When it comes to plumbing issues, the most common of them all is arguably the clogged toilet. Toilet clogs can be caused by an array of factors from excessive toilet paper usage to low flow toilets that don’t effectively clear out waste. Whatever the culprit behind your clogged toilet, Cleary Plumbing & Air is here to provide real, long-lasting solutions! We are your West Palm Beach toilet installation expert and can get your toilets back up and flushing in no time.
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Common Causes of Clogged Toilets
Toilet clogs are one of the most common issues known to homeowners. Nothing is worse than going to flush your toilet only to have the water whirl back up to the top. The best way to prevent these clogs from occurring is to know what causes these blockages in the first place.
Some of the most common culprits behind clogged toilets include:
- Excessive Toilet Paper: While toilets are specifically designed for human waste and toilet paper, many people overestimate their toilet’s ability to digest excessive wads of toilet paper. The result is large clumps of tissue getting lodged in the toilet, obstructing the free flow of water.
- Low-Flow Toilets: In today’s world, saving energy and water is of the utmost importance when it comes to the fixtures we use daily in our homes. However, low-flow toilets weren’t always made with a flawless design and older models tend to lack the proper pressure to fully clear out the internal trap and drain. Low-flow toilets of the past are susceptible to experiencing clogs and blockages that can be extremely frustrating.
- Non-Flushable Items: As stated above, toilets are designed to flush two things: human waste and toilet paper. Items such as paper towels, feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, baby wipes, diapers, and other items can wreak havoc on your toilet’s ability to drain properly.
- Main Sewer Line Damage: Another more serious issue that can lead to a clogged toilet is if there is a problem with your home’s main sewer line. There are various factors that can negatively impact your sewer lines, such as intrusive tree roots, corrosion, and even annoying pests like rodents and insects.
The ""Unflushable"" Culprits Lurking in Your Bathroom
While excessive toilet paper is a common offender, many seemingly harmless items frequently find their way into our toilets, causing significant blockages. Understanding what not to flush is crucial for preventing future clogs and costly repairs. Items like ""flushable"" wipes (which often aren't truly flushable and don't break down), feminine hygiene products, dental floss, cotton balls, paper towels, hair, and even small toys are notorious for accumulating in pipes and forming stubborn clogs. These materials do not dissolve in water like toilet paper and can quickly create obstructions, especially in older or narrower pipes. Always dispose of these items in a waste bin, not down the toilet."
When to Replace Your Toilet?
While most toilet issues can be fixed with a professional repair job, in some cases, it’s smarter to replace your toilet altogether. A few signs your toilet needs to be completely replaced include:
- Frequent Clogs: When clogged toilets go from being a random occurrence to an expected outcome, it’s time to assess the problem. Constant clogging can be indicative that your toilet can no longer keep up with the pressure of constant usage and it’s time to upgrade.
- Cracks: If your toilet is surrounded by puddles of water, there may be a crack or cracks somewhere in the porcelain. Although a toilet with cracks may still be able to flush, you risk wasting lots of water and driving up your water bill when they are left untreated.
- Constant Repairs: Another telltale sign that an upgrade is necessary is if you find yourself memorizing your plumber’s number by heart because you’ve called them so many times. No fixture worth keeping should require frequent repairs so if you are experiencing excessive clogs, it may be time for a replacement.
- Old Age: Not only are older toilets more prone to leaks and cracks but they also waste quite a bit of water too. Newer model toilets are designed to minimize waste on all fronts so if you’re looking to cut down on your water bills, you may want to consider upgrading your toilet.
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Methods for Preventing Toilet Clogs
Toilet clogs are common but they don’t have to be frequent in your household. The best way to prevent the need for constant repairs and extend the life of your toilet is by practicing preventative methods to prevent clogs when possible. A few methods you can utilize in your home to minimize the risk of toilet clogs include:
- Investing in a newer model toilet, such as a dual-flush toilet.
- Keeping a trashcan near your toilet to deter guests from flushing the wrong items.
- Minimize your toilet paper usage.
- Never flush items, such as baby wipes, diapers, feminine products, etc.
- Keep the lid closed to prevent items from accidentally falling into the toilet.
- Call a professional plumber for stubborn clogs.
Implementing a ""Toilet Etiquette"" Policy at Home
Prevention truly is the best cure when it comes to toilet clogs. Beyond being mindful of what you flush, establishing a simple ""toilet etiquette"" policy for everyone in your household can significantly reduce the risk of blockages. This involves educating family members, especially children, about the proper amount of toilet paper to use and reinforcing the rule that only human waste and toilet paper should ever go down the drain. Consider placing small waste bins near each toilet for the convenient disposal of non-flushable items. Consistent communication and clear guidelines about responsible toilet use will go a long way in keeping your plumbing clear and your toilets functioning smoothly.
Call Us Today for Clogged Toilet Repair!
Since 1991, Cleary Plumbing & Air has been providing homeowners with quality clogged toilet repair services. We understand how much of a hassle it can be when our toilets go out of service and we want to ensure you never have to deal with this problem alone. Give us a call today to take advantage of our competitive rates, top-tier customer service, and 100% satisfaction guaranteed with every service call.