It’s perfectly normal to have to deal with a clogged toilet from time to time. But if clogs happen repeatedly, something might be wrong with your plumbing. If that’s the case, you may need to contact a residential or commercial plumbing service for help.
Before you do that, it is helpful to know what might be going wrong. However, it’s unlikely that there’s a permanent DIY solution, but at least you will know what to expect when you contact a plumbing repair company.
Primary Causes of Clogged Toilets
The toilet itself could be the issue, and you should consider that first. Older, low-flow toilets clog pretty easily, which could be the culprit if you have one of these models.
They simply don’t always have the water output and pressure required to flush things through to the sewer system as they should.
If this is the case, you may need to avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and even then use only small amounts. Unfortunately, there are often bits of material left behind after every flush that can lead to inevitable clogs.
A better option would be to contact a plumber repair service to ask about an estimate for updating your toilet to a more modern model.
Here are some other causes:
Flushing Items That You Shouldn’t Flush
If you go to the store, you can find wet wipes, sanitary products, and other items labeled as flushable. Unfortunately, this is misleading.
The truth is that only toilet paper and human waste should ever be flushed down any toilet. Anything else causes a significant risk of clogs.
Even if you don’t experience a clog right away, you will eventually. Remember that flushing the wrong items is one of the most common reasons for calls to emergency plumbing service companies.
Clogged Toilet Vent
The toilets in your home are connected to a vent line that exits through your roof. That allows air to enter into your sewer lines, which makes flushing more effective. Also, your sewer vent enables harmful gases to escape safely without causing harm. The problem is that these vents can become clogged.
How does this happen? Debris, such as sticks and leaves, can enter the top of the sewer vent from the outside. Occasionally, vermin get into those lines, as well.
More than one local emergency plumber contractor has been called to remove a bird’s nest, or even a deceased animal, from one of these vent lines.
You shouldn’t try clearing your sewer vent yourself, as it can be difficult to access given its location on the roof.
It can also be quite deep, requiring professional tools, and can give off toxic fumes that may affect your stability when standing somewhere dangerous.
Clogged Toilet Trap
If you look beneath your sink, you will find a p-trap. Your toilet has something similar, but it’s S-shaped. That is known as an S-trap. The S-trap is designed to trap anything that might cause a clog before it can go deeper into your sewer system to cause a significant problem.
The S-trap can become clogged when people use too much toilet paper or flush things they shouldn’t. In many cases, these clogs can be plunged and flushed through with extra water.
Clogged Sewer Line
Sometimes, the problem you have is further into your plumbing system. If you notice frequent clogs, the problem may be in your sewer main. There, tree roots entering your mainline can cause clogs or a build-up of materials coming from your toilets, sinks, showers, and bathtubs.
Grease and hair are often two of the biggest culprits. However, sanitary items are often a problem as well. The other possibility is that your sewer line has become crushed or damaged in some other way, blocking the flow out to your city sewer lines.
There are a few signs that you are dealing with a clogged sewer line. These include:
- Multiple fixtures are clogged
- Gurgling noises in your sink or tub, or when you flush
- Water backing up into your sink or tub when plunging the toilet
As a homeowner, you are responsible for the sewer line on your property. Unfortunately, you can’t do much to fix this problem on your own. You need a skilled plumber with the equipment required to clear the drain out to the street.
Commercial Restroom Clogs
Commercial restrooms often require additional maintenance. In many cases, too many people use these facilities for owners to manage what people choose to flush. Also, the simple volume of users can lead to frequent clogs.
Commercial use situations can be made worse by outdated fixtures that aren’t designed for frequent use.
If you have a problem with your facility’s toilets clogging, call a commercial plumber in Charlotte, NC. They can help fix the problem and advise you on potential upgrades.
Plumbing Repair in Charlotte, NC
It’s frustrating to deal with a chronically clogged toilet. While there are some things you can do to prevent this problem or deal with the issue yourself, you may need help from a professional. If so, Superior Plumbing and Drains, LLC is here to help.
When you need a clogged toilet cleared and fixed for good, you can count on Superior Plumbing and Drains, LLC. Call us today at (704) 289-6858 for regular or emergency services.
