One of the most irritating, and yes downright gross, household inconveniences is a clogged toilet. Yuck! While it’s bound to happen every once in a while, you may have a bigger problem if it’s occurring with some frequency. If unclogging is becoming a commonplace task, keep reading…
Consider What You’re Flushing
We all know what should be flushed down the toilet – waste and toilet paper. But, often other things are also flushed down which can cause clogs. If you’re experiencing ongoing clogs, consider if any of the following items have been flushed down:
- Paper towels
- Wet wipes
- Dental floss
- Medicine
- Hair
- Facial tissues
- Sanitary products
- Diapers
By keeping these non-flushables out of your toilet, you can avoid many clogs.
It Could Be Mechanical
One of the most common sources of clogged toilets is an improperly working flapper inside the toilet. The flapper needs to open all the way to release sufficient water to enable a proper flush. If the flapper isn’t working correctly, first adjust the chain to make sure it opens completely when flushing.
Grab the Plunger
Another source of clogs can be objects getting stuck in the trap of the toilet. This is the s-shaped portion of the toilet that sits between the toilet and the drain. If this is a possibility, place your plunger over the entire toilet opening and move it up and down. The suction of the plunger may be able to remove anything that is caught in the trap.
Unclog the Drain Line
If it’s not the trap or flusher, the clog may be further down in the drain line. A chemical, lye drain unclogging solution can help remove the clog. Make sure to carefully follow the directions on the product. However, if this doesn’t work, it could be a problem with a connecting drain line. This is a good time to call in a professional to check all your drain lines and identify the source of the problem.
It Might Be Hard Water Build Up
Here in Arizona, our hard water can cause mineral deposits to form on anything – including the inside of your toilet. If there appears to be lime buildup under the rim of your toilet, use a wire hanger to scrape it off. You can also use a mixture of one-part muriatic acid to 10-parts water. Pour this solution down your toilet’s overflow tube. This quick fix can frequently eliminate clogs.
If you can’t figure out the source of your clogged toilet, or you just don’t want to deal with the problem yourself, call the experts at Cool Blew at 623-872-2900 today.
