Common Causes of Toilet Clogs and How to Prevent Them
A clogged toilet isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it can disrupt your entire day, damage your plumbing, and lead to costly repairs if left unaddressed. We know just how important it is to fix the issue, and fix it fast. Here’s a closer look at the most common causes of toilet clogs, how to help prevent them, and when it’s time to call in our Bluestone Plumbing pros.
Common Causes of Toilet Clogs
Most clogs are caused by flushing items that shouldn’t be put in the toilet, including:
- “Flushable” wipes
- Paper towels
- Feminine hygiene products
Because these products don’t break down the way toilet paper does, they can create stubborn blockages and serious issues within your plumbing system. Beyond these more obvious causes of clogs are the following:
- Tree roots
- Damaged or aged pipes
- Hard water buildup that accumulates inside pipes, narrowing pathways
As these issues are not readily apparent, they can cause persistent problems over weeks or even months. If not addressed, you could go from having a minor clog on your hands to needing full-scale repiping.
How to Prevent Toilet Clogs
Here are a few quick tips that can help keep your pipes clear.
1. Use Toilet Paper Wisely
Don’t overuse toilet paper, and stick to brands that are quick-dissolving. If you have a septic system, be sure to only use toilet paper that’s deemed septic-safe.
2. Don’t Flush Non-Flushables
Get in the habit of throwing away wipes, cotton balls, paper towels, and sanitary products in the trash, not the toilet. There are many wipes branded as “flushable” but because they take longer to break down, they can create toilet blockage and a slew of other issues for your plumbing system. If it’s not toilet paper, it’s best to avoid it.
3. Stay on Top of Maintenance
Regular inspections and maintenance can help remove small buildups before they turn into major clogs and detailed repair work. Give our team a call to talk about plumbing maintenance and how often inspections should be performed.
When to Call for Backup
Sometimes, clogs go beyond what a plunger can do. If you notice persistent issues, water backing up in unusual places, or foul odors, these could signal more serious blockage or sewer line problems. It’s best to call in our experienced plumbers for a thorough inspection, as our specialized equipment and expertise can find and fix the root of the problem.
We offer same-day appointments for urgent issues, and should you have a plumbing emergency on your hands, our fully licensed, bonded, and insured technicians are here for you 24/7. And because we don’t want cost to be a concern during your time of need, know that we’ll beat any licensed contractor’s quote, guaranteed.
We also have flexible payment options and financing plans to ensure you never have to choose between protecting your home and your finances.
Don’t Let a Small Clog Turn Into a Big Disaster
Whether you need to clear a small toilet drain blockage or are in need of major repairs, Bluestone Plumbing is here to deliver the convenient, trustworthy service you deserve. Send us a message today!
