Kelowna Plumbing Services: The Dangers Of A Clogged Toilet

Many home maintenance issues can be stressful, but a clogged toilet can also be a health risk. Whether you have a toilet that continues to be clogged or a serious clog you can’t handle on your own, find out why it’s important to request professional plumbing services in Kelowna.

How Clogs Happen

A clog occurs when a sewer line becomes blocked. This is much more common in toilet and sink drain pipes, but can occur anywhere in your home. A partial blockage creates a slow drain, while a full blockage prevents any liquid from going down the drain.

In the case of a toilet, clogs typically occur when you attempt to flush items that aren’t safe to flush or flush too much at once. Here are some items that often cause clogs when flushed down a toilet:

• Dental floss
• Hair
• Flushable wipes
• Food products, particularly ones that swell or are greasy

These items can build up in your toilet trap or get caught on the edges of the pipe. Over time, they make it more difficult for liquids and solids to pass through the sewer line. A professional plumber can clear away all these items, but it’s far more convenient to try to avoid creating a blockage in the first place.

Common Signs of a Clogged Toilet

One of the most obvious signs that you have a clog is that your toilet won’t drain. If you flush and all the water remains in the bowl, then it’s a sure sign you need to clear a clog.

There are other signs that you have a clog starting to form. The two most common are a slow-draining toilet and gurgling sounds when you flush. Treat these signs seriously to avoid accidentally over-filling your toilet bowl.

A clog can occur almost anywhere in your sewer line. The most common spot is in the toilet trap, but hair and flushable wipes can block the line further down. If you notice other drains in your home are moving slowly, then a professional plumber may need to clear a clog further down your main sewer line.

How To Prevent Your Toilet Being Clogged

Keep your toilet free from clogs by avoiding putting anything in it that isn’t recommended to be flushed. These items can easily stick in pipe bends and snag on edges, so flushing food or flushable wipes even once could lead to a clog.

Consider how much toilet paper you’re using. Attempting to flush large amounts of toilet paper at one time can also create a clog, so consider using less or flushing twice to avoid this issue.

If your toilet is leaking around the base or clogs even with careful use, there may be an issue with your sewer line. Ask a licensed plumber to inspect your sewer system for signs of an issue.

Dangers of a Clog

A clogged toilet isn’t just an inconvenient or embarrassing situation. Clogs increase the risk of an overflowing toilet, which can cause damage to your home and affect your health.

The contents of your toilet and sewer line are far from sanitary. Once these contents come out of your toilet and are exposed to air, they create foul odours and health concerns. The contents of your toilet can spread diseases if not cleaned properly, so be sure to work with a local plumber to avoid this unpleasant situation.

Request Professional Plumbing Services in Kelowna

From a minor clog to an overflowing toilet, turn to a locally licensed plumbing team in Kelowna. Contact us today to request an estimate for a thorough inspection and effective clog removal service call. A single call to Handyman Connection can eliminate your clog concerns and keep your toilet flushing safely.