Three Ways to Prevent Clogged Toilets

Reasons Why the Toilet Keeps Clogging 

There’s nothing worse than a clogged toilet. At first, one may try flushing it one more time–hoping the problem will fix itself. However, once the water starts rising, there’s no getting around it: there’s likely a clog preventing waste from leaving the system. 

The bad habits of homeowners cause most toilet clogs, so clogged and overflowing toilets can be avoided by practicing better habits. As long as homeowners follow a few simple practices, they can prevent these problems from happening. Not only would this reduce stress and inconvenience, but it could also prevent serious plumbing problems in the long run. 

Only Flush Toilet Paper and Waste Down the Toilet 

flushedFor many people, flushing something down the toilet is “out of sight, out of mind.” After all, once an item leaves the bowl, does it matter where it goes? Of course, it does! Clogs can build up deep within the home’s sewer main, leading to leaks, burst pipes, and the dreaded overflowing clogged toilet. 

The only things that should be flushed down a toilet are human waste and toilet paper. In 2019, KYTX reported on plumbing systems in Tyler, Texas, noting that homeowners should refrain from flushing: 

  • Feminine hygiene items 
  • Diapers and baby wipes (even wipes that claim to be “flushable”) 
  • Condoms 
  • Cigarette butts 
  • Paper towels 
  • Napkins 
  • Food residue 

Toilets are engineered to break down toilet paper and waste. The other items, however, do not break down easily in the plumbing system. Over time, they can lead to a huge toilet or sewer line clog that can cause extensive damage. 

Consider Toilet Paper Usage

toiletEven though toilet paper can be flushed, it doesn’t mean that toilet paper usage habits can’t cause clogged toilets too. Flushing too much at once is a common cause of toilet clogs. To prevent clogs from toilet paper, people can use less toilet paper or flush more than once during the process so that all the toilet paper used isn’t flushed at once. 

Homeowners can also install bidets to use less toilet paper. Popular in European countries, bidets release streams of water using a nozzle to clean one’s behind. Still, most turn to toilet paper to get the job done, so homeowners should also avoid folding toilet paper before flushing it to prevent clogs. 

Be Mindful of Sewer Line Clogs 

The most important part of the toilet is hidden from the naked eye. It’s the sewer main. This is where waste goes when one flushes it. When there’s a clog in this system, water won’t drain properly from sinks, showers, and toilets. So if the toilet is frequently clogged, it may be due to a clog in the sewer line.

Homeowners can help prevent sewer line clogs by: 

  • Disposing of fats, cooking oil, and grease in the garbage and not down any drains 
  • Throwing away hair from the shower drain instead of letting it go down the drain 
  • Regularly cleaning the home’s drains 
  • Preventing soap scum from building up around drains 

Homeowners with frequent toilet clogs should turn to a professional plumber for help. Any DIY measures could cause more harm than good. 

About Super Plumbers 

Super Plumbers is a local family-owned and operated company serving its neighbors in Tyler, TX, and the surrounding areas. They offer upfront pricing, personalized service, and 24/7 emergency repairs. Call them today for a clogged toilet repair in Tyler, TX.