Knowing that unmentionables can be flushed away with a touch of a lever is its own type of happiness. That feeling that you get when you watch them unexpectedly come back up is not. Avoid the stress and the mess by learning about the five most common causes of clogged toilets.
Flushing Non-Flushables
A toy dropped into the toilet bowl by a curious toddler doesn’t count as a flushable item, so what does? There are only two things that are considered safe to flush: human waste and toilet paper. To help prevent regular clogs, educate family members that flushing the following items will result in the need for a heavy-duty toilet plunger:
- Cotton Balls
- Feminine Products
- Paper Towels
- Baby Wipes
- Tissues
- Q-Tips
- Diapers
It should be noted, however, that some of these products have alternate versions that are toilet friendly — just be sure that the packaging is labeled “safe to flush.”
Older Low-Flow Toilets
Is your toilet under-performing in the bathroom? Low flow toilets were designed in the 80s to save water by decreasing the amount used per flush by over half. Unfortunately, it only resulted in frustrated bathroom goers having to flush multiple times. Early generation low-flow toilets are notorious cloggers because of their low flushing power. Modern toilets are environmentally friendly and efficient, so you can prevent future clogs by simply upgrading your toilet.
Clogged Toilet Trap
That S-shaped curve under the bowl isn’t just for looks. A toilet trap is a curving channel that leads from the hole at the bottom of the bowl to the piping systems. The water inside the toilet trap prevents smelly sewer gases from coming up from the toilet’s pipes and into your home. The downside of this feature is that its shape also causes it to clog easily. Some rigorous plunging will usually fix the problem, but you can easily avoid this by using less toilet paper.
Blocked Toilet Vent
A modern feature on most toilets is a roof vent. Toilet vents funnel fresh air into the plumbing system, boosting the flushing pressure. They can also become a prime nesting site for birds and squirrels. A buildup of twigs and leaves will cause a blockage of airflow and decrease pressure in your plumbing system. If you suspect that your toilet vents have become a wildlife refuge, it’s time to hire a professional to clear them.
Clogged Sewer Line
If all of your plumbing seems to be going on strike, there’s a good chance there is a sewer line problem. Tree roots, debris, and non-flushable items can build into a mega clog, and no amount of plunging will fix it. Don’t be a hero; call a professional plumber to remove the blockage.
Power Up Your Plunging with a Johnny Jolter
This is not your father’s plunger. The Johnny Jolter is a syringe-type device that delivers a clog-shattering 140 psi of water pressure, making it easy to unclog your toilet fast. Water is drawn up and blasted out directly into the trap of the toilet, clearing out any nasty buildup inside. All Johnny Jolters are 100% made in the USA by disabled veterans and arrive conveniently pre-assembled on your doorstep with a 2-year warranty.
Learn more about Johnny Jolter and how to live your best clog-free life!
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