It is definitely not something you want to walk into when you enter the bathroom and discover that the toilet is clogged or worse, overflowing. Toilet clogs are one of the most common plumbing issues that professional plumbing companies receive calls for on a daily basis. Sometimes a toilet clog can be so bad that it will require a professional plumber in order to unclog the toilet but at other times a homeowner may be able to unclog it themselves. Whenever you have a toilet clog you should have it taken care of immediately to avoid waste backup and any other possible problems from occurring. In this article we will go over everything you need to know about toilet clogs including the causes behind them.
What Can Cause a Toilet to Clog?
A clogged toilet can be caused by many different things. Some of the reasons behind a clogged toilet are due to careless behavior. Such as tossing disposable wipes and/or feminine pads down the toilet. Others are simply unavoidable problems that can result in the blockage of the drain lines and sewer pipes. Below are some of the most common reasons behind toilet clogs.
Insoluble waste – Some people have bad habits when it comes to just dumping things down the toilet and flushing it away. Out of sight. Out of mind. So to speak. The toilet is not meant for the disposal of insoluble waste material. Of course, toilet paper is not quite soluble, however, it is eaten away by the water due to its super soft fabric. Other soft products, you might think will dissolve like toilet paper and flush it down, but that very well may not be the case and therefore you have a clog on your hands. You should never flush cotton balls, swabs, feminine products, diapers, papers, dental floss, etc down the toilet.
Blocked drain trap– Sometimes a clog might not be due to the things that are flushed down the toilet. A clog can happen in the toilet drain trap sometimes. This is the U-shaped bend in the pipe that leads the water and waste out of the toilet. A drain trap is installed in all drain pipes in order to prevent unpleasant odors from drifting upwards and back into the home. A drain trap can be jammed by something that is as soft as toilet paper.
Flapper problems – A toilet can also get clogged if it is not flushed properly. This can happen whenever the flapper for the toilet begins to malfunction. A flapper is what opens the toilets tank to allow water into the bowl of the toilet. You should be able to adjust the flapper so that you can increase the pressure and power of the flush.
Other Reasons – A toilet can also become clogged due to other reasons such as a clogged toilet vent. This is especially true if you are using a low pressure low-flow toilet.
Do it Yourself Solutions for Clogged Toilets
Most of the time whenever you have a clogged toilet you will be able to take care of the clog yourself without the need of having to contact a professional plumbing service company. In order to fix a clogged toilet yourself you should have some various household items to take care of it for you. Below we go over a short list of some of the most basic ways and items that you should have in order to help unclog a toilet.
Plunger – The toilet plunger is used to clear a clogged toilet. It is something most households should have lying around. However, if you do not own one, the next time you go shopping make sure to pick one up.
Snaking – A plumbing snake isn’t something that is found in many homes, however, they are inexpensive and quite handy to have whenever you need one. This is a long, flexible metallic wire that is used in order to clear clogs from inside the toilet pipes.
There are also other commercially available products that can help clear clogs. However, many of these products can carry acids that may very well do more damage to the home’s plumbing pipes than help it. Other articles also claim that you can use soaps and detergents to help unclog toilets, however, you should not do so as the anti-bacterial properties of these soaps and detergents can very well kill the helpful bacteria that is found in your septic that helps break down human waste. If you find yourself with a stubborn clogged toilet and you are unable to resolve it yourself then get in touch with Ben Franklin Plumbing and we will be more than happy to assist you.
About Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Arlington, Texas
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Arlington, TX is a professional plumbing company in Arlington, TX servicing Fort Worth and surrounding areas. Our experienced, courteous and friendly plumbers provide on time plumbing related services to not only Arlington but surrounding areas also. If you are in need of a professional plumbing company in Arlington, TX that you can count on for plumbing repairs, maintenance and/or installation then you can count on us at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Arlington, Texas.
Ben Franklin Plumbing is a leader in the field for plumbing related repairs. We are also one of the most trusted plumbing service brands in the industry with high standards of service that you can rely on. When you contact us you can rest assured knowing that you are receiving the best service from a professional plumbing company in Arlington, TX. Our commitment to service and excellence is reflected in our stone solid A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. If you have a plumbing related problem in your home or business and you need help, do not hesitate to contact us today. Our professional, courteous and friendly plumbers will be more than happy to assist you and answer any of your questions and schedule an appointment with you to assess the plumbing related problem and resolve it at your earliest convenience. Give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Arlington, Texas a call today if you are looking for a professional plumbing company in Arlington, TX. If there’s any delay, it’s you we pay.®