Staring down at a crack in your toilet bowl can be unsettling.
But is it something you shouldn’t worry about or a potential plumbing disaster?
The truth is, a cracked toilet bowl can be dangerous in surprising ways.
In this post, I’ll explain how a cracked toilet bowl is dangerous and if you should just repair or replace the toilet. Plus, I’ll give you some tips to prevent it happening again too.
Here are some of the biggest issues that come with a cracked toilet bowl:
One of the primary concerns with a cracked toilet bowl is the potential for leaks.
Even a hairline crack can allow water to seep out, leading to water damage on the surrounding floors, walls, and even the subfloor.
Also Read: Toilet Bowl Water Level Drops Overnight
Over time, this water damage can cause warping, discoloration, and even mold growth, posing a health risk and creating an unsightly bathroom environment.
Water leaks can also lead to higher utility bills, as water will constantly seep out.
And if it’s left unchecked, water damage can spread to other areas of the bathroom or even spread to nearby rooms.
This could end up causing some serious damage to the structure of your house.
Cracks in the toilet bowl provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
These crevices can trap moisture, which creates the ideal environment for microorganisms to thrive.
As a result, a cracked toilet bowl can become a source of unpleasant odors and potential health hazards, especially for people with weak immune systems or respiratory issues.
And bacteria and mold love to spread,
It can make others sick too, especially in shared bathrooms or households with young children or elderly people.
Plus, these unsanitary conditions can be challenging to clean.
You sometimes might need expert help to really clean things up.
Also Read: Toilet Bowl Drains Completely When Flushed
If there are serious cracks or a bunch of cracks, it can mess up the structural integrity of the toilet bowl too. Over time, those cracks can get bigger
This will make the bowl crack even more or break completely.
Not only is this dangerous, but it can also be expensive to fix or replace.
A cracked toilet bowl that’s not structurally strong can be risky to use. It might wobble or even break unexpectedly, which could hurt someone.
Broken porcelain from a cracked bowl can create sharp edges.
So it does have a risk of cuts and injuries too.
While a small crack might not be immediately risky, having severe cracks or many cracks can greatly raise the chances of water damage, structural problems, and safety issues.
Cracks that go all the way down to the base of the toilet bowl or where it meets the floor are especially worrying too.
These cracks can mess with the toilet’s stability and make leaks more likely.
And if the cracks show up in spots that get a lot of use, like the front or sides of the bowl, they’re more likely to get worse or even break.
This makes them a safety hazard and increases the risk of leaks.
If the crack is small and doesn’t seem to be growing or affecting the toilet’s stability, DIY repairs using a toilet tank repair kit or epoxy putty might be a viable temporary solution.
Also Check Out: Luxurious Gold Electroplated Toilet
But keep an eye on those cracks, and if the fix doesn’t hold up, be ready to replace the toilet.
For example, small cracks in the tank (especially above the water line) might be repairable.
However, for all other scenarios, including:
Replacing the entire toilet is the safest and most recommended course of action.
Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners, as they can weaken the porcelain over time.
Only flush toilet paper and human waste.
Avoid flushing anything else, including feminine hygiene products, wipes, or harsh chemicals, as they can clog the toilet and put stress on the bowl.
If you can, install a toilet seat with a slow-close lid.
This prevents the seat from slamming shut, which can potentially crack the bowl over time.
A toilet seat liner can also add a layer of protection against minor scratches and dings on the bowl’s surface.
Also, if you notice any loose bolts, leaks, or small cracks, address them immediately.
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