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Everyone loves having a working toilet. There’s no doubt that it’s one of the most convenient things of all time, except when it clogs. Toilet clogs can be a nightmarish hassle that everyone (not only plumbing companies) has had to deal with at least once. In some cases, a clog is just a messy annoyance but in others it can be a disastrous event that can damage your home and bathroom. There are a few simple things you can do to help you avoid the trouble caused by toilet clogs.
A clog doesn’t necessarily happen overnight, unless you have a history of flushing non-flushable items. Be proactive and take note of a few of the following warning signs.
Ever notice how quickly your toilet drains the minute you flush it? That means your plumbing pipes are clear of any clogs. The minute your toilet starts draining slowly, you have a problem in the making. It’s a common sign of a partial clog, that can end up being a full clog. You can try and use a plunger to remedy the problem, but if you’re unsure call a licensed plumber.
Now it may seem silly, but teaching young children not to flush random items down the drain will definitely help. Many clogs are caused by curious little minds who want to see if any and everything can be flushed away. Always supervise young children in the bathroom and make sure the door is shut when the bathroom is not in use.
It’s simple – don’t flush anything except toilet paper and human waste. Toilet paper was designed in a specific way in order to pass through drainage and sewer pipes. While you may think a napkin or paper towel should be fine, remember that they’re made to suit a different purpose. Paper towels and napkins are generally thicker and bigger than toilet paper.
Other Non-Flushable Items Include:
Even though the toilet is the best place for you to vomit when the need arises, it’s not a place for you to flush away foods that you don’t want to eat. Hurting a loved one’s feelings by saying no to their food is a lot better than trying to flush away the evidence. Especially if trying to flush away the evidence causes the toilet to clog, you will need to not only explain WHY the toilet clogged but also clean up the mess it caused.
While both of these technically contain human waste. You shouldn’t flush them. The size of diapers vs the size of your household plumbing means that sooner or later there is going to be a huge problem. Throw them in the bin. Sanitary products are often said to be flushable but depending on the age of your plumbing system – it may not be compatible at all. For example, as tiny as tampons are, they absorb liquid and become bigger. The larger they are the more likely they’ll cause a clog.
Children love to flush things down the toilet. There’s something fascinating in watching it disappear down the bowel. These are definitely non-flushable, so make sure your tiny tots don’t attempt to flush toys or other items down the drain.
Since toilet clogs can cause anything between mild irritation and a mess to severe damage, it’s always best to call in a professional plumbing contractor. The reliable team at Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric are just the contractors you need. Don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-475-1504.
