Clogged drains are a significant annoyance – unfortunately, they happen frequently. But probably no blockage can be as troublesome as a clogged toilet, which often leads to leakages, and overflowing water, among other issues.
The question is who to call for a clogged toilet when the blockage is severe. Although a plunger may suffice to resolve straightforward buildups, severe ones need to be addressed by a bathroom plumbing specialist.
According to studies, the typical person will use the restroom for well over a year in their lifetime. Because of this, your bathroom must have a toilet that functions well at all times.
How do you know if the toilet is clogged? Following are some tell-tales along with information on when to call a plumber for a clogged toilet.
What Are The Possible Reasons For Clogged Toilets?
Here are some most common causes of clogged toilets out of the numerous possible ones.
A blocked toilet might frequently result from using and discarding a good amount of toilet paper in one flush. Some toilet paper does not simply dissolve; this material builds up over time.
Typically clogs result from various items, including sanitary napkins, tampons, and other feminine hygiene products. Also, the jam may result from flushing down diapers and baby wipes. These large, difficult-to-dissolve items clutter at the bottom, jamming the system.
Absorbent materials include cotton balls and similar objects. But even too much of them result in clogs.
Likewise, if hair is flushed frequently, it tangles with other items inside pipes, causing a significant clog.
Moreover, children can also end up clogging toilets by flushing down toys, food, and other items.
What Happens If A Toilet Is Clogged For A Long Time?
Is a clogged toilet an emergency? While it’s typically not disastrous to let a clogged toilet sit overnight, fixing the problem is recommended.
Most water-soluble components will eventually dissolve; however, some residual items may remain, leading to blockages. Simply put, there are more opportunities for a clog to worsen the longer you ignore it.
Ultimately, this obstruction may build pressure on your overall plumbing system, leading to leaks in other areas, especially if your toilet is older or your pipes aren’t in optimal condition.
Your sewer line and toilet are filled with unsanitary materials. When these materials are exposed to the air, they produce unpleasant odors and pose health risks.
To prevent these problems, Google for clogged toilet repair near me.
When Should You Contact A Plumber If Your Toilet Is Blocked?
How do you recognize when to call a plumber for a clogged toilet? Here are some of the most visible signs
The Plunger Doesn’t Work
A plunger is usually the only tool required to restore water flow if you have encountered a jam caused by excessive toilet paper use. However, if that does not work, more effort must be put in.
A baking powder and dish soap solution alongside a plunger may help disseminate clogs. Drop in the mixture and use the plunger after five minutes. However, if that doesn’t work, call a plumber.
The Toilet Won’t Stop Running
This issue could indicate that the water flap regulating water flow from the tank to the bowl is not appropriately placed.
In this case, it can cause frequent clogs, so your water flap and other tank components may require repairs or replacements. So, one should reach out to a plumber for help.
The Toilet Is Clogged With A Foreign Object
If a foreign object is lodged into the toilet and then flushed, it may cause significant damage to the sewage system septic lines.
This is especially important if you have curious children experimenting by launching things down the toilet bowl. A professional must be hired to retrieve all items, including plastic toys, electronic devices, etc.
Foul Odor
A strange scent may be a tell-tale of a graver issue. Hidden leakages are usually triggered by overly clogged toilets, which can cause many bathroom issues.
There could also be significant damage behind bathroom walls or underneath the flooring, resulting in mold and an unpleasant smell. Professional services are recommended because you can’t do much in this situation.
Cracks In The Tank
Although a toilet should ideally be long-lasting, the tank or bowl may break. However, the toilet might still be operational, depending on the location of the crack.
Replacing it yourself is not exactly straightforward, and you may end up causing further damage. So, hire a qualified plumber to help you with the repairing process.
The Toilet Has Loose Flooring
If you have a wobbly floor or tiles, it is an indication of moisture damage caused by a leak.
If this issue is not timely addressed, the dampness may spread to other parts of the surface, causing additional damage through corrosion. Hence, you must contact a plumber immediately to fix and repair the problem.
Home Repairs
If declogging requires you to go the extra mile, i.e., take steps that do not need a plunger—don’t DIY it!
You must contact a plumber immediately before the clogged toilet causes any health hazard and leads to overflowing water.
One can also realize when to call the plumber for clogged toilets if common problems arise, such as waste that will not flush, a slow discharge or a rising water level in the bowl, and strange gurgling sounds when flushing.
How Does A Plumber Clear A Clogged Toilet?
One may be curious about how plumbers unclog toilets and what do plumbers use to unclog a toilet.
Plumbers help remove clogs, hard deposits, and hard water minerals and handle various other home sewage problems. Let us take a look at the process they use:
Investigate The Issue
Professional plumbers spend the first few minutes testing the clog and determining its source.
Plunger Preparation
Plumbers prepare their plungers for use by immersing them in hot water to soften the rubber, allowing them to form a good shield around the bowl.
Plunge-In Area
They start with gentle plunges and increase the intensity, depending on how stubborn the clog is. Typically, 15 to 20 hard plunges are enough to restore water flow.
Utilizing A Toilet Auger
If the clog remains, despite using a plunger, then plumbers will use a toilet auger or toilet snake. This cable-like tool is used to reach the clog deep inside the toilet.
Hydro-Jetting System
Plumbers use condensed water jets to flush away decades of grease, soap, and other dirt accumulated in your drain and sewer lines.
What plumbers use to unclog a toilet includes a closet auger or other tools to repair various plumbing problems, such as dripping faucets, draining pipes, a faulty water heater, sink or shower clogs, leaking toilets, etc.
Key Takeaways
Even though most clogs can be cleared with a plunger or hot water, some should be left to the experts. Their years of experience and expertise allow them to address clogging-related issues seamlessly.
And who better to reach out to than Superior Plumbing and Drains! Get in touch today! We will get to the bottom of it, literally and figuratively.
