Maybe. If your toilet is constantly clogging, the problem could be the toilet itself or it could be something else entirely (like a sewer or septic line problem). So before you rush off to purchase a new porcelain throne, make sure the toilet is really the problem...
While a clogged toilet isn't uncommon, having one that is continuously becoming backed-up indicates there could be something wrong. If you experience clogs more than once a week or instances that seem random, it may be time to retire the commode.
The toilet trap serves the same purpose – trapping items before they get too deep in your plumbing lines. If your toilet keeps clogging, the issue may stem from materials becoming caught within the toilet trap. Excessive toilet paper use and flushing foreign materials lead to this issue.
Blocked plumbing vents will cause water to drain slow. Slow draining water will cause your toilets to keep clogging. A plumber can check your vent pipes and unblock them. You can also try pouring water from a hose down the vent pipes.
Leaks: Leaks from either the toilet's tank or its bowl can go undetected for long periods of time, causing water damage to the flooring or subfloor. If allowed to continue, the entire floor may need to be replaced. Leaks can also cause damage to rooms below if the bathroom is upstairs.
How often should you replace your toilet? Toilets are hardy devices that can last for up to 50 years if they're well-maintained and gently used. However, with daily use, you can expect a toilet to last about 20 to 30 years before it needs to be replaced.
You may have a first-generation, low flow design. The low flow design was created to help homeowners save on water, but the earliest models ended up lacking the necessary pressure to properly clear the internal trap and drain. In other words, this means that it can continuously become clogged if you aren't careful.
Structural Damage – if your clog is not immediately addressed, the pipes can burst and cause other structural damage to your home. In addition, your toilet might back up and flood your bathroom floor.
You Have an Older, Low Flow Toilet
If you have an early model, your toilet clogs often because these toilets lack the pressure necessary to push material down the trap and into your drain.
Forcing the toilet to flush again releases gallons of water into the toilet bowl and will cause an overflow. A second flush will only create another disaster, in addition your current problem. Remember: don't flush again! Here are a couple solutions to fix your clogged toilet.
Snake It Out: In the plumbing world, a “snake,” also sometimes called an “auger,” is a tool used to break up drain clogs. Snakes can include everything from disposable plastic tools to complicated metal devices. For toilet clogs specifically, we recommend the more professional kind, with a handle on the end.
Water backing up into other drains.
If water starts coming out of the drain in a main floor tub or shower, or if the toilets start filling up when you use a drain or run the washing machine, most likely you have a main sewer line clog.
Don't use excessive force when plunging a clog. Also, keep in mind that you shouldn't use too much pressure because it can damage the drain line connection, which will lead to further problems eventually.
6-8 among 2,079 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, also found that more than three-fourths of Americans (76 percent) have experienced a clogged toilet in a public restroom.
You may just be using it incorrectly. Do this: Next time you have a clog, use your plunger like this: Ensure the flange lip is unfolded. Get a good seal on the toilet drain (that is, make sure you're covering the entire drain or you won't have enough pressure to loosen the clog.)
Toilets can be single flush, dual-flush or touchless flush. One-piece toilets: Can cost as low as $100 and as much as $5,000 for some models. Most cost between $250 and $600 with the average cost around $500. Two-piece toilets: Can cost as low as $100 with the most expensive toilets costing around $3,000.
What is the average cost for a new toilet? The cost of a new toilet varies widely depending on the brand and features, but typically averages $200 to $500. Professional installation will increase the total cost to around $400 to $800.
The wax ring is exactly what it sounds like: a ring made of sticky wax that helps form a watertight seal between the bottom of the toilet and the sewer pipe. It requires no maintenance and can last 30 or more years, often as long as the toilet itself. But sometimes wax rings can dry out, crumble, and fail prematurely.
But if you want to add a new toilet in another part of your home, you should get a professional plumber to connect into the main soil pipe. You can cut your water usage significantly by fitting a dual flush toilet mechanism. There are loads of different toilet designs to choose from that suit every style of interior.
On average, most toilets will have a lifespan of between 10 and 15 years, even with regular use. The lifespan may vary depending on the toilet model and the wear and tear it experiences over the years. Most toilets will start to give you warning signs indicating the time for replacement is near.
When it comes to simpler clogs, expect to pay no more than $150, while more extensive blockages that require dismantling the toilet's plumbing could cost between $150 and $500. A DIY drain snake costs between $5 and $50, so it may be affordable for homeowners to take the first attempt at unclogging themselves.