The toilet is one of the most frequently used fixtures in the house. There is nothing quite so inconvenient and irritating as dealing with blocked up toilet and not knowing how to fix it. Clogged toilets can make for unpleasant cleanup and a ruined day. So, what are the main causes of a blocked toilet? We’ll explore below.
1. Foreign Objects
Toilets are designed to dispose of certain materials – waste and toilet paper. Toilet paper will rarely clog toilets since it is designed to dissolve in water quickly. But if someone flushed a foreign object down the toilet, it can become blocked. Baby wipes are a common culprit, as are facial tissues, cotton balls, dental floss, Q-tips, and feminine hygiene products. These items should never be flushed down the toilet, even if they are marketed as “disposable.” If the toilet doesn’t become clogged from these objects, the sewer line or septic system can become damaged over time.
It’s a good idea to speak to children and other family members or roommates about what is safe to flush down the toilet. Keeping a large waste bin in the bathroom can also minimise the risk of someone throwing a foreign object into the toilet bowl.
2. Main Sewer Line Problems
If you experience regular clogs in multiple toilets or drains, the main sewer line could be the culprit. Waste material, non-flushable foreign objects, and toilet paper can get stuck in the sewer line or the main drain. Another issue we frequently come across is tree roots puncturing the sewer lines. When this happens, dirt and debris can get into the plumbing and block it. Unfortunately, issues with the sewer line can cause severe problems in the house and out in the yard. If you suspect the sewer line is causing your toilet clog, please call us asap at All Plumbing Works. We don’t charge call out fees, and we will address and fix the issue within 24 hours after you contact us.
3. Blocked Plumbing Vent
Modern plumbing fixtures, including toilets, use a roof vent to bring fresh air in the plumbing system. Otherwise, an air-pressure vacuum can prevent the drain line from flowing correctly. But over time, these critical roof vents can get blocked with animal nests, sticks, leaves, and other debris from outside. Blocked toilet vents prevent drain flow and result in a frequently clogged toilet. For homeowners, finding and fixing a blocked roof vent is difficult and potentially dangerous. You’ll need to hire a pro to get the job done safely and correctly.
4. Blocked Toilet Trap
The curved part at the bottom part of the toilet is called a toilet trap. The toilet trap is meant to hold water and prevent sewer gases from getting into the house. Foreign objects can clog the trap and result in a blocked toilet. These are the most common type of toilet clogs, and they are usually quick and easy to dislodge by using a toilet plunger in the toilet bowl. You can use a snake or a toilet auger to unblock more stubborn clogs originating in the toilet trap. If you notice these clogs happening frequently, sometimes limiting the use of toilet paper, or switching to a different brand can prevent these clogs from happening again.
5. Low-flow Toilets
A modern toilet is designed to be low-flowing, so it uses less of the water supply. Toilets manufactured today are pretty efficient and less likely to clog even though they use a lower water level. But first-generation low-flow toilets can get clogged frequently. These toilets don’t always have enough water pressure to clear the trap and drain pipe. If your toilet was made in the mid-1990s, chances are it’s a first-generation low-flow toilet. You don’t necessarily have to replace it. Limit toilet paper use, or switch toilet paper brands to prevent clogging, so the low-flow toilet drains properly.
Fixing a blocked toilet doesn’t have to be difficult. If it happens infrequently, chances are, the toilet trap is clogged, and you can quickly fix it with a simple household toilet plunger. But if you experience multiple toilet clogs at once, smell sewer gases frequently, or have a toilet that is constantly clogging, call us. We can handle simple fixes, to more complicated replacement and repair of outside sewer lines.
For blocked drains or toilet repairs, get in touch with All Plumbing Works by calling 0435 723 389 today.