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Thoughts and ideas from Tim O'Connor Plumbing
So you got a new toilet, now what?
October 29, 2019 at 12:00 AM
by Tim O'Connor Plumbing
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Can you imagine life without your toilet? We can't, either! Toilets first reached the United States in the 1880s. Since then, they've become a vital part of our hygiene routines. When yours starts to misbehave, or if it no longer matches the aesthetic in your property, you'll want to buy a new one. In a lot of cases, you'll need to use a plumber who provides a toilet installation service.

At Tim O'Connor Plumbing, we offer toilet installation services to people throughout Santa Clarita and the surrounding areas. Our goal is your satisfaction, so we work hard to get the job done right the first time. If you're considering adding a new toilet to your home, it's a good idea to learn more about how installing one works.

Making your toilet last longer

Once your plumber has installed a new toilet, you'll want to make sure it lasts. This may sound obvious, but make sure you only use it for its intended purpose. And by that, we mean you should avoid flushing the following items down there:

• Diapers or sanitary napkins.

• Baby wipes or face wipes.

• Kitchen towels.

If you're unsure as to whether a product is safe to flush, there's a simple test you can perform. Place the wipe or tissue into a bottle of water and shake vigorously for 60 seconds. If it starts to break apart, it's likely flushable. It's advisable to keep all other items away from your toilet, especially if you live in a property with old pipework or you use a septic tank.

Toilet problems to watch out for

Of course, even with the best of care, you may find that you face problems with your toilet. Sometimes it's possible to resolve these issues on your own. In other cases, you may need to call on the plumber who carried out your toilet installation for assistance.

Your toilet won't flush

If your toilet installation was recent and your toilet won't flush, it may be because you've clogged it. Trying to flush too much toilet paper at once can cause problems. To resolve the issue, try using a plunger. The plunger will create a vacuum of pressure that will force the clog out.

If you have young children, you may also want to check to make sure nobody has placed anything inside the toilet. If that's the case and you can't fish it out easily, call a plumber instead.

In all other instances, you're likely to need the assistance of a plumber. You may find that a blockage isn't the problem. Sometimes a loose mechanism higher up can prevent your flush from being effective.

The tank won't refill properly

Depending on the type of toilet you have, yours may take a little while to refill anyway. But if it's taking too long or it isn't refilling correctly, you may need to adjust the float ball. Other problems can include low water pressure and a bad trip assembly, which both require the attention of a professional.

Your toilet is overflowing

It's unusual for a new toilet installation to start overflowing. However, some incidents can cause this to happen. The most common culprit is a blockage further down that's preventing the water from flushing through efficiently. There's also a chance that another element of your plumbing is broken or malfunctioning. In either case, this isn't a problem you should try and tackle alone. Call a plumber for assistance.

At Tim O'Connor Plumbing, we provide toilet installation services throughout Santa Clarita. To speak with a member of our team, call 661 904 8699.