Is the Toilet Ready for Holiday Visitors?
The holiday season is truly a magical time. It’s filled with fun lights decorating front porches and yards, great meals that fill the belly beyond belief, and a warm feeling as people cozy up by the fire on a cold day. The holidays are meant to be an enjoyable time to spend with family and friends. And while having people over or hosting that beloved meal is filled with fun, it could also be filled with plumbing disasters and bad memories if the home isn’t ready for those extra visitors.
So before opening the door to guests, homeowners need to ask themselves: is the toilet ready for those holiday visitors?
Signs That the Toilet Needs Replacement
The holidays are filled with plenty of food and drinks, which means the bathroom is a common place to spend at least a few minutes of the day. And with more people over for the holidays, the bathroom is used more frequently. The toilet must remain functional over the holidays; otherwise, guests may start to feel pretty uncomfortable!
Here are a few signs that the toilet is starting to break down:
- It rocks when sitting on it - If a toilet rocks or wobbles, that is not normal. In the best case, there may be some bolts that have come loose. In the worst case, the floor underneath the toilet could be rotting away.
- There are cracks in the tank - If puddles form around the toilet base, there is likely a crack in the tank causing it to leak.
- The toilet is leaking - A leaking toilet is different from a cracked toilet because leaks are often harder to spot. But if homeowners notice the constant sound of running water or sudden spikes in the water bills, there may be a leak.
- It constantly clogs - Toilets are bound to clog once in a while, but if homeowners notice that they start to clog once a week or more, it’s time to replace the toilet.
How To Avoid a Clogged Toilet With a Higher Number of Users
Clogged toilets can be such a hassle to deal with, especially when guests spend the day or the night at the house. The best way to avoid clogged toilets is to be mindful of what’s being flushed down the toilet drain and remind guests to be mindful of this too. The only thing that should be flushed is toilet paper. Other products like tissues, wipes, feminine products, cotton balls, Q-tips, and so on should NOT be flushed.
People should also be mindful of how much toilet paper they are using. They may consider a second flush to break up some of the waste going down the toilet drain to prevent a clog.
Professional Clogged Toilet Solutions
If a clogged toilet does occur, homeowners can try a couple of solutions before calling in a professional. One of the first things to try is using a plunger. Most homeowners have one lying around, and it can help resolve most small clogs. Homeowners can also try other home remedies like pouring hot water into the toilet along with some dish soap. This helps to soften the clog and make it easier to flush.
Drain snakes may also be a good option if the clog isn’t too far down the pipe. The snake can be inserted into the toilet, grab hold of the clog, and pull it out. However, if the clog still isn’t resolved, it’s time to bring in a professional.
About Captain Rooter Emergency Plumbers Chicago
Captain Rooter Emergency Plumbers Chicago has been Chicago’s trusted plumber since 1998. Low-cost solutions paired with fast service and long-term results give homeowners the absolute best quality in town. Contact them today for all toilet repair and replacement needs.
