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How to Repair a Cracked Toilet

Finding a crack in your toilet is extremely stressful. Even if it’s not leaking, it’s a promise of future problems. POM Plumbing is here to help answer some of your questions about what to do if this happens to you. Here’s how you can repair a cracked toilet.

How Big Is the Crack

The first step is figuring out if this crack is one that can be fixed or not. Finding the answer is simple: Is the crack leaking? If the answer is yes, your crack is too big to be repaired. A crack that goes all the way through the toilet bowl or tank will not be fixed by patching it. Patching it will only serve as a bandaid. This may be enough if you just need some more time to arrange for the fixture to be replaced. However, you can’t rely on this patch for long if the crack is big enough to leak water.

If the crack isn’t leaking at all, it’s probably just superficial. These cracks can be caused internally during manufacturing and may only appear on the surface of the toilet after years of use. Patching small cracks like this is a perfectly fine long-term solution. It will cover the crack back up and discourage growth, putting your toilet right back into the state it was in before the crack surfaced.

Repairing the Crack

If your toilet is cracked in a spot that isn’t usually underwater (e.g. up by the rim), you may not need to repair it at all. If the crack is only hairline, you can simply monitor it to make sure it’s not growing. However, if the crack is below the waterline, you’ll need to patch it with waterproof epoxy.

Cracks on the exterior of the bowl may not appear to go all the way through, but the shape of a toilet bowl can make it difficult to see very small cracks – especially if they’re underwater. If there’s any leakage or moisture around the exterior crack, either replace the toilet, or attempt to patch both sides.

Pushing the water in the toilet bowl down can be done with a plunger or toilet brush. Repeatedly shove downward and it will push water down the drain, giving you a dryer area to work with. 

If your interior crack is visible and doesn’t go all the way through, patching it with waterproof epoxy will prevent water from getting into the crack and widening it. 

If the crack is on the exterior and showing signs of moisture getting through, a temporary patch can be used. Apply your waterproof epoxy on the interior of the toilet bowl about where you think the crack would be. Even if you can’t see the interior side of the crack, this is more likely to help than doing nothing. Plus, this patch should be temporary, so it’s okay if it’s not perfect. The end goal with any leaking crack should be fixture replacement.

FAQ about How to Repair a Cracked Toilet

Can a cracked toilet be repaired or does it need to be replaced entirely?

The severity and location of the crack will determine if the toilet can be repaired or not. In some cases, a simple repair may suffice, but if the crack is significant or near critical components, such as the bowl or tank, it may need to be replaced entirely.

How long will a repaired cracked toilet last?

The longevity of a repaired cracked toilet will depend on the quality of the repair and the severity of the crack. A professional repair using durable materials can extend the life of the toilet for several years, but eventually, the toilet will need to be replaced.

Can a cracked toilet leak water and cause damage to our business?

Yes, a cracked toilet can leak water and cause significant damage to your business. It’s crucial to have the toilet repaired or replaced as soon as possible to avoid any potential damage or health hazards.

What are the common causes of toilet cracks?

Toilet cracks can be caused by various reasons, including improper installation, age, impact or trauma, and exposure to chemicals or hard water.

How to Fix a Tub That Won’t Drain

Every day, tons of people across the world find that their tub just isn’t draining anymore. For some, this is a sudden change. For others, it’s been a gradually worsening problem. It’s so common, there are even quick fixes available at most stores in the form of drain cleaner. However, what most people don’t know is that drain cleaner is really bad for your plumbing. So, let’s check out what to do and what not to do to fix a tub that won’t drain.

Find Why the Tub Won’t Drain

The first step to fixing your drain is to figure out the general cause of the draining issue. Generally, there are two branches of things that can cause draining issues: plumbing failures and buildups.

The most common cause is a buildup of stuff like hair and grime. If your tub has gotten gradually worse at draining, the drain probably just needs to be cleaned out.

Plumbing failures can come in many forms. The best way to assume you’ve got a plumbing failure is if the draining issue came on suddenly. If one day your tub was draining just fine and the next it’s barely draining at all, something is very wrong. A pipe underground may have collapsed, or a break in a pipe may have allowed something (previously) alive to get into your drain pipe.

Removing Blockages

When it comes to buildups, clearing the drain is easy.

Drain cleaners will try to get you to buy their chemical solution to do away with the buildup by yourself. While it’s true that chemical drain cleaners may work to remove gunk from your drain, they also remove metal. That is, they eat away at the inside of your pipes. This thins the pipes, making them more susceptible to bursting, breaking, cracking, and so on.

It’s just as easy to use a snake. A snake pulls blockages out of the pipes by screwing into them and then pulling straight out. This method won’t damage your pipes like chemical drain cleaner, and is much more effective. POM Plumbing can give you a visit and have your drain cleared ASAP.

Fixing Broken Pipes

Drain cleaner won’t fix the problem at all if the issue is a plumbing failure. In fact, it will only make it worse. If you’re pretty sure your drain has stopped working because something broke further down, you’ll need a professional from POM Plumbing to take a closer look.

Accessing underground pipes may require digging. Pipes hidden in walls may mean removing sections of drywall. Because of this, we need to investigate before we go directly to the plumbing. Camera inspection of the drain is an easy way for us to take a peek at where the problem is without getting into the thick of things. Once we know, for sure, where the problem is, then we can go about accessing the pipes.

Prevent Plumbing Problems

If your drain was blocked because of a buildup, it might be worth investing in a cheap drain guard. These guards can come in many forms. Some of them are just mesh grates while others are a solid piece of metal with holes drilled into it. The TubShroom is a great choice for most tubs. It’s inserted into the drain and catches hair before it can go any further. You can then dump the contents into the trash when it begins to get full.

If your drain isn’t made to accommodate a guard, you can also get regular drain maintenance by calling us at POM Plumbing.

FAQ about How to Fix a Tub That Won’t Drain

How can I prevent my business from experiencing tub drainage issues in the future?

To prevent tub drainage issues, make sure that employees and customers do not dispose of inappropriate materials in the tub, such as hair, soap, or grease. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the tub drain can also help prevent blockages.

Can I fix a tub that won’t drain on my own, or do I need to hire a professional plumber?

In some cases, you may be able to fix a tub that won’t drain on your own by using a plunger or a drain snake. However, if the problem persists or if you suspect there may be a more serious issue with the plumbing system, it’s best to call a professional plumber to avoid causing further damage.

How long does it typically take to fix a tub that won’t drain?

The time it takes to fix a tub that won’t drain can vary depending on the severity of the blockage and the complexity of the plumbing system. In some cases, it may take only a few minutes to clear the blockage, while in others, it may require more time and effort.

What are the most common causes of a tub that won’t drain?

The most common causes of a tub that won’t drain are blockages caused by hair, soap, and other debris that can accumulate over time. In some cases, there may also be issues with the plumbing system, such as a damaged or broken pipe, that are causing the problem.

How can I tell if the problem with my tub not draining is due to a larger plumbing issue?

If the tub doesn’t drain even after using a plunger or a drain snake, or if you notice other plumbing issues in your business, such as slow drains or unusual smells, it may be a sign of a larger plumbing issue. In this case, it’s best to call a professional plumber to diagnose and fix the problem.