Common Causes of Toilet Clogs

The toilet is the most used fixture in any home. This immense usage often means a clogged bathroom leads to a frustrated family – and a messy cleanup. The first step in preventing a toilet clog is understanding why the fixture is backing up. Just in case, you’ll want to keep a plunger nearby. Still, being proactive is the best form of prevention.

Low Flow Toilets

There are many older low flow toilets on the market that lack the needed pressure to clear the trap and drain, which results in persistent clogs.

Take a look at the stamped date on the back of your toilet. If your model was made before the mid-1992s, you have a first-gen low flow toilet. If so, do not feel like you must replace the fixture now. You can quickly reduce clogs by limiting toilet paper usage and avoiding clog-prone items.

Non-Flushable Items

In busy households or those with active children, it’s easy to ignore what is being flushed down the toilet. Who wants to pay attention to that, right?

Your toilet was designed to dispose of particular materials. Flushing foreign objects, like cotton balls, wet wipes, floss, and feminine hygiene products, restricts drainage and causes backups. Speak with your family about these items and how best to avoid flushing them.

Clogged Trap

The trap of a toilet is the curved pipe that sits just under the fixture. Its job is to prevent sewer gasses from entering your home through the pipes.

Over time, toilet paper, paper towels, and non-flushable objects may become clogged in the trap and cause a backup. Using a plunger should loosen the blockage, but limiting toilet paper and hard-to-flush items are your best bet.

Contact Us

If your toilet endures persistent clogs, contact Rick’s Plumbing for professional service. You can reach us at 203-874-6629 today!

203-457-3201