The longer you leave a clog, the more opportunities there are for the clog to get worse. The most water-soluble parts of the clog will dissolve, and the rest will fill in the gaps, making the clog worse.
There are several reasons why toilets clog. The more you know about the cause, the more proactive you can be and create a plan to prevent a clog. The following are some reasons why toilets clog:
Flushing Wipes, and Other Non-Flushable Items
A common cause of clogged toilets is flushing objects down the toilet that should not be flushed. Examples of things we should not be flushed include feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, paper products, and cotton balls. Unlike toilet paper, these objects do not dissolve in the water, creating blockages.
It’s essential to understand that the toilet isn’t a garbage receptacle. The toilet isn’t designed to work with these materials, leading to clogs in the toilet or further down the line, creating ongoing issues for the entire plumbing system.
Flushing Paper Towels
Why they seem like they should be flushable, most paper towel products are made to resist tearing, even when completely saturated. Because they are fabricated to be physically resistant, it makes them challenging to break down and difficult to pass through the drain pipe.
Worn Pipes
Due to environmental factors like heavy rain, corrosion, age, drastic temperature shit, or everyday wear and tear, your pipes can crack, break, or become crushed. When your pipes break, your toilet’s drain slows down, and you cannot keep up.
Hard Water
Hard water has high mineral content (in contrast with “soft water”). This type of water can damage your pipes, causing issues with your toilet function. The minerals in hard water can calcify, forming a white substance that is difficult to remove. The substances cause a blockage that waste can’t travel through, leading to a clogged toilet.
Using Too Much Toilet Paper
We usually only need a few squares of toilet tissue for each use. Homeowners often use this toilet paper several times when using the bathroom! While toilet paper is tailored to be flushed down the drain without issue, using too much toilet tissue can lead to recurring toilet clogs. The clogs happen because the tissue does not dissolve quickly enough, so human waste becomes stuck, creating a clog.
Toilet clogs can be stressful and wreak havoc in your home. You don’t have to stress about getting the job done right with Gene Wagner Plumbing, recently ranked as one of the top two plumbers in Southeastern Wisconsin by Milwaukee’s A-List. Contact us or call us at 414-541-9217.
