Jul 28, 2022
It is one of the worst nightmares for homeowners. Once you push down the valve, you notice that the waste does not flush down the drain. The water rises and spills over the toilet bowl, flooding the bathroom. You try to reach out for your declogging tools: the plunger, the drain de-clogger chemical, etc. Once solved, you attempt to wonder what the cause of the clogging is in the first place? What is the best action to avoid this in the future? Today’s article will discuss this in detail, from the overall structure of toilets to the underlying sources of clogs, the efficient methods in getting rid of them, and the ways to avoid having clogs.
Before we delve into the root cause of clogs, we must know about the mechanisms of a water closet or toilet and how it functions to flush down waste. Although it consists of multiple parts, one can best understand them by classifying them based on a toilet’s three primary sections: the tank, the bowl, and the plumbing. You can see these parts in the diagram shown below.
The tank is where the toilet collects and stores water utilized for flushing. At its exterior, the toilet handle connects to the trip lever from the inside. When you push down the handle, the trip lever pulls up a chain that opens up a flap valve, allowing water to rush into the flush valve gasket and flush the waste down the toilet bowl through the P-trap and drain pipes. Afterward, water will refill the tank through a hose that leads right towards a fill valve. A refill tube will also send water into the bowl.
Now that we have laid down a simplified explanation of how toilets work, we have a basis for how they would not function the way they should.
Perhaps the most common of these are objects that could not flush down the drain properly. These can vary from large excrements to disposable items, the latter of which will be our focus. Sometimes, there are things we should dispose of through the trash can instead of the toilet; these include toilet papers, tampons, and baby diapers. What may start as small may collect over time deep within your drain and block the flow of water. Outside of using your typical toilet plunger, you can also utilize a de-clogging chemical such as this one by Mr. Muscle.
That said, prevention is better than cure. Always throw your waste appropriately in the trash, and use the toilet solely for answering the call of nature. Do not dispose of items that claim to be “flushable,” such as flushable wipes.
Sometimes, the clog does not have to come directly from the opening of the toilet bowl and instead be located deep inside the pipes. There are two types of plumbing pipes for toilets: the S-Trap and the P-Trap. You can tell what type of pipes your toilet has by looking at it from the side view. Regardless, they both serve the same purpose of keeping the pungent odors of sewers away from the toilet bowl. Water is denser than air, so when a pipe is filled with water, the odors cannot seep through the plumbing. Removing the clog from there is easier when you possess a toilet auger that will push out the clog deep inside. Otherwise, call your local plumber for assistance.
At times, it may be the toilet itself that is causing issues. Some households adopt low-flow toilets for more sustainable water usage at home. However, they may not be efficient in flushing down waste completely and properly. In addition, most low-flow toilets last about a decade before they need replacing. To keep them in a long term, try using them less frequently or use a more efficient toilet or water closet instead.
Lastly, there are other less common ways a toilet can incur clogging. In fact, it may not even be coming from the toilet itself. The toilet or water closet is just one part of an intricate plumbing system that crisscrosses your home. Therefore, if there are any issues with the system, it may likely affect those connected to it, including your toilet. Obstructions, leaks, and other similar problems may greatly reduce water pressure. As a result, your toilet may not flush out waste as efficiently. If this may be the issue, contact your plumber for more holistic solutions.
These are a few solutions we recommend to get your toilet back in good shape. Remember, your bathroom heralds cleanliness, so ensure that it upholds this by treating the place with utmost and responsible care. You can learn more about maintaining and repairing your plumbing system through our previous entries, from knowing how to unclog your sink to creating a more sustainable and eco-friendly plumbing system
If you are searching for more toilet and plumbing-related supplies, come to AllHome, your one-stop shop for your home-related needs! Shop at your nearest branch or visit www.allhome.com.ph to purchase items online!
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Thanks so much for reading! Until next time!
