It’s the middle of the night and you have to use the bathroom.
You get up, walk down the hall, and enter the bathroom. You do your business and then flush…but nothing happens. Sound familiar? Chances are, your toilet is clogged. A clogged toilet is a common plumbing problem that can be prevented with some simple steps. In this blog post, we will discuss 5 ways to prevent clogging a toilet, as well as what to do if your toilet does become clogged. Because no one wants to deal with a clogged toilet!
What causes toilet clogs?
Toilet clogs are, unfortunately, common household occurrences. They can be caused by a variety of things, such as too much toilet paper, flushing foreign objects down the toilet, or even just a build-up of waste over time. Whatever the cause, a clogged toilet is a huge inconvenience. And, chances are, you may not always have a plunger on-hand to resolve the issue. That’s why it’s important to know how to prevent a clogged toilet in the first place!
Toilet clogs can be caused by a number of things, but the most common culprits are:
- Too much toilet paper: This is probably the most common cause of toilet clogs. People often overestimate how much toilet paper they need to use, and as a result, try to flush too much down the toilet at once. When this happens, the toilet paper can clump together and cause a blockage.
- Flushing foreign objects: This is another common cause of toilet clogs. People often flush things down the toilet that they shouldn’t, such as paper towels, diapers, feminine hygiene products, etc. These items don’t break down like toilet paper does, and as a result, can cause a blockage.
- Build-up of waste: Over time, a build-up of waste can occur in your toilet. This is especially common if you have an older home with an outdated plumbing system. When this happens, the waste can clump together and cause a blockage.
5 ways to prevent toilet clogs…
Now that you know some of the most common causes of toilet clogs, let’s discuss how you can prevent them. Because, as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Only flush toilet paper.
This may seem like common sense, but you would be surprised how many people flush things down the toilet that they shouldn’t. So, as a rule of thumb, only flush toilet paper down your toilet. If you need to dispose of something else, such as diapers or feminine hygiene products, put them in the trash instead.
Use enough toilet paper, but never too much.
I know, I know… just like everyone always told us when we were growing up, only use as much as you need. But, even as adults, it can be easy to forget this rule. When you’re on the throne, try to use enough toilet paper to get the job done, but never too much. If you’re unsure, err on the side of using less rather than more.
Clean your toilet regularly.
Over time, a build-up of waste can occur in your toilet, which can lead to a clog. So, it’s important to clean your toilet regularly. This is especially important if you have an older home with an outdated plumbing system. There are a number of ways to clean your toilet, but the most effective way is to use a brush. This prevents a built-up of grime and waste, and as a result, reduces the risk of a clog.
Properly maintain your toilet tank.
The tank is an important part of your toilet, as it stores the water that is used to flush your waste. So, it’s important to properly maintain your toilet tank. This includes regularly checking for leaks, and making sure that the float ball is set at the proper level. If it’s not, then it could cause your toilet to overflow, which can lead to a clog.
What to do if your toilet is clogged…
If your toilet becomes clogged, the first thing you should do is turn off the water. This will prevent any further waste from going down the drain, and as a result, will reduce the amount of mess you have to clean up. Next, try using a plunger to unclog the toilet. There are three different types of plungers: the suction cup plunger, the flanged plunger, and the bellows plunger. The best one to use for a common clog is the flanged plunger, as it has a rubber flap that creates a seal around the drain.
If you don’t have a plunger, you can also try using a plumber’s snake (also called a plumber’s auger). This is a long, flexible piece of metal that can be inserted into the drain to break up the clog. Simply insert the snake into the drain, and turn the handle clockwise. This will cause the snake to spin, and as a result, should break up the clog. Once you’ve broken up the clog, you can turn on the water and flush your toilet.
If neither of these methods work, then you may need to call a plumber. They will have the tools and expertise necessary to unclog your toilet, and as a result, will be able to prevent any further damage to your plumbing system.
Still clogged? Call a plumber for help!
There’s nothing wrong with asking for help! If you’ve tried all of the above methods, and your toilet is still clogged, then it’s time to call a plumber. They will have the tools and expertise necessary to unclog your toilet, and as a result, will be able to prevent any further damage to your plumbing system. Western Rooter & Plumbing has been serving Los Angeles County & San Gabriel Valley for more than 40 years, and we’re here to help you with all of your plumbing needs! Give us a call today and let’s get your toilet unclogged!
