Why Do Your Toilets Get Clogged Often?
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clogged toilet

Why Do Your Toilets Get Clogged Often?

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Clogged toilets can happen in any home to anyone. When this type of situation occurs, most people choose to contact a plumbing professional to assist them with the issue and ultimately remove the blockage so they can get back to using their toilet the way that they normally would.

toilet clog
A hand in protective glove fixing clogged toilet, indoor closeup

Some people are more concerned with solving the problem quickly than figuring out why the toilets keep on getting clogged. However, it’s certainly important to understand what generally causes these clogs to happen.

Main Causes of Toilet Blockages

Too Much Toilet Paper

It’s normal to flush toilet paper down the toilet. After all, it’s what most people use to wipe themselves when they’re finished using the bathroom. However, putting too much toilet paper into the toilet at once could cause a major clog to occur.

It’s best to limit yourself on the amount of toilet paper you’re flushing down the toilet. Some people even prefer to fold their sheets of toilet paper and throw them away in a trash bin instead of flushing them down just to avoid the possibility of dealing with a clogged toilet in the future.

Not Enough Water

You should have enough water in your toilet to flush when you use the bathroom. If there isn’t enough water, you may notice that not everything goes down when you flush the toilet. And, if everything isn’t going down at once like it should, the issue could eventually lead to a clogged toilet that you’re stuck trying to fix.

Check the water supply to determine how much water you have. Make sure that you have enough water in your toilet before you start using it again.

Too Much Hard Water

There are many people who have hard water in their homes, but this hard water can eventually lead to deposits of the minerals throughout the pipes. As a result, it’ll take its toll on the way your toilet flushes, causing a bit of a blockage. If you’re dealing with this kind of problem, you’ll need to use a solution designed to treat that mineral buildup and keep it from happening again.

Flushing Foreign Objects

You should never flush any foreign objects down your toilet. The toilet is meant for waste and the usual amount of toilet paper a person uses when they’ve urinated or taken a bowel movement. Unfortunately, some people end up flushing other objects down the toilet, including paper, food, and even small toys. These items could lead to a serious blockage that keeps your toilet from flushing properly.

Drain Line Blockage

One of the most common causes of a clogged toilet is a drain line blockage. If there’s a blockage, the toilet tank isn’t going to start filling up with the right amount of water and then you won’t even be able to flush the toilet when you use it.

Grease in the Pipes

Do you normally throw grease down the drain of your kitchen sink? You may think that it has absolutely nothing to do with the toilet at all, but that’s not exactly true. Whenever grease is poured down the drains, it makes the pipes harder, and it’ll be more of a challenge for water to reach your toilet. And, as you may have already learned, a lack of water will keep your toilet from flushing properly.

The best way to avoid this situation is to put grease in a glass container and dispose of it another way. It’s simply not a good idea to let it flow down the drain inside of the kitchen sink.

These are some of the many causes of clogged toilets. It helps to know this information in advance in case you find yourself dealing with a clogged toilet in the near future. It may cost you more to treat the problem with your toilet, so why not do your best at preventing problems from taking place? A professional plumber could help to perform routine maintenance in your home to keep things in working order, too.

What To Do When You Have A Clogged Toilet

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While a toilet is a very important part of a home or commercial premises, we only think about it when it has a problem. One of the major toilet problems is a clogged toilet. This problem is very common and it is good to know how to deal with it. You don’t have to call a plumber whenever you face a toilet clog. You can deal with a simple clog all by yourself.

clogged toilet

Here are some of the things you can do when you face a simple toilet clog:

Use a Plunger

Using a plunger is one of the most effective ways to fix a simple toilet clog. Most of the homeowners and business owners usually have a plunger on hand to fix a toilet clog. Put the plunger into the toilet bowl and once you have ensured that the hole is completely sealed and covered, push the plunger down in a gentle way. Maintain the seal and push the plunger a bit more forcefully up and down and pull the plunger away to break the seal. If the water rushes down, it means that you have fixed the toilet clog.

Use Vinegar and Baking Soda

Vinegar and baking soda are very important household items as they can be used to remove stains and sanitize countertops and to unclog a toilet. To use vinegar and baking soda to fix a clog, pour 1 cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl you want to unclog.

Next, wait for a few minutes so that the baking soda can fully disperse. Once these minutes are up, pour 2 cups of white vinegar and allow bubbles to form. Finally, leave the mixture for many minutes and then check to see whether or not it has fixed the problem.

Hot Water and Dish Soap

Using hot water and dish soap to unclog a toilet may be a good option if you don’t have baking soda, a plunger, or vinegar. Heat a gallon of water on the stove. Ensure that it is very hot but does not boil. While the water is still heating, use a generous amount of dish soap in the toilet bowl water. Once the water is hot, pour it into the soapy bowl and leave it for several minutes so that the mixture can take effect.

