Every household has come across a clogged toilet. Toilet clogs can be minor and easily resolved, or severe and messy…depending on what is stuck down there. Either way, a dysfunctional toilet is very inconvenient, especially if there is only one toilet in the home! There are many methods plumbers use to clear a clogged toilet, and some methods you can try yourself.
What Causes Clogged Toilet Drains?
Professional plumbers are never surprised by what kids manage to flush. Furthermore, some toilets are just more susceptible to clogs. This could be because of the toilet drain size, the toilet tank size, and the circumference of the flapper.
Dysfunctional flappers can fail to release enough water to properly flush a toilet. When a toilet is clogged, the bowl won’t drain properly. If the toilet is repeatedly flushed, the bowl will continue to fill up with water until it overflows. This is a scene nobody wants to encounter in their home!
How to Fix a Clogged Toilet
Sometimes the homeowner can resolve a toilet clog themselves, but other times professional intervention is needed. Here are a few options for fixing a clogged toilet:
- Plungers: Getting the right plunger is key. Basic, flat plungers are not the most effective. There are two plungers that work like magic on most clogs: the toilet flange plunger and the accordion plunger. Flange plungers are hailed as the best home plunger. Accordion plungers aren’t used as often but can unclog a drain even better than a flange-style.
- Home Remedies: Hot water and soap or baking soda and vinegar have been proven successful at breaking through minor clogs.
Chemicals: Store-bought chemicals come in a variety of acidity and should be used with caution. - Snake: A tool called a snake, available at any home improvement store, can be used to remove clogs from a drain. Look for one labeled for use in toilets.
- Professional Removal: If a clog is particularly stubborn, call a plumber. A professional plumber has the tools and know-how to quickly and safely clear your toilet drain.
Tips for Toilet Clog Prevention
A wise man once said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Lowering the risk of your toilet clogging in the first place can save you time, money, and a mess. Here are some tips for preventing clogged drains.
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Reduce the Amount of Toilet Paper You Use: The amount of toilet paper you use and the type you use could make or break your sewage system. Look for brands that are easily dissolved.
- Don’t Use Your Toilet as a Trash Can: Only flush waste and toilet paper down a toilet. Never flush things that aren’t biodegradable.
- Always Close the Toilet Lid: Accidents do happen. Objects may fall into the toilet bowl, or curious kids decide to flush anything they can get their hands on. The best way to prevent these accidents is to simply close the toilet lid when you aren’t using it. A safety lid lock is a good idea for homes with small children.
- Clean the Drains: Routine use of an enzymatic maintenance product can reduce buildup in your sewage pipes, but an annual drain cleaning by a professional plumber is the best way to keep your drains flowing like new.
When the going gets tough, call for backup. For stubborn clogs you can’t handle yourself, call a plumber. The experts have the experience and tools to properly and thoroughly repair clogged drains. Save yourself time and money by calling plumbing system professionals first.
Trust Your Drains to Maitz Home Services
Maitz Home Services has been solving drain problems for over half a century. Based in Allentown, PA we offer a full range of plumbing services to accommodate your needs. The philosophy at Maitz Home Services is 100% customer satisfaction…no job is ever done until you are completely satisfied.