Whenever you flush your toilet, solid and liquid waste will move inside your drains and end up in the sewer system. But in some cases, your pipes may become blocked or damaged after frequent use.
If you notice your toilet flushing slowly, you may think that the issue is with the toilet itself. The reality is that your drain may be causing many more problems that your actual toilet. A faulty pipe will cause flushing issues, blockages and even foul odours.
If this is the case in your bathroom, you may need new drains that can handle your daily waste. How can you tell that it's time to replace your current toilet drains?
1. Flushing is slow/sluggish
If your toilet barely flushes after using it, you may be experiencing a partially blocked drain. Items such as plastics, sanitary towels and paper may clog part of your drain and make the flow of water much slower.
The good news is that you can tell if your problem is severe or straightforward. Start by taking a plunger and pushing it up/down your toilet drain. Make sure that no air enters the pipe as you use the plunger.
If the blockage is minimal, this action should dislodge the blocking material and restore regular flushing. However, if the problem persists, you may need more work done on the drains.
2. Your toilet doesn't empty all solids
Another sign of a drain that needs replacement is when your toilet doesn't flush away all solid waste. You may need to flush several times to ensure that everything goes down the drain.
If you're experiencing such a problem, this may be another sign of a partially blocked drain. The drain itself may also be physically damaged and incapable of moving waste efficiently. Call a plumber to inspect the drain and determine if it should be replaced.
3. Blockages occur often
In some cases, the toilet may overflow when flushed. A blocked toilet constitutes a plumbing emergency, especially if you have young children.
Blockages that frequently occur indicate a drain that needs replacement. In addition, the sooner you upgrade your drain, the less likely a blockage will happen moving forward.
4. Foul odours arising from the drain
Are you always experiencing a foul stench arising from deep within your toilet? If so, you may have a damaged drain that needs replacement. The drain may be deformed and unable to remove solid waste from your toilet.
Contact a blocked drains clearing service to learn more.
