Ways to Avoid Toilet and Sewer Line Clogs
Any homeowner who has faced a clogged toilet knows that it’s frustrating, annoying, and even inconvenient. For some, it might even be embarrassing. Occasional blockages can and do occur, but it’s important to realize that they can be avoided and that a clogged toilet happening frequently might also be a sign of sewer pipe issues that are in progress. Being aware of what can cause clogs and being proactive will help prevent clogged toilets and keep things running smoothly in the home.
Be Careful What You Flush
It is important to realize that not everything can be flushed down the toilet. The thing is, people put a lot of things down the toilet that they shouldn’t, which can cause toilet clogs and sewer line clogs. Any plumber will tell homeowners that the only things to flush are toilet paper and human waste. Nothing else should be flushed.
That means don’t flush:
- Wipes of any kind (not even the “flushable” ones)
- Diapers
- Sanitary products
- Paper towels
- Tissues
- Dental floss
If it’s not toilet paper, dispose of it properly in the garbage. Learning proper disposal of these items can help save some clogged toilet and sewer lines from happening. Plus, it reduces unnecessary strain and cuts back on repairs.
Reduce Toilet Paper Usage
Even though toilet paper can be flushed, using too much can lead to a clogged toilet or sewer line. So, homeowners should take steps to accommodate it.
Here are some helpful tips for toilet paper usage:
- Try to cut back or use smaller amounts of toilet paper
- If more needs to be used, flush throughout using it so less toilet paper is going down at once
- Try a thinner or more easily flushed toilet paper
Slight adjustments to toilet paper habits can help prevent a toilet clog. Keep in mind that excessive overuse of toilet paper could also eventually lead to a clogged sewer line that has to be cleared by a professional.
Take Care of the Sewer Line
Changing flushing habits and toilet paper usage will go a long way in avoiding toilet clogs. However, a clogged sewer line can also lead to frequently clogged toilets. So, it's crucial to keep that in mind and help prevent them. Things like tree roots and other natural elements can also affect sewer pipes. It is important to be proactive and take care of the lines to help avoid clogs, damage, backups, or other major problems.
Here are a few sewer line tips:
- Don’t pour grease and oil down the drains
- Don't use drains to dispose of food waste, hair, or other items
- Schedule regular plumbing inspections for the sewer line and drains
- Hire drain cleaning at the first sign of a sewer line clog
- Don't plant trees near underground plumbing
If a homeowner does suspect a potential problem, the best thing to do is call a plumber. Let them check things out, perform drain cleaning or the necessary repairs, and ensure the sewer line operates as it should.
About Plumb Perfect Plumbing
Plumb Perfect Plumbing believes in honesty and hard work, and its clients see that in everything it does. The company offers fast and reliable services, ensuring the job is done right before they go. Contact them for clogged toilet repair in Culpeper, VA.
