Is there anything as frustrating as a clogged toilet? We don't think so. Worse yet, the clog almost always comes at the worst time. You are rushing out the door and suddenly the toilet is backing up on the floor or you have guests over for dinner and the toilet backs up on them. Why does this keep happening?
In this article, we are going to share some of the things that may lead to your toilet backing up and what you can do to prevent it.
Why Clogged Toilets Are Worse Than You Think
We all know that clogged toilets are a hassle. But did you know that they can also be bad for your home? Here are five reasons why you want to solve the problem as soon as possible.
1) Clogged Toilets Can Lead To Sewage Backups
Sewage is full of harmful bacteria and contaminants that can cause serious health problems. If sewage backs up into your home, you and your family could be exposed to these dangerous substances.
2) Clogged Toilets Can Damage Your Plumbing System
When a toilet is clogged, the water has nowhere to go but back up the pipes. This puts pressure on the entire plumbing system and can cause serious damage, like leaks and burst pipes.
3) Clogged Toilets Can Cause Flooding
If the clog is severe enough, it can cause the toilet to overflow. This not only creates a big mess but also increases the risk of water damage to your home.
4) Clogged Toilets Can Attract Pests
Pests are attracted to standing water and sewage. If you have a clogged toilet, you could end up with an infestation of insects or rodents.
5) Clogged Toilets Can Be A Sign Of Other Problems
Sometimes a clogged toilet is symptomatic of a bigger problem, like tree roots growing into the sewer line or a broken pipe. If you ignore the problem, it will only get worse and could lead to even more serious damage.
If you have a clogged toilet, it's important to take care of it immediately. Not only is it a nuisance, but it can also be bad for your home.
Three Reasons Your Toilet Is Clogging
1) Toilet Paper
One of the most common reasons for a clogged toilet is that there is simply too much toilet paper being used. Toilet paper is designed to break down in the water, but it can only do this if it is used in moderation. When you use too much toilet paper, it can form a clog that will be very difficult to break down.
We often see this with families with little ones in the home. They often have a hard time understanding the importance of moderation, but also it's sort of fun to see just how much toilet paper you can flush down the toilet. We encourage parents to teach children early on the importance of taking care of their home. We even wrote an article designed to help you teach your children how a toilet works.
If you find that you are constantly having to clear clogs caused by too much toilet paper, you may want to consider using less or investing in a stronger brand of toilet paper.
2) That Doesn't Belong There
Another common reason for a clogged toilet is that objects, other than human waste and toilet paper, are being flushed down the toilet. This includes things like sanitary pads, diapers, wipes, cigarette butts, and even small toys. While it may seem like these things will just flush away, they can actually cause a lot of damage to your plumbing. They can also create clogs that are very difficult to remove. If you think that one of these objects may be causing your clogging problem, you should call a plumber to have them remove it for you.
But don't be embarrassed. You might be surprised at some of the things we have seen flushed down the toilet. A couple of years ago, we shared an article about the craziest things ever found in drains. You might be surprised by a few of them.
3) Tree Roots
One thing that surprises most homeowners is that tree roots are often the cause of the problem. Tree roots can often invade sewer lines and cause clogs. If you have trees near your home, there is a chance that their roots have made their way into your sewer line. This can cause clogs that are very difficult to remove.
But before you jump to conclusions, call a professional plumber to start investigating. Tree roots are not an easy fix and you don't want to start digging up your yard without more information. If you suspect that tree roots are the cause of your clogging problem, you should have a plumber inspect your sewer line.
If you are constantly dealing with clogged toilets, it is important to identify the cause of the problem so that you can take steps to prevent it. By following the tips above, you should be able to reduce the number of clogs you experience and keep your toilet working properly for years to come.
Remember, prevention is the best way to avoid a clogged toilet. But if a clogged toilet does arise or you need us to take a look at your sewer line, we’re here to help. Give Linthicum Plumbing and Drain Cleaning a call today at (410) 768-5350.