Plumbing experts in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, share tips for preventing clogged and backed-up toilets.
How to Keep the Toilet Flushing and Prevent Clogs
Nothing dampens the mood more than an ill-timed toilet clog, especially if it happens on or near Valentine’s Day. This little hitch could literally be the party pooper, so if preventing this is what will keep the romantic vibe alive, homeowners would do well to understand why toilets get clogged and what can be done to make sure their sewer lines are flowing to keep the romance going. This blog will share tips for homeowners to help them avoid toilet clogs.
Not Everything Should Get Flushed Down the Toilet
While it may be tempting to get rid of a lot of things by throwing them into the toilet, this is the last thing anyone should do. Items like tissues, wipes, diapers, and sanitary products have all found their way into many toilets, and the result is often toilet clogs.
The fact is that nothing should get flushed except for human waste and toilet paper. Even items that advertise themselves as flushable or biodegradable can get stuck in the sewer pipes and cause toilet clogs that way and, therefore, should be avoided at all costs.
Go Easy on the Toilet Paper
Apart from human waste, toilet paper is the only thing that should go down the toilet drain, but even then, it should be done in moderation. There is such a thing as having too much of a good thing, and when it comes to keeping sewer lines blockage-free, homeowners will benefit from keeping toilet paper usage at a minimum.
When this isn’t possible, it would be good to consider flushing the toilet paper in small increments multiple times instead of flushing a large amount at once. This is a minor adjustment, but it will make a big difference in helping prevent clogged toilets.
Keep Sewer Lines From Getting Clogged
Because a home’s main sewer line carries waste water out to the public sewer system, a clog there will slow down drainage everywhere else in the house - including the toilet. Sewer line clogs can also lead to frequently clogged toilets. Homeowners can take the following steps to prevent sewer line clogs and make sure that this doesn’t happen:
- Don’t send grease or food down the kitchen sink: This includes cooking oil, grease, and fat, butter, salad dressings, vegetable scraps, and meat trimmings. Food, in general, shouldn’t go down the kitchen drain and instead be disposed of in the garbage.
- Keep hair out of the shower drain: Use a fine mesh to catch hair in the shower or bathtub drain. Hair doesn't dissolve and forms balls that are difficult to dislodge.
- Dispose of non-food items properly: Small, non-biodegradable materials like rubber bands, dental floss, and plant clippings are difficult to flush through the system and have a tendency to get stuck.
- Prevent tree root growth: Tree roots are another common culprit of sewer line clogs. To keep root growth at bay, there are preventative measures that can be taken, like root barriers.
- Routine drain cleaning: Most people only think of calling a plumber when the problem is already out of hand, but being proactive and having a professional maintain sewer lines through regularly scheduled drain cleaning will save homeowners from the headache of clogs.
About Rooter 66 Plumbing Inc.
Rooter 66 Plumbing Inc. is a local family-owned and operated business serving Rancho Cucamonga, CA residents, and the surrounding areas. They offer competitive pricing, extended hours, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for drain cleaning or clogged toilet repair in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.