Prevent Clogged Toilets and Other Bathroom Mishaps

Clogged toilets and other bathroom mishaps can be a major inconvenience and lead to unexpected costs. The good thing is that you don’t need to have advanced plumbing knowledge to make sure your bathroom stays in good working order. Below are some tips that will assist you in preventing clogged toilets and other related issues.

Clean your toilet with mild cleaners

There are a lot of everyday household items that you can use to maintain your toilet squeaky clean. These include mild soaps, vinegar, and baking soda. These things will keep your toilet clean and hygienic, and by using them, you’ll be able to spot any potential issues before they start or get worse.

Avoid using chemical drain cleaners

There seems to be a division on the issue of using chemical drain cleaners to unclog toilets. Some plumbers believe that it’s fine to use them, and other plumbers find that there are more disadvantages than advantages to using chemical drain cleaners. Some of the disadvantages are that chemical drain cleaners are health hazards, especially if handled and use incorrectly. They can also damage fixtures and pipes, as well as get rid of any beneficial bacteria residing in your septic tank.

Regularly check your toilets components
Make sure to habitually check the parts of your toilet at least once a year. Do a thorough inspection and check everything is working just as it should.

Don’t use a brick to save water
Placing a brick or heavy object in your water tank is an old trick to save water. However, this method is only useful in old toilets, and it should be avoided as bricks can break off into smaller pieces that can lead to clogged toilets. If you have an older toilet, you can fill a soda or water bottle with small rocks or sand and use that instead.

Fix your bathroom leaks ASAP
A small bathroom leak can add some dollars to your monthly bill, which piles up in the long run. During your regular inspections, check your faucets and toilet for any leaks and when you spot one, make sure to call a plumber to have it repaired as quickly as possible.

Don’t throw trash into the toilet
Everyone that lives in your household, including small children, should learn how to use the toilet properly. This means that everyone needs to know to avoid throwing trash or foreign objects into the toilet. These will cause clogging toilets, which will need professional help to be repaired.

Consider using another type of toilet paper
Very soft or thick toilet paper can create clogs, as it ‘s hard for the septic tank to break it down. This leads to further problems down the road, so consider switching brands, especially if you feel your toilet is always getting clogged.

Invest in a flange plunger
Most frequent clogs can be fixed with a flange plumber and a bucket of hot water. A toilet snake can also be used, but if you’re not familiar with it, then it’s best to call a plumber. They will be able to quickly go to your house, inspect and dispose of the issue.

Get expert plumbing help
Plumbing issues can sometimes be very complicated, and you will not be able to sort them out. There’s nothing wrong with asking a plumber for assist in these types of cases. Some plumbing issues are best left to DIY, where others need expert assistance.

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When Should your Garbage Disposal Be Repaired or Replaced?

You know your appliances won’t last forever, but it is sometimes hard to find out when you need garbage disposal repair or you just need to replace it. When it comes to garbage disposals, they give out some unmistakable signs and clues that will guide you on what you need to do.
If you notice any of the following situations, then you might want to consider either calling a garbage disposal repair professional or even replacing your kitchen garbage disposal.

Frequent Clogs

Your garbage disposal clogs frequently. If you are taking care of your garbage disposal by doing the following things, but still experience many clogs, it’s time to think about repairing or replacing it.
● You always run water while you are using it and at least 20 seconds after you’ve finished.
● The only foods you’re disposing of are those approved by the manufacturer.
● The food you’re disposing of is cut into small pieces, which are fed into the garbage disposal slowly.
Frequent clogs may also mean that you need a larger disposal capacity, so you might want to look into upgrading for a bigger model.

Frequently Pressing the Reset Button

If you feel that you constantly have to press the reset button to get your garbage disposal to work, that is a sure sign that you need garbage disposal repair or replacement, as it could mean a failing motor. It’s okay to have to press the reset button after you’ve cleared a clog or after large amounts of food have been put through the disposal, but anything more frequent than that requires your attention.

Persistent Odors

If you can’t get rid of any persistent odors, even after you’ve tried to freshen the garbage disposal by cleaning with baking soda and vinegar, a sink full of dish soap, citrus peels or ice cubes. A foul odor that won’t go away means that the smell could be trapped in the unit itself or the drain lines.

Dull Blades

If your blades have become dull and you notice that food takes a longer time to grind or clogs are becoming a more frequent occurrence it could mean that the blades are no longer sharp enough to do their job, and you will need to replace the unit.

Leaking

If you notice constant leaking or have a leak that is not easily fixed, then its time to start thinking about garbage disposal repair. Some leaks can be easily fixed by replacing O-rings or by tightening the connections; other leaks are more complicated and will end up costing you more than a repair in the long run. If the leak is in your sink flange or other parts of the unit, contact a professional plumber to look at your garbage disposal and guide you on the best course of action.

Kitchen or Sink Replacement

You don’t always need to replace your disposal when you’re installing a new sink or upgrading your kitchen appliances, but it could be a good time to do so, especially depending on the age of your unit. Since professionals will already be on-site, it might end up being more convenient and cost-effective to replace an older garbage disposal instead of waiting for the problems to start happening.

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