To be honest, no homeowner thinks about being able to break a toilet.
The trusted porcelain toilet bowl has been a part of a typical bathroom for at least a hundred years. So, it’s obvious for people to think that a newly installed toilet should last for decades.
That’s why homeowners often ignore the tell-tale signs of broken toilets like fine cracks or unsuspected leaks. When the problems aren’t addressed in due time, the toilet may break further, leading to a flooded home.
On top of that, a leaking or broken toilet may cause permanent water damage to your bathroom, which can only be fixed with a full-blown renovation. There’s no need to worry, however, as we’re here to tell you everything about what might cause your toilet to break. These points will help you be much more careful while using the toilet.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Factors That Can Lead To A Broken Toilet
1. Sudden Temperature Changes
One of the foremost reasons for a broken toilet is sudden temperature fluctuations. And in this case, most homeowners have no option but to install a new one.
For some reason, people think that pouring hot or warm water into the toilet bowl would be able to remove the clog. All it does is cause the porcelain to expand and break or crack almost immediately. Other than that, a toilet may even break if the water present in the bowl or tank freezes.
If you’re facing the issue of a blocked toilet, try to look for a plumbing contractor who provides emergency services. Plumbers for blocked toilets in Adelaide are easy to find, and they are equipped with professional tools to unblock the toilet without causing any damage.
2. Heavy Impact
Even though a porcelain toilet bowl may appear indestructible, a large impact can cause significant cracks. You may want to safeguard an expensive toilet from your kids, as even the most harmless blow might cause lasting damage. Jumping on the toilet or attacking the bowl in any other manner should be restricted.
Similarly, plopping yourself on a toilet may cause a heavy impact which may dislodge the wax seal. If you feel that your toilet is a bit shaky, contact a plumber as soon as possible to avoid any leaks.
We have noticed that toilet seats seem to break quite easily, especially when made with cheap materials or attached with plastic nuts. The great thing is you can easily get them replaced at a low cost, but try to be more careful while lowering the seat to avoid breakage.
Another thing to be wary of is accidental damage caused by heavy things falling on the toilet. For instance, a heavy shelf installed just above the toilet can fall on it and cause the porcelain to crack, leaving no option but to install a new one.
3. Improper Use Of Tools During Repair Jobs
Many people like to repair toilets on their own as they don’t want to take the hassle of contacting a plumber. Those who have proper training or know the right ways to use the tools will likely do a great job. But others who are yet to master plumbing work may hurt the toilet.
It’s usually caused by the misuse of tools, as a beginner is likely to accidentally hit the inside or outside of a toilet bowl. They may even end up dropping metal tools inside the toilet, which may cause an impact on the porcelain and lead to the formation of cracks. Moreover, it’s recommended never to use hammers while installing or repairing a toilet.
We would suggest only repairing a toilet by yourself when you’re sure about your plumbing skills. Otherwise, it’s best to contact a licensed plumber experienced in fixing toilets without impacting the porcelain.
4. Loose Nuts And Bolts
A badly installed toilet will invariably have a short lifespan and may even break within the first year. One of the most common mistakes made by amateur plumbers is to under-tighten or over-tighten the bolts that secure your toilet to the bathroom floor.
Toilets with under-tightened bolts often wobble or rock, making them vulnerable to breakage. This also wears down the wax seal causing the toilet to have a constant leak which ruins the health of your bathroom.
On the other hand, over-tightened bolts may cause cracks on the porcelain, which may widen when you put pressure on the toilet. To avoid over-tightening or under-tightening the bolts, one should stop turning the wrench when they feel some resistance from the nuts.
5. Age
Last but not least, one of the factors overlooked by people is the age of the toilet. Typically, a high-quality and well-made porcelain toilet can last for up to 50 years with proper installation and regular maintenance. But, in most instances, a toilet bowl lasts for 15 to 30 years due to regular wear and tear.
When moving into an old or used home, it’s recommended to change the toilet to avoid the need to deal with a broken toilet. If in doubt, get your bathroom checked by a professional plumber to get input regarding the health of the plumbing and other fittings.
Final Words
That’s everything we had to tell you about the factors that might cause a toilet to break. We hope that the information will help you avoid such instances and seek help if your toilet has already been damaged.
Remember to have access to the contacts of licensed and experienced plumbers who provide service in your area. They will be able to shed light on whether your toilet is repairable or if replacement is the only option.
Don’t worry about the price, as most reputable plumbing companies provide transparent quotes before starting with the work. With that, we have come to the end of this informative guide.
Until next time, goodbye, and take care!
