Clogged Toilet Prevention Tips From the Pros
No one wants a plumbing issue, much less a clogged toilet when love is in the air. That sort of thing is about as unromantic as it gets. If a household is having trouble with toilets clogging regularly, then some poor habits in the home are detrimental to the status of the sewer pipes. There are several simple and practical ways to help prevent toilet clogs. They are outlined in this article. Being careful about what is flushed and drain cleaning can help improve the chances of keeping the sewer line running smoothly.
Don’t Flush Things That Should Go In the Trash
If a person asked a plumber what the most common issue is with toilet clogs, they might say something along the lines of “Flushing stuff that shouldn’t be flushed.” People tend to think of toilets like trash cans, but they are much more sensitive to what is put in them than people generally think. This is because they are not a single appliance; instead, they are part of an interconnected drainage system. What one area may tolerate, another area in the system may not. Listed below are a few commonly-flushed things that should be put in the garbage instead.
- Baby wipes (even those that say “flushable”)
- Cotton swabs
- Cotton rounds
- Feminine hygiene products
- Makeup wedges
- Paper towels
- Plastics
- Sanitary napkins
- Tampons
These items do not dissolve as toilet paper and can easily cause clogs. The only things that should go in the toilet are organic waste and toilet paper.
Use Toilet Paper Conservatively
Even toilet paper, though it is made to dissolve quickly, can be hazardous if too much is used. This can cause not only problems for the toilet but also for the sewer lines. If a person uses only the necessary toilet paper, it will help prevent clogs and help with their household budget. Another method is the double flush: flush waste first and then add toilet paper and flush a second time. This allows for less material to enter the pipes all at once.
Keep Up With Maintenance, Such As Sewer Drain Cleaning
Sewer line clogs are a nasty problem because they can cause chronic clogging and backups throughout a home. If a homeowner keeps up with their drain cleaning maintenance, this will not be an issue. The methods that plumbers and plumbing technicians use for unclogging drains can also be used as a preventative cleaning measure. Such interventions include two major methods: snaking and hydro-jetting.
- Drain snaking: Also called drain augering, this method uses a long flexible metal hose that has a rotating head attached to one end. This cable moves through the drains and clears out any clog-causing detritus with the rotating head, either sending it down the pipe or capturing it within the head to be removed at the sewer line access point.
- Hydro-Jetting: This method uses a silicone balloon with a high-pressure nozzle. The balloon is put into the pipe, and it expands to block the way back up the pipe. Water then shoots out of the nozzle at high pressure blasting through clogs or whatever is coating the pipes. This method is the most commonly used one as it is easy and effective and does no damage to pipes.
About Captain Rooter Emergency Plumbers Chicago
With more than 20 years of experience in Chicago, IL, and the surrounding areas, Captain Rooter Emergency Plumbers Chicago are all about being reliable. They are available 24/7 for emergencies but also offer upgrades and water conservation advice. Call today for a clog-cleaning service!
