Toilet clogs are a common and frustrating problem that many of us have experienced. There’s nothing worse than flushing the toilet and watching the water start to rise instead of going down. Not only is it unpleasant, but it can also lead to more significant issues and costly repairs if left unaddressed. In this article, we’ll be discussing the top five causes of toilet clogs and how you can prevent them. From flushing inappropriate items to using too much toilet paper, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your toilet running smoothly.
One of the most common causes of toilet clogs is flushing inappropriate items down the toilet. It may seem like a good idea to dispose of things like cotton balls, dental floss, and cat litter this way, but it can lead to significant plumbing issues. These non-flushable items can get stuck in the pipes, causing a blockage that prevents the water from flowing through.
Another thing that people tend to flush down the toilet is feminine hygiene products. While it may seem convenient, it’s not something that should be done. These products can also get stuck in the pipes, causing a blockage. It’s essential to dispose of these items properly in the trash can to avoid any future plumbing mishaps.
To prevent toilet clogs caused by inappropriate items, it’s important to educate everyone in your household on what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet. Make sure to provide a separate trash can in the bathroom to dispose of items like cotton balls, dental floss, and feminine hygiene products.
Common causes of toilet clogs – Low flow toilets
Low flow toilets have become increasingly popular over the years because they use less water and are more environmentally friendly. However, they can also lead to toilet clogs. The reason for this is that low flow toilets use less water to flush, which means there’s less force to push waste through the pipes.
If you have a low flow toilet and experience frequent clogs, it’s essential to use less toilet paper and flush more often. This will help prevent any blockages from occurring.
Common causes of toilet clogs – Hard water
Hard water is another common cause of toilet clogs. Hard water is water that has a high mineral content, such as calcium and magnesium. When hard water is heated, it can cause mineral buildup in the pipes and toilet bowl, leading to clogs.
To prevent toilet clogs caused by hard water, it’s essential to use a water softener. A water softener removes the minerals from the water, preventing any buildup from occurring. You can also use a toilet bowl cleaner that contains acid to remove any mineral buildup.
Common causes of toilet clogs – Poor plumbing
Poor plumbing is another common cause of toilet clogs. If your plumbing system is old or outdated, it may not be able to handle the amount of waste that’s being flushed down the toilet. This can lead to clogs and other plumbing issues.
To prevent toilet clogs caused by poor plumbing, it’s essential to have your plumbing system inspected regularly. This will help identify any potential issues before they become a more significant problem. It’s also important to upgrade your plumbing system if it’s outdated or not functioning correctly.
Tips to prevent toilet clogs – Proper disposal of waste
One of the best ways to prevent toilet clogs is to dispose of waste properly. Only toilet paper and human waste should be flushed down the toilet. Everything else should be disposed of in the trash can. This includes items like cotton balls, dental floss, and feminine hygiene products.
Tips to prevent toilet clogs – Avoid flushing inappropriate items
As mentioned earlier, flushing inappropriate items down the toilet is a significant cause of toilet clogs. To prevent this from happening, it’s essential to educate everyone in your household on what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet. Provide a separate trash can in the bathroom for items like cotton balls, dental floss, and feminine hygiene products.
Tips to prevent toilet clogs – Regular maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential to prevent toilet clogs. This includes things like cleaning the toilet bowl and flushing the toilet more often if you have a low flow toilet. It’s also important to have your plumbing system inspected regularly to identify any potential issues before they become a more significant problem.
Tips to prevent toilet clogs – Upgrade to a high-efficiency toilet
If you have a low flow toilet and experience frequent clogs, it may be time to upgrade to a high-efficiency toilet. These toilets use less water than traditional toilets but have a more powerful flush, preventing any waste from getting stuck in the pipes.
Conclusion
Toilet clogs can be a frustrating and unpleasant experience, but they can be prevented. From flushing appropriate items to regular maintenance, there are many things you can do to keep your toilet running smoothly. By following these simple tips, you can avoid any future plumbing mishaps and keep your toilet functioning correctly for years to come.
Contact Us Today
For top quality and affordable toilet repair contact the plumbers at True Value Plumbing San Diego. We do everything we can to make repairing, maintaining, replacing or installing your toilet, faucets, sinks, garbage disposals and more, as fast and simple as possible. Give us a call today at (619)514-0701.v
