Seven causes of toilet clogs

blocked toilet

Few things can be more embarrassing and inconvenient than a clogged toilet. It can cause unnecessary delays and unwanted cost, which can be very taxing to most people, homeowners and renters alike.

It’s no big deal if the call of nature does not require one the use of the bathroom many times a day. But once one encounters a clogged commode, the problem cannot be simply left to its fate.

It may require one to do the unsavory task of determining the problem and making the necessary cleaning or adjustment to solve it. Although a clogged toilet is one of the most common problems in bathroom fixtures, there is no single cause to make the job of fixing easier. Many factors can contribute to this dilemma, but knowing them can be one step in preventing future toilet clogs to occur.

Not Enough Water in the Tank

When flushing, the tank produces pressure to push the waste out. But this is not just possible if there is not enough water in it. Make sure that the tank stores enough water for it to work properly.

Using an Inferior Low-Flow Toilet

Most low-flow toilets made in the past decades are not equipped with high water pressure; hence, they are prone to clogging. They cannot usually flush out toilet paper and similar debris.

Flushing Anything Other Than Waste and Toilet Paper

One is in big trouble if flushed stuff includes cotton balls, dental floss, diapers, feminine products, and even human hair. They are not just the kinds of things that can be flushed down the drain. Since they cannot break down like toilet paper can, there is a big possibility of debris blocking the drain line. These items can also clog the trap, creating a problem that requires the use of the plunger.

The Problem Is in the Flapper

The flapper is the round rubber gasket at the bottom of the toilet tank. Its role is to open the passageway for the water from the tank to flush into the bowl. In case of a bad flapper, a weak flush will follow. This can be problematic since the toilet cannot make the contents of the bowl flush into the drain pipe, thus resulting in a clogged toilet.

A Blocked Drain Line

When debris accumulates in the drain line, it can block the passage of incoming waste, causing it go back up. Using a plunger can usually solve the problem, but if it fails, then an acidic chemical solution can be tried.

The Problem Is in the Sewer Line

When the sewer line itself is blocked, clogs in toilets and drains can become frequent. Plunging will no longer help.

If the problem lies in the bathrooms far from the sewer line or below the sewer line, then the outdated toilets must be replaced with a type that can flush waste easily, like the Saniflo up flush toilet. This toilet type is ideal when there is no underground drain line since a pipe can simply be connected to the main sewer and does not rely on gravity to pull the waste down. The best way to tackle serious sewer line problems is to consult a professional plumber.

Knowledge Is Power

Knowing all these causes of toilet clogs can help in avoiding them. A good toilet habit must be developed to prevent clogging issues like hard debris being flushed down the line. Children should be taught proper waste disposal.

Constant cleaning and maintenance can also make a big difference. After all, prevention is better than waiting for the embarrassing problem to happen before doing something about it.