A clogged toilet drain is one of the most common plumbing complaints from homeowners. While the occasional clog is nothing to worry about, repeated clogging of your toilet drain could be a sign that your plumbing system needs professional attention.
Learn more about the reasons why a toilet drain might keep clogging so that you will be prepared to address this issue if it arises in the future.
1. A Blockage
The most common cause of a clogged toilet drain is a blockage. These blockages occur when something gets wedged in the drain itself. A number of items could create a blockage in your toilet drain. Wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, or even a child's toy can get flushed down the toilet and caught in the drain pipe.
You may be able to use a plunger to temporarily dislodge the blockage, but it will likely become wedged further down the drain line. A plumber will need to utilize special equipment to eliminate the blockage and get your toilet drain flowing freely once again.
2. Not Enough Water
Your toilet needs an ample amount of water in order to flush things down the drain properly. If there isn't enough water inside the tank, blockages can easily start to form within the drain pipe.
The water in your toilet tank keeps toilet paper and other solid materials moving through the drain pipe. When there isn't enough water, solid materials stop moving through the drain. Eventually, these materials harden and form a blockage that prevents the drain from functioning properly.
A plumber will be able to determine why your toilet isn't allowing enough water to move through the drain. The plumber will then adjust the water levels so that you don't experience a clogged toilet drain in the future.
3. Mineral Buildup
Hard water can be a real problem for some homeowners. If you live in an area with hard water, your water supply contains trace minerals. These minerals aren't dangerous, but they can begin to accumulate on the interior surface of your drain pipes over time.
The minerals left inside your toilet's drain pipe begin to solidify and harden as they are left behind by the water that flushes down the drain. The hard crust formed by hardened minerals can snag materials going down the toilet drain, causing them to form a blockage.
The best way to prevent mineral buildup from clogging your drain is to have a plumber install a water softener system in your home.
Contact a local residential plumber to learn more.
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