Call a Local Plumber To Fix Your Toilet

Even though at-home remedies can fix simpler toilet clogs, it cannot fix all toilet clogs. Look for a professional if your toilet clog is caused by a foreign object, is stubborn, or causes your toilet to overflow. A professional plumber can fix a toilet clog without causing any damage to your plumbing system.

Toilet Problems That Need To Be Repaired

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If you aren’t already familiar with the inner workings of your toilet, it is worth learning more about how the flushing process works. Once you understand how the components in the toilet tank work, you will be in a much better position to identify toilet-related problems.

toilet repair

The best way to learn more about your toilet is by watching it in action. Begin by removing the lid from the back of the toilet tank. Then, flush the toilet. As you do, you will see that the toilet handle is attached to a chain that lifts up a flapper valve. This opens the flush valve opening, allowing water to drop down from the tank into the bowl.

As the new water enters the toilet bowl, the dirty water and the waste is forced down the drain pipe. Once all of the water has been removed from the tank, the flapper valve drops back into position, blocking the exit and allowing the tank to fill up again. Once the float ball reaches the correct height in the tank, the water shuts off.

After seeing all of these steps in action, it will be easier for you to identify problems so that you can have them repaired.

Toilet Problems That Need Plumbing Repair

A Bad Flapper Valve

If the flapper valve on a toilet becomes cracked or gets too brittle over time, it will no longer seat properly around the opening in the bottom of the tank. As a result, water can continuously seep down from the tank into the bowl, causing the toilet to run all of the time. Another common symptom of this problem is if it sounds like there is a pipe banging when the toilet finishes filling. This is an easy repair that our experts will be more than happy to help you make.

Upgrading Your Existing Toilet

If you have a standard toilet in your home, you may want to consider upgrading it to a larger model. Bigger toilets are generally more comfortable to use. Although it may not seem like comfort should be a big factor when choosing a toilet, it is actually an important consideration. If you are ready to make a positive change, contact us today so that we can help you find a toilet that is sized properly for your needs.

Other Toilet Issues That Require a Plumber To Repair

Some of the other toilet problems that can occur that require professional assistance include the following:

– Leaking water
– Cracks in the tank of the toilet
– Pools of water around the base of the toilet
– Problems flushing the toilet
– A handle that is stuck or that is too loose

Regardless of what type of toilet problems you are experiencing, our professionals can help. Reach out to us today for expert assistance.

Keeping Your Toilet In Good Working Order: How To Prevent Clogs

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When your toilet is clogged, the situation can become dire. You definitely want to make sure it is running seamlessly so you don’t have a nasty cleaning project on your hands. In addition, if you ignore a plumbing problem, it can get quite expensive over time. While it is true that toilet clogs can pop up without much warning, there is also a lot you can do to ensure that you don’t have to deal with one in the future.

toilet clog

1. Perform Random Inspections

Regular maintenance is essential if you want to keep your toilet in good working order. Look to see if it is filling and draining properly. Make sure there isn’t any rust or corrosion. In addition, examine your floating bar to make sure it is straight. Double check that your water connection is secure. Put the handle on “open” unless water starts to rise too high as a result of an overflow.

2. Don’t Let Water Run

If you notice that your water is running, take care of the situation right away. A little leak can turn into a huge problem very quickly. Not only is it a hassle to deal with at that point, but it also costs a lot of money. Look at your connections and check to see that the tank is functioning properly. Take a look at the shut off switch to ensure there isn’t any rust or leakage.

What Can You Do To Keep Your Toilet From Getting Clogged

3. Only Put Toilet Paper In The Toilet

Toilet paper can obviously be flushed down the toilet. There are also flushable wipes that work well, too. However, some people also try and flush other items, like tampons, paper towels and even q-tips. You should never put anything like that in the toilet; it belongs in the trash instead. If you do flush them, you risk clogging up the toilet, and you will have to hire a professional to fix the issue.

4. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

When you have a clog, your initial inclination may be to use a chemical drain cleaner. Don’t do that. Chemicals can create an even bigger problem than you already have, and they can also cause issues for your plumbing system.

5. Flanges Are Your Friend

A run of the mill plunger just does not do the trick any more. Instead, look for something that has a flange as well; they do a better job at getting rid of tricky clogs. The flange works to get a good seal, so there is much more suction when you are using the plunger. If you try to use anything different, you may wind up making a big mess and will still not see the results that you want. Make it easy on yourself by purchasing a bulb shaped plunger with a flange.

How to Fix Common Toilet Issues

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A clogged toilet is frustrating and potentially dangerous. In order for your toilet to work properly, you will need to clear the clog. The following toilet repair tips can help you out if you find yourself dealing with a clogged toilet.

clogged toilet
A hand in protective glove fixing clogged toilet, indoor closeup

Recurring Clogs

One of the most common problems with toilets is clogs. A toilet that is used and flushed often is at risk of developing a clog. If your toilet does not flush properly, it can be either partially or completely clogged.

