Dealing with a clogged toilet is one of the most frustrating plumbing problems you can encounter in your home. A stubborn clog can prevent flushing, cause water to overflow, and even damage your pipes. Luckily, you can utilize several plumbing solutions to fix a clogged toilet. In this blog post, look at some common causes of clogged toilets and tips on how to deal with them effectively. A professional clogged toilet service can provide assistance in severe cases.
Causes of Clogged Toilets
Before you get into the different plumbing solutions for clogged toilets, you should understand what causes this problem in the first place. The most common cause of clogged toilets is flushing inappropriate materials down the toilet. Items that should never be flushed down the toilet include sanitary products, paper towels, facial tissues, baby wipes, and cotton balls. These materials do not degrade in water the same way that toilet paper does, causing them to get stuck in your pipes and clog your toilet.
Clearing the Clog with a Plunger
Using a plunger is the first plumbing solution you should try when dealing with a clogged toilet. A plunger is a simple tool that creates suction to help clear the blockage. To use a plunger, place the rubber end into the toilet bowl and press down gently. Then, push and pull the plunger up and down quickly to create suction. Repeat this process a few times until the water starts to drain. If this doesn’t work, try using a toilet auger.
Using a Toilet Auger
If a plunger fails to clear the clog, you can use a toilet auger. A toilet auger is a long, flexible tool to insert into your toilet bowl to clear the blockage. Simply insert the end of the auger into the bowl and turn the handle to extend the cable. Turn the handle until the blockage is cleared, then flush to check that the toilet works correctly.
Preventing Future Clogs
The best plumbing solution for a clogged toilet is prevention. To avoid clogs in the future, make sure you only flush toilet paper down the toilet. Also, avoid pouring grease down your sink, which can clog your pipes. Finally, consider adding a hair strainer to your shower to prevent hair from clogging your pipes.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
If all of these plumbing solutions fail to clear your clogged toilet, it may be time to call a professional plumber. A plumber has the tools and expertise to find the source of the blockage and clear it effectively. Additionally, if your toilet constantly clogs, this could be a sign of a more significant plumbing issue requiring professional attention.
Dealing with a clogged toilet can be a frustrating experience, but there are plenty of plumbing solutions available to help you out. Try using a plunger or toilet auger to clear the blockage, and take steps to prevent future clogs by only flushing appropriate materials down the toilet. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber to fix the problem properly.
