Tag: clogged

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Diagnosing That Clogged Toilet

How To Find Out Why the Toilet Keeps Clogging

A repeatedly clogged toilet is certainly a pain, but it could be a symptom of a larger problem that must be addressed immediately. This larger symptom is the dreaded sewer line clog. Even if it’s not part of a larger issue, there are things that homeowners can do to prevent clogs from happening in the future. This article will go over three different tips to keep frustrating clogs from happening. Plus, the tips below are good toilet-use tips for any household — even those that don’t (yet) experience clogged toilets. 

Things to NEVER Flush

Hand holding crumpled paper above toilet bowl, illustrating improper flushing practices and common causes of toilet clogs.It’s surprisingly confusing to know what should and shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet. Ask ten people, and you’ll likely get very different answers, especially because certain hygiene products are labeled “flushable” when they should never be flushed. In short, nothing but organic human waste and toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet — nothing else. 

Popular wipes are labeled “flushable,” but this is not a good idea. Even if these wipes don’t cause a drain or sewer line clog (a big if), they can wreak havoc on the municipal waste system. Essentially, they gum up the system and make it much harder for sewage to be disposed of properly. Other things that should never be flushed include toilet paper, tissues, diapers, pads, or tampons. 

Try Less Toilet Paper

Person holding a roll of toilet paper near a bathroom toilet, illustrating proper toilet paper usage and flushable hygiene products.Even though toilet paper is designed to be flushed down the toilet, there is a risk of using too much. This is most often an issue with children who ball up half a roll of toilet paper and use it to wipe once, but there are some life hacks that adults can use, too. 

For children, teach them to fold the toilet paper (as opposed to balling it up or wrapping it around the hand). If the toilet still clogs, homeowners can consider flushing halfway through and once more at the end instead of once. 

Although it might seem like a waste of water at first glance, it’s worth comparing this scenario to how frequently one needs to flush a clogged toilet just to determine if it drains properly. Typically, a minimum of two flushes is necessary, so when everything is considered, this method actually balances out in the end.

Avoid Sewer Line Clogs

Some toilet clogs can be a symptom of a clogged sewer line. Homeowners can tell if this is the cause by observing their other drains. If all the drains or toilets in the house are slow or clogged, then the culprit is likely the sewer pipe. 

If this is the case, the homeowners must call a professional plumbing company to deal with the issue. A plunger or even a drain snake can’t fix a tough sewer line clog, but a professional plumber can. The plumber will use a special camera system to locate the clog. They will likely use hydrojetting to clear the clog from there, provided the pipe isn’t damaged. 

To prevent sewer line clogs, homeowners can ensure that only appropriate material goes down the drain. They can also schedule regular plumbing maintenance checks and drain cleaning to ensure healthy pipes and free-flowing drains.

About Air Works Heating & Air

Air Works Heating & Air has proudly served Raleigh, NC, since 2007! They offer 1-year warranties on parts and labor, no-surprises pricing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every job. Contact them today for sewer line drain cleaning in Raleigh, NC!

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Person's arm using flexible hose and orange pipe for plumbing maintenance near circular drain in bathtub setting.

Three Warning Signs of a Clogged Sewer Line Every Homeowner Should Know

Clear Signs It Is Time for Professional Drain Cleaning

Clogged sewer lines can lead to some pretty nasty issues. If a backup occurs, these issues can affect the home and public health. It’s much better to be aware of the warning signs and take action when a potential drain issue is discovered. Homeowners should be familiar with the warning signs and identify problems quickly to resolve them. Below are three common signs of a sewer line clog. 

1. Strange Gurgling in the Pipes

Elderly man listening intently, illustrating the importance of recognizing gurgling noises in pipes as a sign of potential sewer line clogs.A great early warning sign is when the pipes make gurgling noises. If a homeowner hears gurgling when a faucet is running, or the toilet is flushed, this is a sign of a sewer line clog or obstruction that must be addressed before it worsens. 

Gurgling sounds happen because a blockage is beginning to happen within the sewer line. The movement of the items in the sewer line cannot properly move through, so it forces air through the blockage, which leads to gurgling noises. 

These are some common blockages and obstructions in a sewer line: 

  • Various debris
  • Foreign objects
  • Grease buildup
  • Tree roots
  • Damage to the line
  • Toilet paper and other buildup

When a gurgling sign is heard or noticed, it is best to call a plumber. They can clean the drain with hydrojetting or a drain snake that will help clear the obstruction or blockage and get the sewer line back to normal operations. 

2. Water or Sewage Backing Up

When a sewer line clog is not resolved or noticed, it can lead to a backup in the line. This can happen with water or sewage and should be treated with care. This is an alarming sign, and it should never be ignored. Sewage backup can be very hazardous and should only be handled with the right safety measures. 

When a backup occurs, it is typically caused by a significant blockage, and nothing can move through the line. The line starts to back up at some point because it has nowhere else to go until it is clear. This can happen due to various clogged sewer line issues or tree root intrusion. 

If wastewater is backing up, it is very serious and can cause health risks from contamination. It must be addressed immediately, and a plumber should be called immediately. 

3. Sluggish Drains and Standing Water

Close-up of a drain with water swirling around, illustrating sluggish drainage and potential plumbing issues related to sewer line blockages and standing water.Finally, drains that are sluggish or leave standing water while they drain slowly are another common sign that it’s time to take action. When the drain is slow in any of these areas, there is a problem: 

  • Bathtubs
  • Showers
  • Sinks

Anywhere that water should drain could be affected. If a homeowner notices it draining unusually slowly, this is a great early warning sign to take action before it worsens. This can happen from pipe damage from debris or a partial obstruction. 

About AirWorks Heating & Air

AirWorks Heating & Air is a local company with respectable and highly-trained technicians. They offer flat rate pricing and warranties on parts and services. Call them today for drain cleaning services in Wake Forest, NC. 

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