When the plumber walks through your door, it’s often a sign of a problem. Unfortunately, it frequently intervenes too late, due to failure to take into account the warning signs. However, 50% of repairs in France concern a recurring problem which could easily be avoided.
During our interview with Rubens Attelann, manager of the Attelann plumbing company, one of his statements particularly caught our attention: one trip in two is made for the same type of problem! And in most cases, this problem could be easily avoided. This shows to what extent many French households neglect the maintenance of their pipes.
And even though it is the smallest room in our house, it is nevertheless the one that gives French plumbers the most trouble. Yes, indeed, WCs are a major subject in their profession. Whether it’s a water leak or a more complex repair, work on toilets takes up half of their working time. And it is leaks that are the most recurring problem. You should know that a leaking toilet can cause you to lose between 100 and 150 euros over the year. A drop of water, you think? Certainly not, and it’s largely detectable with the naked eye so you can fix it as soon as you notice it. Spot the signs of a problem: Unusual noises after flushing, continuous running water, or an abnormally slow flow could signal a leak or malfunction. According to the plumber, it is necessary to clean the inside of the tank and its mechanisms to avoid limescale deposits, which are often responsible for leaks. This limescale, by accumulating on seals, floats and flushing mechanisms, can impair their proper functioning and cause water loss.
Beyond leaks, other common reasons for calling out a plumber for toilets include the dilapidation of the installations, natural wear and tear, insufficient maintenance or even clumsy DIY during a “homemade” replacement. To avoid these inconveniences, the plumber recommends checking your toilet faucet now. Adjust it if necessary, and above all, be careful about what you flush down your toilet. Stick to paper, and nothing else! Objects to ban from toilets: wipes, sanitary towels, cotton swabs, edible oils or fats, which can clog the pipes and damage the mechanisms.
Unrepaired leaks waste valuable resources, and blockages caused by inappropriate waste complicate wastewater treatment. So, be careful!
