Clogged Toilet | Plumber Arlington

A clogged toilet is one of the most frustrating plumbing issues that a homeowner faces. Prevention is the best means of controlling the annoying clog of a toilet. By identifying common factors that cause toilet clogs, and instructing family members what can and can’t be flushed, the majority of toilet clogs can be prevented. If you require service or repair to your toilet, a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington will be glad to resolve your toilet issue.

Some of the items that should never be flushed down the toilet are the following:

• Dinner napkins, paper towels or facial tissue
• Dental floss
• Hair
• Feminine products
• Medicine
• Plastic of any kind
• Diapers
• Cotton balls or swabs
• Toys
• Paint, solvents, thinners or other chemicals
• Bandages
• Cat Litter, especially clay or clumping litter
  In addition, you should never pour hot water into a toilet, as breakage to the porcelain toilet could result.

There are numerous wipes and products on the market that claim to be flushable. However, this is only true if they fall apart in water. These products can be tested in a container of water to see if they quickly fall apart. If they don’t, place them in the trash, rather than the toilet. Flushing the toilet more often is also an option, as attempting to flush a large amount of toilet tissue may cause a clog.

An additional cause of toilet issues is items that fall into the toilet just as you flush. A good rule of thumb is to keep the toilet lid free of objects, as well as any shelves above. If you use an over the toilet storage unit, develop the habit of closing the toilet lid when not in use. This will prevent anything from falling out of the unit and into the toilet bowl.

A plunger is a good tool for the homeowner to use for clogs. Ensure that you use a flange plunger for the toilet. If the use of a plunger fails to clear the clog, it is best to call a plumber in Arlington for stubborn toilet clogs. The use of chemicals can damage drains, and tools such as drain snakes may damage the toilet, which is after all made of porcelain. It is best to leave the use of clog clearing plumber’s tools to an experienced plumber in Arlington.

How to Plunge a Toilet

• Use a flange plunger. The extended lip with will provide the seal required between the plunger and the toilet.
• If there is too much water in the toilet bowl remove some of it. You want enough to cover the plunger to provide a seal and generate pressure. If there is insufficient water to cover the plunger add water with a bucket.
• Ensure the plunger fills with water to generate the pressure required for adequate plunging.
• The plunger should completely cover the drain opening.
• Keep the plunger handle straight and vertical and use an up-and-down motion with quick, forceful thrusts. Repeat for 15 to 20 seconds. Holding the handle at an angle will not generate the correct force.
• Remove the plunger if the water drains out of the toilet the clog has been successfully removed. If the water hasn’t drained away repeat the plunging. Several attempts may be required.

If plunging is not successful it is time to call a plumber in Arlington.

There is also the possibility of a toilet clog being something else entirely, such as a problem with the sewer line. A sewer line drains wastewater from the home and out into the municipal sewer service. Clogs and breakage may occur in the home’s sewer line due to tree root invasion, broken pipes and other causes. Slow drains and a poorly flushing toilet can be a sign of sewer line problems. Sewer line issues will require the services of a plumber in Arlington

A Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington can identify the cause of your clogged toilet and will provide the repair that you need.

How to Stop an Overflowing Toilet

If your toilet has a shut-off valve on the toilet water supply line turn it off. If the shut-off fails, remove the lid on the toilet tank. Lift the float up to stop water from entering the tank and adding to the overflow of the toilet bowl. While you hold the float up have someone to turn the water off at the home’s main water shut off valve, or at the meter.

Instruct family members that they should never flush a clogged toilet a second time or overflow of the bowl can occur.

For prompt, effective plumbing services, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for prompt repair, installation or maintenance by a plumber in Arlington, or Fort Worth.