Clogged Toilets and Valentine's Day Don't Mix

How to Prevent Toilet Clogs

Toilets can clog for multiple reasons. Although there may be a problem with the main sewer line, most toilet clogs can be prevented. Homeowners can keep their toilets clog-free throughout the year by incorporating a few simple tips covered in this blog.

Most Things Aren’t Flushable

Many homeowners assume products can be flushed down the toilet if they say “flushable” on the packaging or if they are similar in appearance or texture to toilet paper. This is a logical response. Unfortunately, most toilets cannot handle anything being flushed other than toilet paper and human waste. 

Nothing should be flushed except toilet paper to prevent toilet clogs. Items like paper towels, tissues, cotton balls, feminine hygiene products, diapers, and wipes should never be flushed, regardless of the toilet. The material used for these products is too thick to flow easily through the toilet and piping system. Even if they get past the toilet without clogging it, they can cause problems for sewer lines or septic systems. 

Even Toilet Paper Can Cause Clogs

When it comes to toilet clogs, it's not just the things that shouldn't be flushed that can cause issues. Too much toilet paper being flushed at once can also cause a clogged toilet. Using less toilet paper can help drastically reduce the chance of a toilet clog.

Homeowners should try to limit their use of toilet paper each time they go to the bathroom or flush multiple times as they go instead of just once at the end to break up the amount of toilet paper flushed at once if more needs to be used. This will help ensure that the toilet paper is properly broken up and flushed to help reduce the chance of clogs.

Sewer Line Clogs Can Cause Toilet Clogs

If homeowners are experiencing repeated toilet clogs, it’s time to call a professional plumber. A clog in the sewer line is difficult to reach and may not be visible to the naked eye, but it can be the cause of toilets that frequently clog. 

Plumbers can examine the pipes using specialized cameras for debris and blockages that may have ended up in the pipes. One of the most common causes of a clog in a sewer line is grease, oil, or fat. This is due to washing dishes and using garbage disposals. Grease can cause other bits of food debris to stick together, forming a massive clog deep within the line. When this happens, a technician can perform drain cleaning and use the hydro jetting method to break up the blockages. However, to help prevent them, homeowners should avoid pouring cooking grease, oil, or fats into any of the home’s drains.

The most effective way to prevent sewer line clogs is with routine drain cleaning by a qualified professional. Plumbing contractors can lift and destroy clogs deep within the pipes using tools like a drain snake and a hydro jet that shoots pressurized water. The force of water cleans the pipes without using harmful chemicals. Over-the-counter drain cleaner is never advised because of its ability to cause pipe corrosion and rust. Unlike a common toilet clog, sewer line issues should only be handled by a trained professional. A licensed plumber has the knowledge, experience, and equipment to fix complicated sewer pipe issues, including clogs.

About Marc Francis Plumbing

Marc Francis Plumbing has more than 35 years of experience serving Johnson City, TN, and the surrounding areas. They offer on-time arrival, financing, and a membership plan. Call them today for drain cleaning or clogged toilet repair in Johnson City, TN.

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