Why Won’t My Toilet Stop Clogging in Wilmington?

There are many reasons that your toilet can clog. Some are easily fixed, while others will require a plumber’s help. Fortunately, there are also ways to prevent clogs before they happen in the first place.

One of the most common reasons why a clogged toilet in Wilmington is because of items that are flushed down the drain that shouldn’t be. These may include things like toys, trash, and toothbrushes. It’s important to teach your children the proper way to use a toilet and make sure that they understand the importance of keeping these items out of the bathroom.

Other items that can lead to a clog in your toilet are disposable wipes, baby wipes, and feminine products. Although these items might seem harmless and “flushable” on the label, they don’t break down in the sewer lines as quickly as manufacturers claim. Instead, they get trapped in the drain and clog the pipes, leading to a frustrating situation where you can’t get your toilet to flush properly.

• The Trap

Your toilet has a trap, similar to the P-trap in your sink, that sits between the drain line and the bowl to catch objects that could otherwise become clogged. This trap is often the reason that your toilet will clog – it has a tendency to catch items that are too large or too large and heavy for the rest of the plumbing system.

The toilet trap is designed to keep things from causing a serious clog that can cause sewer gases to rise out of the toilet and septic tank. It’s not uncommon for objects to end up in the trap and clog the drain line, so using a plunger to loosen any debris in this area can help move the blockage along.

Chemicals can help unclog a drain, but they are not always effective and sometimes even worsen the clog. If you don’t know what kind of chemicals are safe to use, consult a plumber for guidance before attempting to unclog your toilet yourself.

• Hard Water

Hard water can calcify in your pipes, forming a substance that can narrow the gap that waste and water pass through. This can lead to clogs in your toilet and other plumbing fixtures as well as in showers, bathtubs, and other household sinks.

• Excessive Toilet Paper Use

If you use too much toilet paper, it can cause a clog because the tissue doesn’t break down and dissolve properly in the water. This can be prevented by changing the type of toilet paper you use or using a small amount at a time.

Increasing the thickness of the tissue you use can also reduce clogs. Try folding a sheet of toilet paper to build thickness rather than balling it up when you use it.

Toothbrushes, hair, and other foreign materials can also clog your toilet if they’re flushed down the drain. Using an auger to dislodge these materials can clear them from your drains, but it might be a good idea to have a plumber clean your plumbing pipes to make sure that no other clogs have formed in the system.

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