No one likes handling a clogged toilet, right? At Brackett Heating, Air & Plumbing, we’ve been serving Evansville, IN, and the surrounding areas since 1949. We are a family-owned company known for our integrity, honesty, and excellent service. Our professionally trained plumbers and support staff are here to help you with all your plumbing needs.
Let’s dive into some easy steps you can take to keep your toilet running smoothly.
What Causes a Clogged Toilet?
Before we get into the tips, let’s understand what causes a clogged toilet. The main reasons are:
- Flushing the Wrong Items: Toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper only. Flushing items like wipes, diapers, or paper towels can cause clogs.
- Too Much Toilet Paper: Using too much toilet paper at once can block the pipes.
- Hard Water: In some areas, hard water can lead to mineral build-up in pipes, which can eventually cause clogs.
Tips for Preventing a Clogged Toilet
Now that we know what causes clogs, let’s look at how to prevent them. Here are some easy tips:
Only Flush the Right Things
The most important thing to remember is only to flush human waste and toilet paper. Avoid flushing these items:
- Wipes (even if they say flushable)
- Paper towels
- Feminine hygiene products
- Cotton balls or swabs
- Dental floss
- Diapers
Use the Right Amount of Toilet Paper
Using too much toilet paper at once can clog your toilet. Here’s what you can do:
- Use a reasonable amount of toilet paper.
- If you need to use more, flush a few times during use instead of all at once.
Keep an Eye on Water Level
A toilet should have a steady water level in the tank and bowl. If the water level is too low or too high, it could lead to problems. Here’s how you can keep an eye on it:
- Regularly check the water level in the tank.
- Make sure the fill valve is working correctly.
- Adjust the float if needed to maintain the proper water level.
Take Care of Your Pipes
To help plumbing pipes last a long time, be sure to use cleansers that won’t deteriorate pipes over time. Another great tip is to avoid clog-dissolving products. These may sound like an easy and affordable solution to eliminating clogs. However, a common outcome is the clog mixes with the liquid or granules and solidifies, causing even bigger and more expensive challenges.
Educate Your Family
It’s essential to educate everyone in your household about what can and cannot be flushed. Explain the reasons behind it and how it helps keep the plumbing in good shape. You can even put a reminder sign near the toilet.
What to Do If You Have a Clogged Toilet
Despite your best efforts, sometimes clogs happen. Here’s what you can do if you have a clogged toilet:
Use a Plunger
A plunger is a handy tool to have in your bathroom. Here’s how to use it:
- Place the plunger over the toilet drain.
- Push down gently to create a seal.
- Pump the plunger up and down a few times.
- Remove the plunger and see if the water drains.
Try a Toilet Auger
If the plunger doesn’t work, a toilet auger might help. Here’s how to use it:
- Insert the auger into the toilet drain.
- Turn the handle to push the auger through the clog.
- Once it reaches the clog, twist and push to break it up.
- Remove the auger and flush the toilet.
Call a Professional
If you can’t fix the clog yourself, it’s time to call a professional. At Brackett Heating, Air & Plumbing, we have the expertise to handle any plumbing issue, including clogged toilets. Our plumbers are trained to provide the best service possible.
Plumbing Professionals in Evansville, IN
Preventing a clogged toilet is all about good habits and taking care of your pipes. By following these simple tips, you can keep your toilet in top shape and avoid the hassle of inconvenient clogs.
Remember, if you ever need help, Brackett Heating, Air & Plumbing is here for you. We’ve been serving the Evansville community with integrity and honesty since 1949. Our team of professionally trained plumbers is ready to help you with all your plumbing needs. Stay safe and keep those toilets clog-free!
Call Brackett today to schedule your plumbing repair or drain cleaning appointment.
