Learn about clogged toilets
At Impero Drainage & Plumbing, we're always there to help homeowners with their plumbing services. Learn about clogged toilet issues, how to prevent a clogged toilet, fix a clogged toilet and the common causes of a toilet clogged by materials.
The guide to clogged toilets: Causes, Prevention and Solutions
What causes a clogged toilet?
A clogged toilet is one of the most inconvenient and unpleasant household issues that can arise. A clogged toilet disrupts your daily routine but can also lead to major inconveniences, potential embarrassment, and frustration.
Stay calm if you have this problem and call the local plumber to notify them if the clogged toilet is causing extreme issues.
Understanding the causes of a clogged toilet and prevention tasks, and solutions for clogged toilets can help you avoid the frustration and the inconvience that a clogged toilet can give you.
Learn how to maintain proper toilet functions
There are several factors that can contribute to a clogged toilet. The causes can range from user errors to structure issues of the entire plumbing pipes.
Common clogged toilet issues include:
Excessive toilet paper
Using excessive amounts of toilet paper in a single flush can overwhelm the plumbing pipes. Excessive paper in the toilet can lead to a clog. This is very common in households with young children who might not be mindful of the paper use.
Foreign objects When foreign objects can flushed down the toilet it can cause a clogged toilet drain. Young children can find fascination in flushing down toys and human errors can cause a toilet clogged with common daily items. Sanitary products like maxi pads, panty liners, tampons, diapers, paper towels, baby wipes and cotton swabs can back a toilet up quickly as these items do not flush down the toilet easily. Solid items do not break down with water and can cause a clogged toilet very quickly. Low flow toilets Low flow toilets are designed to conserve water but be aware that with less water in the toilet bowl than traditional toilets the water pressure might be lower. The low flow toilets flushing power may be lower due to less water resulting in an easier clog opportunity. Hard water deposits on the toilet drain pipe Over a period of time, the mineral deposits from hard water can rest and harden on the toilet pipes. The accumulation of hard water mineral deposits can narrow the movement of water through the toilet drain. This can increase the chances of a clogged toilet. Improper flushing When you repeating flush too quickly or not hold down the handle long enough, it can lead to an incomplete flushing action. An incomplete flush can cause issues moving waste and materials through the plumbing pipes. Sewer line repairs Sometimes the municipal sewer line might be the issue. If the clog is beyond the household toilet pipes than the clogged pipes might be out in the sewer line. A plumber has the correct tools and can help you determine the appropriate sewer repair quicker than do it yourself options at times.
Learn helpful unclogging toilet tricks Next!
How to Prevent Toilet clogs
Here are some prevention tips to avoid toilet clogs. Preventing toilet clogs means that you need to be mindful of your actions and take preventative measures to avoid a clogged toilet.
First, Monitor Toilet paper usageEducation is key to preventing on going clogged toilets. Speak openly about best practices and the materials that should go in the garbage bin rather than down the toilet drain.
Monitoring toilet paper use is important toward the prevention of a toilet clog. With children especially, talking about the amount needed per use is a productive step. Thinner toilet paper breaks down easier than the two ply toilet paper. This can help the paper and organic materials flush easier every use. A small garbage bin in the bathroom will encourage the use of disposing diaper wipes and sanitary materials the proper way.
How to do toilet maintenance?
Routine toilet maintenance checks can help prevent future clogged toilets and ongoing issues with the toilet. Watch that the water moves easily out when you flush and that the water refills properly back to the initial level during the refill process.
If you hear gurgling or see that the water drainage is slowing, start to investigate the reasoning now. Waiting can lead to a much bigger issue soon.
4 Ways to fix a clogged toilet
Here are some options to try to fix a clogged toilet before you need to call the plumber. Having a good quality toilet plunger in the bathroom can help alleviate a toilet clog quickly.
How to fix a clogged toilet?
A toilet plunger is the first step to fixing a clogged toilet.
Create a good suction with the toilet plunger on the bottom of the toilet bowl, where the materials flush water through. Start to push and pull maintaining the suction pressure to help unblock the toilet pipe in the ground. With a consistent rhythm of movement keep this action going to dislodge and unclog the toilet.
If you find the plunger is not helping unblock the toilet then a snake drain could be useful for a difficult to fix clogged toilet. You may want to contact the plumber at this stage to bring the necessary tools to unblock the clog deeper into the toilet pipe and get the water flow back to normal.
Removing the bowl to floor seal is not recommended for beginners. You will be in contact with direct sewage and this can be a health hazard to yourself and household members if not handled properly. If you find the clogged toilet is an ongoing issue, a plumber can discuss with you the options for a new toilet installation or advanced toilet drain repairs.
Chemical drain cleaners Harsh chemical drain cleaners can sometimes work but can also cause further damage to the plumbing pipes by degrading the integrity of the pipe material. Chemical drain cleaners are not useful for all toilet clogs.
Drain Snake or Auger The toilet auger or drain snake is a special plumber tool designed to break up debris and reach clogged areas deeper in the plumbing pipes.
Household recipe Same as the kitchen drain clog, you can use the combination of vinegar and baking soda to create a chemical reaction and break apart materials in the clogged toilet. You may want to start with pouring 1 cups of baking soda then 1 cup of vinegar over top of the baking soda to start the chemical reaction. You will see and hear small bubbles building up and a fizzing sound during the process. Let the mixture sit in the toilet bowl for a bit and come back regularly to check progress.
How to Unclog a basement toilet?
Ok, unclogging a basement toilet is similar to unclogging a toilet on any other floor of your house. Here are the steps to unclog a toilet in more details:
- Useful To Gather Supplies:
- Rubber gloves
- Plunger
- Bucket
- Old towels or rags
- Toilet auger (optional)
- Protect the Area For Water and Sewage:
- Lay down old towels or rags around the toilet to catch any water that may spill.
- Put on Protective Gloves:
- This will help protect your hands from any potential mess and bacteria from fecal matter.
- Use a Toilet Plunger:
- Ensure there is enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger’s head.
- 2nd step- Position the plunger over the drain hole at the bottom of the toilet bowl.
- 3rd step- Push down firmly and then pull up quickly. Repeat this motion several times.
- This action can create suction and may dislodge the clog.
- Check for Improvement and movement in the clog:
- Flush the toilet to see if the water drains away. If it does, you’ve likely cleared the clog.
- Next Steps, If the Plunger Doesn’t Work:
- Consider using a toilet auger (also known as a plumbing snake).
- Insert the auger’s end into the drain hole and turn the handle clockwise. This should help break up the clog.
- Flush Again:
- After using the plunger or auger, flush the toilet to check if the water drains properly.
- Inspect for Further Issues:
- If the toilet is still not draining, there may be a more serious blockage further down deep in the drain pipe. In this case, you may need to call a professional plumber.
Remember to be cautious while using any tools, especially if you’re not familiar with them. If you’re uncomfortable with the process or if the clog persists, it’s best to call a professional plumber to avoid causing further damage.
When nothing is working, its time to call the plumber
After you have tried a few of these toilet clog tips and you have not been able to unclog your toilet effectively, it is probably time to call the plumber.
Remember the plumber has the correct plumbing tools to fix the toilet and experience that will probably have the problem solved quicker than you could especially if the clog is deep in the toilet drain and plumbing pipes.
Impero Plumbing and Drainage can help you with clogged drains, sewer repairs, questions and answers on plumbing services, and sewer back ups, sink drain repairs, shower repairs, hot water tank and tankless water installations. Call us now for help with your plumbing problem!
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