Clogged toilets are a commonplace occurrence in American households. From overuse of toilet paper to flushing something down the toilet that you probably shouldn’t have, clogged toilets are an annoying issue but an easy fix. The best way to prevent clogged toilets is to understand what causes them in the first place.
Hard Water
If the water in your home has a high mineral content, you have hard water. This type of water can wreak havoc on your pipes and cause issues with your toilet function. The minerals in hard water can calcify and form a white substance that is difficult to remove. This causes a blockage that waste can’t travel through, leading to a clogged toilet.
Foreign Objects
One of the more common causes of clogged toilets is the flushing of objects that should not be flushed. For example, many people flush feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, cotton balls, and other paper products down the toilet. Unlike toilet paper, these objects do not dissolve in water and can create blockages.
Sometimes, a foreign object can fall into the toilet and flush away without your knowledge. A razor blade could accidentally fall into the bowl or your child could flush a toy for fun. Even excess hair buildup can cause your toilet to clog. Be mindful of what goes into your toilet and never flush anything other than toilet paper.
Worn Pipes
Your pipes can crack, break, or become crushed for a variety of reasons: heavy rain, corrosion, age, wear and tear, drastic temperature change, and more. When your pipes break, your toilet’s drain slows down and cannot keep up with your household’s demand. As a result, you get a clogged toilet.
Too Much Toilet Paper
Sometimes, you need to use a lot of toilet paper while going to the bathroom. While toilet paper dissolves in water, too much of it can cause a build-up and blockage. If you tend to lean toward more than the recommended number of sheets, consider starting to courtesy flush. First, flush down the waste before you wipe it. Then, use as much toilet paper as you need and flush the rest.
If you have a clogged toilet in need of repair, Mr. Rooter Plumbing is here to save the day. Contact us today to receive a free job estimate for your Central Oregon plumbing needs.
