Essential Tips You Need to Know to Prevent Toilet Clogs

Industry Secrets to Prevent Clogged Toilets

Let’s face it, there’s no good time to get a clogged toilet. The idea of a clogged toilet is enough to strike fear into the hearts of homeowners. Fortunately, with the right information, you may never have to deal with a clogged toilet ever again. This article will explain the reasons toilets clog, how to fix clogged toilets and the secrets to preventing clogged toilets from ever happening to you again.

What’s Causing Your Clogged Toilet?

There are many reasons why toilets get clogged ranging from simple to more complex. Knowing what causes them can easily help you prevent them completely.

These causes include:

• Flushing items that should not be flushed - Most clogged toilets are the result of a blockage caused from items that shouldn’t be flushed. Even items that are advertised as flushable should be discarded in the trash instead. Human waste and toilet tissue are the only items that toilets and sewer systems are designed to handle because they break apart with the turbulence of flushing the toilet.
• Toilet is not flushing completely - The components of a toilet that are in the tank are designed to allow the water in the tank to completely empty down into the basin of the toilet upon pushing down on the handle. When the handle is pushed it raises a flapper valve that allows the water to pass down. If the flapper does not completely open then the toilet does not flush completely.
• Blocked plumbing vents - All plumbing systems have a vent that prevents sewer gas from backing up into your house and allows water to flow freely through the sewer lines by breaking the vacuum that occurs in the lines. When this vent gets clogged it can cause slow flushes and drainage problems in other areas of your home’s plumbing system.
• Clogged sewer main - When low volume flows through sewer lines or if they were not properly installed, waste can begin to accumulate in the line instead of being flushed away. Also, in older homes, tree roots can grow up into sewer lines and the pipes can corrode and cause blockages.

Tips for Fixing Clogged Toilets

Fixing clogged toilets can be simple or complicated depending on the cause. Some repairs can be done by homeowners, while others should be done by a professional.

• Flushing items that should not be flushed - Some clogs that result from flushing certain items can be removed using a plunger. After using the plunger it is important to flush the toilet a few times to ensure that an adequate volume of water can push the clog out to the sewer.
• The toilet is not flushing completely - If you determine that the toilet is not flushing completely then the internal components will need to be adjusted or replaced. Often this can be repaired by shortening the chain between the handle and the flapper valve.
• Blocked plumbing vents - Plumbing vents can become blocked in a variety of ways. Corrosion can lead to reduced airflow or critters can crawl down the vent and cause blockages. Regardless of the cause, these blockages must be removed by running a snake down the vent pipe from the rooftop, which should always be left to professionals.
• Clogged sewer main - If your toilet has been clogged for a while it can lead to a buildup of waste in the sewer main. Typically a professional will need to be called to snake the main or hydro jet the blockage. If the problem continues the sewer main may be collapsed and in need of replacement.

Preventing Toilet Clogs

Knowing the causes of clogged toilets will help you be better prepared to prevent them. Keeping a wastebasket next to the toilet will give users a place to discard all items that aren’t flushable. This will eliminate most causes of clogged toilets. Ensuring that your toilets are flushing completely will increase the amount of flow in the sewer main. This keeps waste from settling in one spot.

Trimming trees around your home will discourage squirrels and birds from staying on your roof and exploring your sewer vent. Knowing and implementing these strategies can help you prevent getting a clogged toilet and help you determine when to call professional help.

About S and J Plumbing

S and J Plumbing is a full service, licensed plumbing contractor in Arlington Heights. They have the expertise to help you diagnose and fix the cause of your clogged toilets or any of your plumbing needs. Contact them any time day or night for excellent routine or emergency service.

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