It happens to everyone.
Whether you live alone or share a bathroom with others, you probably have experienced the frustration of trying to flush a toilet without success.
In most cases, the problem isn’t caused by an actual blockage. Instead, it’s usually due to a buildup of hair, soap scum, or other debris that has built up inside the bowl.
So, what causes these problems? And how can you prevent them?
Let’s find out…
What Causes Clogs?
There are several things that can cause clogs. Some of these include:
Hair
Hair is one of the main culprits behind toilet clogs. If you don’t regularly clean your toilet, you may notice that the water level drops quickly after flushing. This is because hair builds up in the trap area of the tank.
This hair eventually gets caught in the mechanism of the tank and prevents water from flowing properly. As a result, the water level in the tank decreases rapidly.
Soap Scum
Soap scum is another common cause of toilet clogs. If your toilet doesn’t have a shower head, you may notice that water flows down the sides of the bowl instead of going straight down.
This is because soap scum collects on the walls of the bowl. Over time, the soap scum becomes thick and heavy. Eventually, it falls into the trap area of the toilet and blocks the flow of water.
Food Debris
Food debris is another common source of toilet clogs. Leftover food particles can collect in the trap area of your toilet. These particles eventually become too big to pass through the trap and fall into the bowl.
Paper Products
Paper products such as tissues, napkins, and paper towels can also cause clogs. They often stick together and form a mass that eventually gets stuck in the trap area of a toilet.
Other Materials
Other materials such as toys, clothing, shoes, and other items can also cause clogs in toilets. These objects can easily get trapped in the trap area of toilets.
6 Tips to Prevent Clogs?
Toilet clogs are annoying, especially when they happen unexpectedly. However, there are steps you can take to avoid them.
1
Remember to empty the toilet bowl completely every time you go to the restroom. Make sure you remove any leftover food particles, tissue, or other material that may have been collected in the trap area.
2
Make sure you wipe the rim of the toilet bowl thoroughly after using it. Wiping the rim helps ensure that no residue remains in the trap area. This reduces the chances of clogging occurring.
3
Replace the toilet brush frequently. Most brushes come with replacement parts. If yours stops working, simply buy a new one.
4
Change the filter in your toilet once a month. Filters should be changed every three months.
5
Clean the toilet seat and lid regularly. Cleaning these areas helps prevent bacteria growth. Bacteria can lead to odor issues and cause clogs.
6
Finally, make sure you turn off the power supply to your toilet whenever you leave the house. Leaving the power on allows moisture to remain in the pipes. Moisture can cause rust and corrosion, which leads to leaks and clogs.
Conclusion
Clogs are frustrating, especially when they occur unexpectedly. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to prevent them.
Remember to empty the toilet bowl each time you use it. Also, make sure you wipe down the rim of the toilet after using it. Finally, make sure you clean your toilet regularly.
