Clogged Toilet Q&A
Question: Who likes dealing with a clogged toilet?
Answer: Literally nobody.
Clogged toilets are a pretty common problem. For the most part, people are familiar with the causes and how to quickly fix them. Sometimes, though, a clog is more persistent. Read on to discover a few different causes for clogged toilets, how to fix them, and then discover the secret to preventing a clogged toilet at all! Who wouldn’t love to say goodbye to their plunger forever? (Answer, again: Literally nobody.)
Biggest Reasons for Clogged Toilets
The biggest reasons for clogged toilets are flushing items that should not be flushed, or flushing too much toilet paper. Some examples of items that shouldn’t be flushed include:
- Baby wipes
- Diapers
- Feminine hygiene products
- Dental floss
- Facial tissues, napkins, etc.
These items are not designed to disintegrate in water like toilet paper is. This is why toilet paper is really the only thing (along with human waste) that should be flushed. Even the wet wipes that advertise being flushable should be avoided--they may feel nice, but they just don’t disintegrate fast enough to avoid causing clogs.
Frequent clogs can also be caused by a blocked plumbing vent, or by tree roots in the sewer line. If homeowners suspect either of these issues is causing their toilet to become clogged frequently, they should contact a licensed plumber to help clear the issue.
How to Fix a Toilet Clog
Fixing clogged toilets is not a fun job, but sometimes it must be done. Here are three ways to unclog a toilet:
- Use a toilet plunger: A toilet plunger is shaped specifically for use in a toilet, as opposed to a flat plunger, which is used for sink or shower drains. Push the toilet plunger down gently first to remove air and create the seal. Then, begin to push and up and down forcefully. Finally, pull the plunger back out to break the seal. If needed, repeat these steps a few times until the clog has loosened.
- Baking soda and vinegar: Add one cup of baking soda to the toilet, and wait one minute. Slowly pour in two cups of vinegar. Wait several minutes while the two chemicals react and fizz, then flush the toilet to see if the clog cleared.
- Dish soap and hot water: Pour a tablespoon of dish soap into the toilet, followed by a gallon of hot (but not boiling) water. Wait several minutes while the mixture softens the clog, then flush to see if it cleared.
While chemical drain cleaners may seem like the easiest solution out there for fixing clogged toilets and drains, they are not recommended. Chemical drain cleaners can cause unnecessary and irreversible damage to the pipes. Stick to the methods above for clearly out clogged toilets in order to maintain a healthy plumbing system.
The Secret to Preventing Clogged Toilets
Clogged toilets are a common problem, but they don’t need to be. Preventing clogged toilets is as easy as only flushing toilet paper, and not too much of it. That’s it.
By avoiding flushing down items that will sit in pipes are sewer lines, toilet users everywhere can guarantee clog-free toilets, and say goodbye to their toilet plungers for good.
About Shamrock Plumbing & Drain Cleaning Inc
Shamrock Plumbing & Drain Cleaning Inc offers industry-leading customer service in Orlando and the surrounding areas. Their licensed professionals can not only clear a clogged toilet 24/7, but also repair a burst pipe, install a water heater or garbage disposal, and so much more. Their service catalog covers all residential and commercial plumbing needs.