There is no exact amount of toilet paper that is too much for every toilet. In general, a large wad sent down in one flush is more likely to cause a clog than the same amount flushed in smaller batches. How much a toilet can handle depends on the toilet, the type of paper and…
If something falls into the toilet, do not flush. If you can still see the item and reach it safely, put on gloves and take it out; if it has already gone down, stop using that toilet and have it checked before it causes a clog. Phones, toys, toothbrushes, jewelry and caps fall into toilets…
Low-flow toilets do not automatically clog more easily, and many newer models are designed and tested to clear waste well with less water. Clogs in a low-flow toilet are more often linked to what is flushed, the toilet’s condition or the drain beyond it than to the amount of water alone. Many people still believe…
If you have to hold the toilet handle down to get a full flush, a part inside the tank is likely not lifting or staying open long enough. Common reasons include slack in the chain or linkage, a worn or heavy flapper, a low water level in the tank, or a loose or worn handle.…
A true crack through a toilet tank or bowl usually cannot be repaired in a way that lasts, so the cracked part or the whole toilet is often replaced. Some fine lines on the surface, however, are only in the glaze and may not affect how the toilet works. Telling the difference matters. A cosmetic…
A toilet may rock or feel loose because the bolts holding it to the floor have loosened, the floor under it is uneven, or the fitting it sits on is worn or damaged. In some cases, a wobble can also be a sign that water has been getting under the toilet. A slight wobble may…
Neither a gas nor an electric tankless water heater is better for every home. Gas units can often heat more water at once but need gas service and venting, while electric units skip the venting but can need a large amount of electrical capacity. The right choice depends on your building, the utilities already in…
With a tankless water heater, hot water usually does not arrive instantly at the tap. How long it takes depends mostly on how far the faucet is from the unit, how much cold water is sitting in the pipes and how quickly the unit starts heating once water begins to flow. Many people expect tankless…
A tankless water heater may go cold in the middle of a shower because demand rose above what the unit can heat, the water flow dropped below what it needs to keep running, or the unit shut off because of a fault. Scale buildup and installation issues can also play a part. Tankless units heat…
A new water heater may need an expansion tank, but not every installation does. It depends mainly on whether the plumbing system lets heated water expand back toward the supply, along with the rules and manufacturer instructions that apply to that installation. This question often comes up when an installer recommends an expansion tank that…