Taking the Plunge-Get to Know What’s Clogging Your Toilet Bowl and How to Get it Out!

We ask a lot out of our porcelain thrones. The last thing you want is for it to start talking back. The cause of a clogged toilets may not always be what you think. No need to chalk it up to a potty rebellion just yet. Here are possible causes and solutions to clogged toilet issues.

Possible Causes for Clogged Toilets

Having an old low-flow toilet can sometimes lead to clogs. Low-flow toilets are normally good investments and water-conscious homeowners have been using them for years. The older models, however, do not have the necessary pressure to clear the trap and drain. Things may keep popping back up or clogs may be frequent. One quick solution, try using less paper.

Clogged toilets can sometimes be due to a clogged trap. The trap is the curved, u-shaped pipe, which sits below your toilet. It remains filled with water and keeps the sewer gases from entering your home. While it gets the job done, its shape makes it easy to allow build up. Cutting back on the amount of toilet paper will prevent future mishaps.

Putting non -flushables in the toilet can also cause a clogged toilet. The problem with non-flushables? You can’t flush them! Toilets are designed only for certain materials, and our pipes have enough of a job handling them. Keep a trashcan in your bathroom for disposables such as: cotton balls, Q-tips, floss, paper towels, tissues, diapers, hygiene products,etc. Some of these things may be harder to move out of the drain than others. Especially in a family with young children, have the conversation about the only things to put in the bowl.

Clogged toilets can be also due to a blocked vent.  The problem may not always be your pipes. Modern homes have fresh air moving through their plumbing system through a vent in the roof. The air coming through the vent replaces the vacuum of air created when water drains. As your roof becomes cluttered with leaves, so may your vent. The lack of air will decrease your flushing pressure and cause clogs. One of our Linthicum Plumbing professionals can clear your vents with the proper tools.

Sometime clogs may be due to issues with the sewer line.  If more than one toilet begins to act up, and it really does seem like a rebellion, your sewer line may be to blame. You may find the clog to be caused by a buildup of waste material, toilet paper or non-flushable items. Or it may even be due to something outside the home.  Tree roots have been known to puncture holes in private sewage lines, letting in debris and blockage-causing material. Sewer line problems are a worst-case scenario and require immediate professional attention.
 

How to Fix A Clogged Toilet

The tried and true method for any clogged toilet is the plunger. Make sure you’re prepared. A handy plunger may be all it takes to save the day. The best will be the durable rubber plungers, with a good seal around the bottom of the bowl.Plunge vigorously and with luck you will be flushing again in no time!

You can attempt to unclog the toilet with the “Volcano Method”. While your bathroom is no science lab, a concoction of ingredients may be in demand to solve the dirty dilemma. Like the science project, the ingredients of baking soda and vinegar are all that are needed. Unlike the project, there will be no eruption. Bring a large pot of water to a simmering boil, and then allow it to cool for five minutes. Add one cup of baking soda to your toilet bowl, followed by two cups of vinegar. Pour the water in, taking care to not overflow the bowl, and allow the mixture to work for several hours.

If you’ve attempted to unclog your toilet are still having trouble, call the pros at Linthicum Plumbing. Bathroom business is risky business. These DIY methods can be helpful unless there is a greater issue to be resolved. Still not sure, call us today and let us handle it!