Tips To Keep Toilets in Top Shape

Tools in a Plumbers Toolbox

Finding the right contractors to help them when problems inevitably occur can be an intimidating task for homeowners. All too often, homeowners share horror stories about contractors that have overcharged customers or abandoned jobs altogether. One tool that homeowners have to find reputable contractors is knowledge. Knowing what they do and how they do it can prevent homeowners from being baffled by unscrupulous contractors. This quick article contains tips and information shared by local Harrisburg plumbers to help educate homeowners about their home’s toilets and how professional plumbers will work on them. 

Tools To Unclog Toilets

To become a plumber, a candidate must complete years of training and take tests to obtain their license. With all their training, good plumbers can figure out problems quickly. But it’s not only their knowledge that allows them to work quickly. They have access to a special set of tools to fix even the worst plumbing problems. 

tools

The first tool is one that homeowners can try as well. It’s a trusty plunger. Every home should have access to a plunger, and homeowners should know how to operate it. Homeowners need simply form a seal between the plunger and the opening at the bottom of the toilet. They should then push down slowly to burp out the air from the plunger and alternate plunging quick and short strokes with long and forceful strokes. This can remove most common blockages. 

The second most common tool to unclog a toilet is a snake. Snakes come in a variety of sizes. Snaking a toilet should only be done by people who know what they are doing. A snake is designed to be fed into a toilet and rotated to grab clogs in pipes. Unfortunately, some snakes can cause damage or be dangerous to operate by individuals who have never done it before. 

Common Toilet Repairs

A clog is probably the scariest repair that a toilet will need because it means a nasty mess is sitting in the basin until the clog is removed. But a clog is not the only common toilet repair that a plumber can help with. 

Some other problems that plumbers can solve are:

  • Toilets continually running
  • Weak flushes
  • Incomplete flushes
  • No flushes
  • Foul odors
  • Wobbly toilets

Replacing a Toilet

toilet

Toilets are designed to last for a very long time. The moving parts in the tank can be replaced multiple times over the toilet’s life to keep it operating correctly. But, there comes a time when homeowners will decide to replace a toilet. 

Some examples of why someone might choose to replace their toilet are:

  • Updating: Eventually, toilets will begin to look outdated. At this time, homeowners may choose to replace it during a renovation. 
  • Constant Clogs: When toilets begin to chronically clog it can be a sign that it needs to be replaced. This might result from a bad design or a problem that has occurred due to overuse. 
  • Cracked Bowls: It’s not uncommon for the porcelain in the bowls or tank to crack. Small cracks may not leak immediately, but the homeowner should consider replacement soon. 

About G.F. Bowman, Inc.

G.F. Bowman, Inc. started in the owner’s garage in 1967. Since then, they have grown to serve the area with the close personal attention that has made them so successful. They commit to their customers that they will arrive on time and give the best prices with their flat-rate pricing scheme. Contact them to schedule toilet repair in Harrisburg, PA today!