You might get embarrassed about buying toilet paper—especially the mega supply. But you shouldn’t! Because everyone uses it. That’s because toilets are an essential fixture in every home. So, when you’re having problems with yours, like persistent clogging or leaks, don’t be too embarrassed to call a plumber!
From discussing toilet repair services to replacing your unit altogether, plumbers are happy to help you navigate toilet-related issues. Below, we’ll walk you through some of the more common scenarios we’ve gotten calls about at G.T. Plumbing regarding toilets. Plus, we’ll cover the basics of new toilet installation in case you’re a DIY-er.
The history behind today’s toilets
What we know as commonplace today wasn’t so common back in the 16th century. But that’s when one of the earliest forms of the toilet is credited to Sir John Harington, an English courtier and the godson of Queen Elizabeth I. In 1596, Harington invented a flushing toilet, which he called the "Ajax.” While the Queen loved it so much that she ordered one to be installed in her home, the general public continued to use the more popular chamber pot.
Fast forward to 1775, when Alexander Cummings patented the S-trap. This design helped keep odors at bay, which resulted in toilets becoming a more popular fixture.
The development of the modern toilet was further refined by Thomas Crapper (yes, really!), an English plumber in the late 1800s, whose innovations in plumbing and the flushing mechanism helped popularize the device.
But, as with anything that is so widely used, problems will arise from it from time to time. So, when is toilet repair service a good option for your home?
When Toilet Repair or Toilet Repair Service Is the Better Option
One of the most common issues we get toilet repair service calls about is that someone’s unit is leaking. While often a pain to deal with, we have good news. This isn’t usually an indicator of a serious issue.
Most commonly, leaks at the base of a toilet are caused by either a worn-out wax ring or a flange. The wax ring is located between the floor and your toilet. It serves as a seal that keeps water from leaking out when you flush. But, over time, the wax ring can deteriorate due to age, improper installation, or shifting of the toilet. Then, there’s the flange. This is the part that anchors your toilet to the floor. If you notice a leak, it could be because your flange is either damaged or cracked, causing water to leak from the toilet base.
Leaks may also be caused by worn-out or deteriorating parts like bolts or gaskets. Over time, these components tend to deteriorate—which is totally normal. However, the deterioration can cause your tank to leak, so the upkeep of these parts is important.
Fortunately, everything shared above is usually repairable without much investment or fuss. On the other hand, when is wear and tear extensive enough to warrant a toilet replacement?
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Toilet
Let’s say your toilet is experiencing constant clogging after every 4-5 flushes. Not only does this disrupt your daily routine, but it also impacts the efficiency of your home. If you’ve tried DIY fixes and the problem still hasn’t resolved, it may be time to replace your toilet.
Unlike small leaks, a clog usually indicates a larger underlying problem. This could include things like a faulty flushing mechanism, a worn-out trap, or even low water pressure. A plumber might be able to help you determine which of these is the case, as well as what your next steps should be.
Then, there are issues like black mold that can often strike older units. Mold thrives in the damp, dark environment of older toilets. While it can be cleaned, mold is a challenge to completely remove.
And, of course, your unit could simply be getting older. Toilets celebrating their eighteenth year and beyond tend to suffer more frequent issues. Their parts wear out, making it harder for the system to function properly. Plus, they’re more prone to problems like rust, cracks, and weakened seals. Not to mention that older toilet models need quite a bit more water per flush than more modern toilets.
Needless to say, replacing your toilet can sometimes be a better, less expensive, long-term solution than continuing to invest in repairs.
Toilet Installation and Brands for DIY-ers
Let’s say your home is ready for a full-on toilet replacement. You don’t want to call a plumber for toilet repair services or replacement; you’d rather do it yourself. Here’s everything you need to know to get started!
The standard rough-in measurement for toilet installation is typically 12 inches. “Rough-in” simply means the distance from the wall to the center of the bolts that secure the toilet to your floor. This measurement helps you ensure the right fit and alignment of your new toilet. We don’t have to tell you that doing these measurements incorrectly can lead to plumbing issues that no homeowner will want to deal with, so to borrow and slightly change a popular adage: Measure twice, install once!
Note that not all bathrooms have a standard rough-in. That is, many toilets are installed with non-standard rough-in measurements of 10 or 14 inches. These variations can present challenges when selecting a replacement toilet. This is because the standard model may not fit correctly without modification.
For a 10-inch rough-in, a shorter toilet may be needed. For a 14-inch rough-in, you may need a toilet that offers a more extended flange or a specific model designed for greater distance from the wall.
Once you have your measurements figured out, you might be wondering what brand you should go with.
Kohler and American Standard are widely available, highly rated choices that can be found in your local big box stores. Kohler is known for its stylish designs and dependable performance. At the same time, American Standard offers both quality and affordability, making it a go-to for homeowners who prioritize both function and budget.
Also important is the fact that both brands offer comprehensive product lines with easy-to-find replacement parts, making them a good fit for customers who want to manage their own installations.
Professional Toilet Installation
For those of you choosing to call a plumber for help with professional toilet installation services, Toto and Mansfield are two of the industry's most trusted and preferred brands. They’re also the brands we at G.T. Plumbing install in our customers’ homes. Both brands offer a reputation for high-quality construction, durability, and excellent performance.
Toto is known for its innovative features. These include things like their flushing technology and their water-saving design.
Mansfield, on the other hand, provides affordable, high-quality toilets. Both brands are known for their consistent reliability and are commonly chosen for professional installations.
Final thoughts
Every modern home has a toilet. And while no one likes to deal with things like clogs or leaks, such issues are a natural part of having this useful fixture. Many of the problems we hear about from our customers aren’t difficult to fix. But whether you need toilet repair services in and around Rochester, New York, or you need help with a complete toilet replacement, we at G.T. Plumbing are happy to help. Connect with us today to set up an appointment.
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