3 Reasons that cause toilet blockage

1. Someone Tried to Flush Non-Flushable Items

Your toilet is designed to only dispose of certain materials. Toilet tissue, for example, is designed to quickly dissolve in water, so it rarely causes a problem. But disposable tissues (Kleenex) or paper towels are not meant to be flushed down a toilet. Flushing other items, such as Q-Tips, cotton balls, wet wipes, and dental floss can restrict drainage and cause constant backups in the toilet. Speak with your family members about what’s safe to flush and what isn’t. If you have younger children, keep a list of non-flushable items close to your toilet. It’s also a good idea to keep a large trash can in your bathroom. This will make disposing of non-flushable items easier.

Your trap is a curved segment of the porcelain fixture that is built into the lower bowl unit of your toilet. It is designed to hold standing water and keep sewer gases from entering your home. Toilet paper, paper towels and a variety of non-flushable items can clog the trap and cause a backed-up toilet. More than one toilet has become clogged when a pocket comb became lodged in the internal trap. A few minutes with a plunger should loosen any blockage and remove the clog. More stubborn clogs can be cleared with a toilet auger. Limiting toilet paper use and keeping non-flushable items out of your toilet should keep the toilet trap clear.

Modern toilets, as well as other plumbing fixtures, use roof vents to funnel fresh air into the plumbing system and prevent air-pressure vacuums that can hinder drain flow. Over time, these vents can become clogged with leaves, sticks, and animal nests. A blocked toilet vent will reduce the drain flow and can cause regular clogs. It’s best to hire a pro to clear your vents, since blockage can be hard to spot and will require special tools to remove.

3 Reasons that cause toilet blockage