a running or noisy toilet myself?
Yes, you can try to fix a running or noisy toilet yourself. This problem is often caused by a worn or damaged flapper valve or fill valve, or by a malfunctioning lift chain or flush handle.
Replacing these parts can often fix the problem. However, if you are not comfortable doing this, it’s better to call a professional plumber.
How do I know if my toilet needs to be replaced?
If you have a bad toilet that can’t be repaired, then your toilet needs to be replaced. Your toilet needs to be replaced especially if you have a cracked or damaged toilet tank or bowl.
Additionally, if your toilet is more than 20 years old, it may be more cost-effective to replace it with a newer, more efficient model.
Can I use the toilet bowl cleaner on the outside of my toilet?
While it is safe to use toilet bowl cleaner on the inside of the toilet, it is not recommended to use it on the outside. Toilet bowl cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage the finish on the outside of your toilet and cause discoloration.
Instead, you can use a mild cleaner such as a mixture of baking soda and water to clean the outside of your toilet.