Have you struggled with a clogged or overflowing toilet recently? A clogged toilet is one of the most common household plumbing issues. Luckily, they don’t often require you to call in a plumber. Most can be fixed by changing your bathroom habits and always having a quality plunger on hand. Here are a few of the most common reasons toilets become clogged and what you can do to avoid a plumbing emergency.
Feminine Hygiene Products
You should never flush any feminine hygiene products down the toilet. These products are made of very absorbent materials that expand and take up room in the pipes. They also often use plastic and other materials that won’t break down over time. Feminine hygiene products can back up the toilet’s trap, stopping all other waste from being flushed down. It’s best to keep a trash can in your bathroom to dispose of feminine hygiene products and other non-flushable items.
Toilet Paper
Using too much toilet paper is one of the most common causes of toilet clogs. While toilet paper is designed to disintegrate over time, too much bunched together can slow the process down. You may end up with clogs in the toilet trap or further along the line. If your toilet paper use is causing frequent clogs, it may be time to start courtesy flushing. Flush the waste down before flushing the toilet paper. You should also try folding your toilet paper rather than bundling it into a ball.
Family Accidents
Accidents happen all the time, especially in homes with a lot of family members. Bathrooms are full of small items like makeup bottles, toothbrushes and soaps that can easily fall into the toilet. These sort of solid objects will cause hard clogs in your plumbing. Depending on the size of the item, you may have to call in a professional to remove the issue. You can’t prevent every accident, but you can minimize the number of small bathroom objects left out on the counter and shelves. You should also talk to your kids and family members about plumbing safety.
Bowl Fresheners
Have you ever used toilet bowl fresheners? These deodorizers are often clipped onto the side of the bowl, allowing the fresh-smelling soap to sit in the water. High-quality deodorizers are relatively safe as long as you’re monitoring them. However, low-quality bowl fresheners can fall apart over time, dropping large plastic pieces into your toilet. Many toilet bowl cleaners and deodorizers will actually cause septic issues that require expensive repairs. The best way to keep your toilet clean is to use a septic-safe cleaner and scrub it by hand.
Pipe Problems
Your pipes can acquire buildup over time that affects the flow of water and waste. Scum, calcium and debris can start to stick to the walls of your pipes, constricting their overall size. You may begin to struggle with more frequent clogs that never seem to fully go away. This is often a problem with older homes that have brittle or compromised plumbing. A licensed plumber can appraise your home and determine how best to maintain and repair your waste pipes.
Toilet Clog Prevention
Dealing with a toilet that constantly clogs can be frustrating. If you’re practicing safe plumbing habits but are still struggling with clogs, you may need to have your waste pipes and septic system evaluated. There could be an issue with your toilet flapper or mineral buildup in the toilet. It’s even possible that the clog is moving along your pipes and building in size over time. If a toilet issue is left to worsen, it can eventually lead to septic issues like wastewater backing into your home. Trust your local plumbing company to keep your pipes clean and maintained.
Superior Plumbing Services
Travis & Sons Plumbing & Rooter proudly provides exceptional plumbing services to families in fountain hills, az, and the surrounding communities. We’ve been committed to excellence since we opened in 1989. Our team is highly responsive to your plumbing needs and sends out plumbers as quickly as possible to restore your home’s comfort.
We offer premium plumbing and leak repair services. We can repair your sewer line, install a water treatment system or detect slab leaks. Our experienced plumbers will also expertly handle water heater inspections, maintenance and replacements. Trust our crew to always strive to earn your 100% complete satisfaction. Call Travis & Sons Plumbing & Rooter today to schedule your appointment.