How To Find Out Why the Toilet Keeps Clogging
A repeatedly clogged toilet is certainly a pain, but it could be a symptom of a larger problem that must be addressed immediately. This larger symptom is the dreaded sewer line clog. Even if it’s not part of a larger issue, there are things that homeowners can do to prevent clogs from happening in the future. This article will go over three different tips to keep frustrating clogs from happening. Plus, the tips below are good toilet-use tips for any household — even those that don’t (yet) experience clogged toilets.
Things to NEVER Flush
It’s surprisingly confusing to know what should and shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet. Ask ten people, and you’ll likely get very different answers, especially because certain hygiene products are labeled “flushable” when they should never be flushed. In short, nothing but organic human waste and toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet — nothing else. Popular wipes are labeled “flushable,” but this is not a good idea. Even if these wipes don’t cause a drain or sewer line clog (a big if), they can wreak havoc on the municipal waste system. Essentially, they gum up the system and make it much harder for sewage to be disposed of properly. Other things that should never be flushed include toilet paper, tissues, diapers, pads, or tampons.
Try Less Toilet Paper
Even though toilet paper is designed to be flushed down the toilet, there is a risk of using too much. This is most often an issue with children who ball up half a roll of toilet paper and use it to wipe once, but there are some life hacks that adults can use, too. For children, teach them to fold the toilet paper (as opposed to balling it up or wrapping it around the hand). If the toilet still clogs, homeowners can consider flushing halfway through and once more at the end instead of once.
Although it might seem like a waste of water at first glance, it's worth comparing this scenario to how frequently one needs to flush a clogged toilet just to determine if it drains properly. Typically, a minimum of two flushes is necessary, so when everything is considered, this method actually balances out in the end.
Avoid Sewer Line Clogs
Some toilet clogs can be a symptom of a clogged sewer line. Homeowners can tell if this is the cause by observing their other drains. If all the drains or toilets in the house are slow or clogged, then the culprit is likely the sewer pipe.
If this is the case, the homeowners must call a professional plumbing company to deal with the issue. A plunger or even a drain snake can’t fix a tough sewer line clog, but a professional plumber can. The plumber will use a special camera system to locate the clog. They will likely use hydrojetting to clear the clog from there, provided the pipe isn’t damaged.
To prevent sewer line clogs, homeowners can ensure that only appropriate material goes down the drain. They can also schedule regular plumbing maintenance checks and drain cleaning to ensure healthy pipes and free-flowing drains.
About Air Works Heating & Air
Air Works Heating & Air has proudly served Raleigh, NC, since 2007! They offer 1-year warranties on parts and labor, no-surprises pricing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every job. Contact them today for sewer line drain cleaning in Raleigh, NC!
