Top Causes of Clogged Toilets

The toilet is a commonly used fixture, and any issue with it can be inconvenient and frustrating for you and your family. Problems with the drain lines or the toilet itself could cause your toilet to keep clogging. If their knowledge is limited to plumbing basics, San Diego homeowners should know some of the issues that can clog their toilets.

Non-Flushable Items

A toilet is designed only to dispose of certain materials that can easily dissolve in water. When you try to flush items that aren’t supposed to be flushed, such as paper towels, cotton balls, wet wipes, cotton swabs, or dental floss, these items can restrict drainage and clog your toilet. Make sure you communicate with your family members, especially children, about what they can flush and what they can’t. A large litter bin in the bathroom can encourage others to dispose of non-flushable items and prevent clogging.

Low-Flow Toilet

If you’re using first-generation toilets, you may find they lack the required pressure to clear the drain. If you have these older toilets, you can minimize clogging by reducing the use of toilet paper and items that can lead to clogging. You can also schedule a replacement with a modern toilet that has a low-flow design.

Clogged Sewer Line Problems

If you experience frequent clogs in your toilet and drains, you may be facing larger sewer line issues. The sewer lines and main drain can have a buildup of waste material or non-flushable items that lead to clogs. If your main sewer line runs through a network of tree roots, the roots can damage your sewer line by allowing the buildup of debris that clogs the pipes. If you experience this problem, you need to contact an experienced service technician to repair or replace your sewer line.

Blocked Toilet Vent

New-generation toilets have vents connected to homes through the roofs to allow fresh air in. Leaves, animal nests, or sticks can clog these vents and reduce the drain flow, causing frequent clogs, unpleasant odors, and gurgling noises due to slow drainage. It’s best to find a professional plumber to identify the blockage and do repairs to restore your comfort.

Blocked Toilet Trap

The trap is a curved portion of the porcelain fixture found in the toilet’s lower bowl unit. Its primary function is to contain standing water and prevent sewer gases from getting through into your home. Paper towels, cotton pads, toilet paper, and other non-flushable material can block the trap and cause the toilet to back up. A plunger can help you loosen the clog and remove the blockage, or you can use a toilet auger. You can prevent this problem by reducing the use of toilet paper and avoiding flushing non-flushable materials.

If you’re constantly having clogging issues with your toilet, it’s best to have a professional plumber address the problem so it doesn’t keep recurring. When they need high-quality professional plumbing services, San Diego homeowners reach out to Burke Contractors. Our plumbing contractors are the best available, and you can count on them to solve any and all of your plumbing issues. To schedule an appointment with one of our plumbing contractors, call us today at 858-208-7765.