Your toilet is one of the commonly used fixtures that need proper maintenance and care if you’re really looking to avoid frustration and unpleasant cleanup. Learning why your toilet clogs up will help you avoid future toilet blockages and toilet spewing sewage all over the place.
This post is intended to highlight some of the ways that tell How You Can Prevent Toilet Clogs for Good. But, before that, first, have a quick look at the three biggest toilet-blocking culprits:
Low Flow Toilets
Present-day toilets use a wide range of low-flow toilet designs to save water. The previous forms of these toilets may lack the needed pressure required to unblock the internal drain. As a result, these toilets often develop a blockage. One of the ways to check the type of toilet you have in your home is to look at the stamped date that is printed at the back of the fixture. If you find the mid-1990’s stamp, you could have one of these low-flow toilets. Just make sure to use less toilet paper and other clog-prone articles to avoid blockage.
Non-Flushable Items
Toilet paper and disposable tissues are the only items meant to be flushed down the drain. Also, never flush things like wet wipes and Q-tips that can block the drainage.
Sewer Line Issues
If you’ve been consistently facing toilet clogging issues, you should get your sewer line checked immediately. Blockages in multiple fixtures are generally caused by flushing non-flushable articles. Also, tree roots can damage your sewer line, cracking the pipes and letting in debris and other material that can block your toilet.
How to Prevent Your Toilet from Blocking Up?
Clean Your Toilet Regularly
Instead of abrasive toilet cleaners, try to use natural toilet cleaners like vinegar, baking soda or mild soap for regular toilet cleaning. Not only this habit can help you maintain hygiene but it will also help the environment.
Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners to Unblock Your Toilet
You must have heard mixed opinions about the use of chemical drain openers. But, it’s obviously better to stay away from harsh chemical drain cleaners as they can harm your skin and overall health. Also, these cleaners can damage fixtures and pipes and can also destroy the septic system if you have installed one in your home.
Get it Checked Every Six Months
To ensure all the components are in working condition and functioning properly, it’s important to check the internal mechanism of your toilet every six months. Simply, take the lid off and flush. Check the overall functioning of the components and seek help if you find anything unusual.
Fix Leaks Immediately
Toilet leaks are not very easy to spot as the water is usually leaking out from the tank and then goes directly down the drain without creating a puddle of water on the floor. Also, toilet leaks are comparatively slow leaks, making it cumbersome for the owners to detect them from their slightly ascending utility bills. Make sure to get all sorts of leaks fixed immediately before you have to pay additional for other damages.
Educate Your Children
Talk to your family especially children about what can or cannot be flushed inside a toilet bowl. Also, make sure to closely monitor their toilet paper usage and guide them about why it’s important to maintain safe hygiene and how they can keep their toilet clean.
Not All Toilet Papers are Created Equal
This is certainly one of the most important things. Keep in mind, not all toilet papers are created equal. Flushing too much toilet paper that doesn’t disintegrate easily can clog the pipes and sewer lines.
A Toilet Plunger is a Great Investment
Unless it’s really messy, a lot of toilet clogs can easily be tackled with simple hot water and a plunger. Make sure to call in a professional if this water-plunger technique doesn’t work for your toilet.
Always Seek Professional Help if Needed
While toilet cleaning may sound like a super easy, no-nonsense kind of activity, getting rid of hard and stubborn clogs isn’t as easy as it may sound. If your toilet is continuously clogging or if you suspect any sort of leakage inside your toilet, now is the time to seek professional help to avoid long-term troubles.
There you have it. With proper maintenance and care, you can easily increase the longevity and functionality of your toilet fixture. While toilets are porcelain and it is convenient to fix the internal parts, any damage to the toilet bowl or the water tank itself means you have to invest in a new toilet for your home.