When a toilet is completely clogged, it will fill to the brim or overflow. A partial clog can cause the toilet to slowly drain. With this type of toilet clog, waste cannot be flushed; however, the water in the bowl slowly decreases over time. There are several tools that can help to remove a clog. With practice, you can get a toilet unclogged.

Clearing Clogs with a Plunger

Most clogs can be cleared using a plunger. It is important to remember that unclogging a toilet can be a dirty job. So, wear protective clothing and gloves. To clear a clog using a plunger, place the plunger in the bowl and make sure there is enough water to completely cover the plunger.

The first plunge should be done gently as a hard plunge can cause water to splash all over you and the bathroom. After the first plunge, you should force the plunger up and down vigorously to help remove the clog.

Snake It Out

If you cannot clear the clog with a plunger, you should use a plumbing snake. A plumbing snake is a flexible wire coil that has a corkscrew on the tip. The snake can be threaded through your pipe to the clog. As you turn the snake, it digs its way through the clog using a boring action. Most of the time, a plumbing snake will be able to clear a clogged toilet.

Phantom Flushes

Does your toilet refill intermittently, even though it has not been used? If so this is called a phantom flush. Ignoring phantom flushes can waste more than 200 gallons of water daily. This problem is due to water leaking from the tank, causing it to refill. This is often due to a faulty flapper or flapper seat.

To fix this, you will need to drain the water from the tank and the bowl and turn off the water supply. Inspect the flapper for wear or damage. If the flapper shows any signs of wear or damage, it will need to be replaced. This is a simple repair that most homeowners can handle themselves.

Broken Toilet Handle

A broken toilet handle can be frustrating; however, it is an easy fix. To fix a loose or stuck toilet handle, you will need to remove the tank cover and clean the mounting nut.

Typically, debris will cause the handle to stick. Cleaning it should correct the problem. If the toilet handle is loose, try turning the nut clockwise to tighten. These two steps typically will fix any toilet handle issues.

Call a Plumber

There may be times when there is more going on than a clogged toilet, a worn flapper or a loose toilet handle. In these cases, you will need to contact a licensed plumber.

An experienced plumber has the skills necessary to diagnose your toilet problems and solve them.

If you are unable to fix the issue yourself, a plumber can fix your toilet so that it is running like new.

When you contact a plumber, you want one who has the experience and skill needed to handle all of your plumbing issues.

Toilet Repair – When Doing It Yourself Isn’t The Right Choice

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When dealing with something like toilet repair, you may be tempted to try to handle it yourself. With all of the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) videos, you may think it’s an easy repair job. However, things may not be as simple as they seem. Unfortunately, the people making these videos aren’t necessarily amateurs. A lot of them are trained and experienced plumbers.

toilet repair

While some of the videos may seem incredibly easy to follow, a lot of those who are performing the fixes have years of experience under their belt. Because of this, you could be setting yourself up for failure even following along step-by-step. The fact is, when done improperly, you could end up flooding your entire bathroom. Something like a bad pipe install could compromise your entire home’s plumbing system.

Toilet Repair Service Considerations

To make things much simpler and to save on your homeowner’s insurance, it would be a better idea to call on a professional to handle your toilet repair. By hiring someone who knows what they are doing, you should be able to protect your home from getting damaged unnecessarily.

 

Reasons you should choose our toilet repair specialists to fix your toilets:

1. Training and Experience

Our professional plumbers are trained in toilet repairs. They are not only experienced at handling basic plumbing problems but the issues that local systems are subjected to due to the local climate and public water system.

2. Specialized Plumbing Tools

When you are dealing with toilet repair, you need to get the right tools to handle the job properly. These are tools that can cost a lot of money if you were to purchase them yourself. This can end up saving you from having to spend the money on infrequently used tools yourself.

3. Professional Assessments

By hiring our professionals, you will get accurate assessments of your bathroom plumbing that can help prevent future problems from cropping up.

4. Prevent Major Issues

While you may be dealing with a smaller toilet repair issue right now, that doesn’t mean it will remain small. Unfortunately, there is no telling when the issue will spiral out of control. While it may be a smaller fix right now, it could turn into something that requires extensive work if not properly dealt with as soon as possible.

When you call on PlumbingEmergencyCharlotte.com, you can get all of your toilet issues resolved quickly and effectively. Our plumbers will give you a thorough explanation of what’s happening with your plumbing and some of the best ways to prevent issues in the future. We will look at the problem systemically to ensure you don’t deal with the same problem again. There are plenty of preventative things you can do to decrease repair costs and even maximize your home’s plumbing efficiency over time. You will get all of our recommendations to save you time, hassle, and money.

Why Call a Professional Plumber?

You shouldn’t risk handling any kind of plumbing repair yourself. That is unless you are willing to pay the exorbitant costs that can come from doing it improperly. By calling on the professionals like us, you will get your plumbing issues sorted efficiently and effectively to give you the peace of mind you need.

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