Simple Tips to Prevent Clogged Toilets

A clogged toilet can be a disruptive problem in a home, but most toilet clogs can be avoided with a few habits. What gets flushed, how much gets flushed, and the condition of the sewer line all affect how often a toilet clogs. This post discusses ways to help prevent toilet clogs, including avoiding flushing the wrong items, using less toilet paper, and preventing sewer line clogs.

Avoid Flushing the Wrong Items

Toilets are built to carry away human waste, and toilet paper is the only product that should ever be flushed alongside it. Anything else can catch inside the toilet trap or in the pipe beyond it and cause a clogged toilet. Items that do not break down in water can also travel farther and contribute to a clogged sewer line.

Some examples of products that should be kept out of the toilet to help prevent toilet clogs include:

• Paper towels and facial tissues
• Wipes of any type, even when the label says flushable
• Feminine hygiene products
• Cotton swabs and cotton rounds
• Hair
• Dental floss

These items belong in the trash rather than the toilet. Keeping a small covered wastebasket in the bathroom makes that easy for everyone in the household, including guests. When they do cause a toilet clog, a plunger may release it, but a plumber can unclog the toilet and complete any clogged toilet repair that is needed if it stays blocked.

Use Less Toilet Paper

Toilet paper is designed to break apart in water, making it safe to flush down toilets. However, flushing too much of it at one time can still cause a clog. A large amount of toilet paper flushed at once may not separate before it reaches the drain line or sewer line, and the mass can lead to a clog.

Using less toilet paper is a simple way to avoid toilet clogs. When more is needed, flushing in smaller amounts works better than sending all of the toilet paper down at once. Households that need to unclog the toilet frequently may find this single habit change reduces how often it happens. It also puts less strain on the drain line the toilet empties into.

Prevent Sewer Line Clogs

Every toilet in a home drains into the sewer line, so a clogged sewer line can also create problems at the toilet even when the toilet itself is clear. A sewer line clog can cause toilet clogs, slow or incomplete flushing, and toilet backups, so preventing clogs in the sewer line can also help prevent clogged toilets and toilet problems while protecting the rest of the home's drains.

Preventing sewer line clogs involves keeping the wrong items out of the toilet, as well as the rest of the home's drains. Grease, cooking oil, food scraps, and other debris belong in the garbage rather than going down drains, since they can build up in the pipes and lead to a sewer line clog. Drain screens in sink and shower drains can be used to catch hair, food, and other debris so they can be tossed out rather than go into the drain and piping. Repeatedly unclogging the toilet may mean a clogged sewer line is already causing toilet problems, and a plumber should be called.

About Warhold Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning

Warhold Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning is a family-owned plumbing, heating, and air conditioning company serving the Greensburg area. They offer personalized service, financing, and no mess left behind. Call for clogged toilet repair and sewer line services in Greensburg, PA.

Contact Information:

Warhold Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning

13610 Lincoln Way
Irwin, PA 15642
United States

Chad Warhold
(724) 382-4844
https://www.warholdmechanicals.com/