Black rubber plunger beside a white toilet bowl, illustrating essential plumbing maintenance for Super Plumbers.

Tips for Avoiding Clogged Toilets

Why Does the Toilet Keep Clogging?

Toilets and their associated plumbing are capable of dealing with the messes that are put in them daily without clogging. However, this is not the experience of most people. Most people will experience a toilet clog, and some may even have a toilet that clogs often. For those who have to deal with clogged toilets, the problem may be caused by user error. Here are some tips to prevent toilet clogs and sewer line clogs.  

Be Mindful of What Gets Flushed

Hand holding crumpled tissue above a toilet bowl, illustrating improper disposal practices that can lead to clogs.One of the worst habits to get into when living in a home is using the toilet like a trash can. Too often, people simply discard small trash in the basin and flush it away. The problem is toilets were not intended for this purpose, and various types of waste will contribute to sewer line clogs and toilet clogs. Be mindful of what gets flushed to make toilets more reliable and less likely to clog.

Aim to flush only toilet paper and human waste. Anything else is likely to cause problems. Even if it doesn’t clog the toilet immediately, it can lead to clogs in the sewer line. Always provide wastebaskets near toilets for disposing of tissues, paper towels, wipes, cotton balls or swabs, hygiene products, and more. 

Use Less Toilet Paper or Flush More Often if Needed

Person holding a roll of toilet paper near a toilet in a bathroom, illustrating proper toilet use and disposal practices to prevent clogs.Toilet clogs are far less likely if the first tip is followed. However, they can still happen if people insist on trying to flush too much toilet paper down the toilet at once. For reliable flushing and preventing clogs, a toilet has to be able to break up the mass of toilet paper as it flushes. 

When too much is flushed at once, it can clog the toilet or sewer lines. Avoiding this problem can be done by flushing less toilet paper, or if more toilet paper is needed, flushing the toilet multiple times and sending smaller amounts of toilet paper down the toilet at a time will help ensure the toilet and sewer lines are able to handle it.  

Make an Effort to Prevent Sewer Line Clogs

One thing that is often overlooked is that a clogged sewer line could be contributing to clogged toilets. As a clog forms in the sewer line, the toilets nearby won’t be allowed to fully flush. When signs of a sewer line clog are noticed, a plumber should be called for drain cleaning to unclog the line

Besides the tips previously mentioned, homeowners should follow other good drain habits to help prevent sewer line clogs. These include things like: 

  • Discarding food scraps in the trash rather than the drains
  • Never pour grease or cooking oil into the drains
  • Use mesh screens or hair catchers in shower and tub drains
  • Avoid planting trees near buried sewer lines 

By following these tips, homeowners can help protect their sewer line and prevent toilet clogs. 

About Super Plumbers

Super Plumbers is a family-owned and operated company serving the Tyler, TX, area. They offer competitive, flat-rate pricing and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them for clogged toilet repair service in Tyler, TX