How to React to a Backed-Up Toilet

Stopping and Preventing Backed-Up Toilets 

Every homeowner knows that plenty of things can go wrong in a home. Each potential problem carries the financial stress of paying for repairs and the stress of dealing with the problem. One of the more stressful and frustrating problems that every homeowner will have to deal with at some point is that of a clogged toilet. 

Clogged and backed-up toilets are one of the most common and disgusting plumbing problems. This article is a quick guide from local experts to help homeowners understand the causes of backed-up toilets, solutions to the problem, and strategies to avoid clogged toilets in the first place.  

What Causes Chronic Toilet Backups? 

The first step in dealing with any problem is understanding it. Knowing why a toilet backs up is a great way to start the process of troubleshooting and fixing the problem. The underlying causes contributing to backed-up toilets vary, but almost all revolve around the sewer line. 

Every toilet in the home is connected to the same sewer line. When sewer lines are compromised, it can cause every toilet in the house to show signs of trouble. Some of the things that will cause a clogged sewer line are: 

• Tree root infiltration
• Crushed sewer pipes
• Pipe misalignment due to shifting soils
• Dirty pipe walls from bad drain habits
• Foreign objects that shouldn’t have ended up in the sewer line 

Anything that slows or obstructs flow in the sewer line will contribute to a clog. Make every effort to learn and observe good drain habits in the future. Luckily, for now, there are solutions for clogged toilets to help homeowners get out of a bind. 

Solutions for Chronic Toilet Clogs 

Fixing a backed-up toilet depends on the underlying cause of the clog. However, most plumbers will start treating the problem by simply attacking the clog. 

Often, they will start by plunging into the toilet. If the problem is more severe or recurring, they will likely use a drain auger or hydrojetting to remove the clog or tree roots from the sewer line. 

In many cases, the damage is caused by shifting soils or compromised pipe materials. In those cases, sewer line repairs will proceed with traditional sewer line repair methods or trenchless pipe repair methods. 

By repairing or replacing the damaged portion of the sewer line, the problem is dealt with permanently. 

Preventing the Underlying Causes of Backed-Up Toilets 

Once the problem is dealt with, everyone in the family needs to start protecting their drains more effectively. There are several things each person in the family can do to make sure their sewer lines stay clean enough to prevent backed-up toilets. 

Some of the best ideas are: 

• Discard food waste into the trash, especially grease
• Only rely on the garbage disposal for incidental food waste going down the drain
• Provide trash cans in each bathroom for wipes and hygiene products 
• Keep trees and landscaping away from the path of underground piping 
• Schedule routine sewer video inspection or hydrojetting 
• Install hair catchers in showers and tubs 

About West Plumbing LLC

West Plumbing LLC handles backed-up toilets using the latest methods. They offer their services with upfront pricing. Call today for on-time plumbing service in Chandler, AZ. 

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