The most frequently used fixture in a home is the toilet. A clogged bathroom can lead to frustration for the family and messy cleanup. Clearly understanding why your fixture is backing up is the first step to preventing a bathroom clog. A plunger is always handy. However, prevention is best when you are proactive.
Low-Flow Toilets
Many older low-flow toilets are not as powerful as they should be, and can cause persistent clogs. Look at the stamp date on your toilet. If your toilet was manufactured before the mid-1990s you will have a first-generation low flow toilet. Do not replace your fixture if it is older than the mid-1990s. Clogs can be quickly reduced by limiting your toilet paper use and avoiding clog-prone products.
Non-flushable Items
It’s easy to forget what’s being flushed down the drain in busy families or with children. It’s hard to ignore the fact that there are so many things going on in your home. To dispose of certain materials, your toilet was created. Flushing foreign objects like wet wipes and floss, as well as cotton balls and feminine hygiene products can cause backups and restrict drainage. Talk to your family about how to prevent flushing these items.
The Clogged Trap
The trap for a toilet is the curving pipe that lies just below the fixture. Its purpose is to stop sewer gases from entering your home via the pipes. Toilet paper, paper towels, or other non-flushable items can build up over time and block the trap. A plunger can be used to loosen the blockage. However, it is best to limit toilet paper and other difficult-to-flush materials.