Every homeowner must turn to a plunger now and then to fix a slight toilet clog. It is really just the nature of the beast when you think about the purpose of a toilet. But if you are continually trying to plunge and clear your toilet so that it flushed correctly, there is a bigger problem lurking beyond the bowl. But some of these problems might come as a big surprise to you.
Common Reasons For Toilet Clogs
OLD AGE
Everything in your home wears out. And that applied to your home’s toilets as much as anything. Think of the number of flushes over the years. You will understand that the solution to your constant plunging problem could be as simple as installing a new toilet. And a significant bonus for you, other than no more clogs, is that more modern toilet fixtures use far less water per flush. But they do the job even better than your old toilet did when using twice as much water.
FILL VALVE ISSUES
It could be that just this one part of your toilet is no longer functioning correctly. The fill valve is located inside the toilet tank and is responsible for making sure that the tank refills. If the fill valve is not working correctly, there is not enough water for a proper flush. This leads to repeated clogs and more annoying plunging. Most fill valves can be easily replaced after a small investment at the local hardware or big box store.
PIPE BLOCKAGES
The small clog you are repeatedly struggling to clear from your toilet could result from a more massive clog in your drain line. These types of serious clogs are most often the result of flushing something that is not meant to go into a drain pipe. It could be a feminine hygiene product, a piece of paper other than toilet paper, or even a small toy. But the issue has occurred because the debris is now lodged in the drain pipe. And it is causing a clog that does not allow your toilet to flush away waste correctly. These types of clogs are best addressed by a plumber and a professional drain cleaning. Never try to clear a clog with caustic chemicals that claim to remove clogs quickly. They are more likely to destroy your drain pipes and leave you with a far bigger problem.
SEWER LINE ISSUES
Every home has only one sewer line. It is the pipe that connects all of your home’s drain pipes to the city sewer system. And if that pipe is damaged or clogged, none of your drains or toilets will function properly. Invasive tree roots in your yard can damage your home’s sewer line, the soil’s movement due to freezing and thawing could be the culprit, or the pipe could have become old and brittle. But the only way to know for sure is to call your trusted plumber for a sewer line inspection.
PLUMBING VENT ISSUES
All plumbing systems have a vent that allows the pipes to maintain proper pressure and also to vent away nasty gas. Think of turning a water bottle upside down. The water will not flow out smoothly because air cannot replace the water inside the bottle. But if you tip the bottle halfway over, the water can easily flow out of the bottle while the air takes its place inside the bottle. Your drains also need that air vent to flow correctly. If the vent pipe on your roof becomes blocked or damaged, then the waste will no flow through your home’s drain correctly. That pressure imbalance could be causing your toilet to flush erratically or not at all in some cases.
When you are reaching for the plunger every time you reach for the toilet paper, there is something wrong with your home’s plumbing. And the only way to be sure of the issue and have it corrected properly is to call (214) 388-4525. The licensed plumbers at Metroplex Leak & Line will arrive promptly and quickly get to the bottom of the issue. Then they will provide you with cost-effective professional solutions to your toilet flushing woes.
