Have you been struggling with a stubborn, clogged toilet that won’t cooperate? Is the water rising instead of going down? While many homeowners look for the plunger as their first action towards a clogged toilet, sometimes such issues require professional intervention. Knowing when to call a plumber for a clogged toilet can save you time and money and the headache of dealing with potential water damage or sewage backups in your home.
Clogged Toilets
A clogged toilet is more than an inconvenience. It can be a sign of more serious plumbing problems taking up beneath the surface. Most clogs happen when something obstructs the trap, and the curved section of the toilet drain is in place to create a water seal. Excessive toilet paper, non-flushable products, or mineral buildup constricting the passageway over time are typically responsible for clogged toilets. While a few clogs are easy to repair, others can suggest issues with the main sewer line of your house or even root intrusion in exterior plumbing lines. Knowing the distinction between an easy clog and a more severe problem is important to decide if you require expert assistance.
7 Signs It’s Time to Call a Plumber
While easy clogs can be solved through plunging, severe clogged toilets require professional assistance. Following are the signs when it’s time to call a professional instead of solving the issue at home,
1. Ineffective Plunging
You’ve plunged repeatedly, but the water level won’t budge. If your trusty plunger won’t unclog the clog after multiple tries, it’s evident that it is out of your hands. Professional plumbers possess the proper equipment, such as motorized augers, that can reach further into the plumbing system to unclog tough clogs that a regular plunger cannot. If you’ve tried your best and it didn’t work, it’s time to bring in the professionals.
2. Recurring Clogs
Does your toilet clog every few days, even with your best efforts? Regular clogs mean there is a recurring problem that temporary solutions won’t solve. This cycle points to an issue in your plumbing system, perhaps in the main sewer line or vent stack. A professional plumber can come in and scan your entire system to determine the cause of these repeated blockages and put a permanent solution in place, avoiding the annoyance of constantly having to address the same clogging issue.
3. Multiple Fixture Backups
When your toilet flush brings water into your shower, sink, or bathtub, you face a major plumbing problem. Such cross-contamination signals a main sewer line clog, not an individual toilet issue. A professional should address such a situation immediately since it will result in unhygienic conditions for all the rooms in your home. A plumber will be able to find the location of the main line clog and unclog it so that your bathroom facilities work the way they should.
4. Unusual Noises
Gurgling noises from your toilet or other drains when you flush are frustrating and warning signs. These sounds usually mean trapped air in your plumbing system due to a partial blockage. When water and air attempt to find their way around the blockage, they produce those characteristic gurgling noises. An experienced plumber will be able to pinpoint the exact location of the obstruction and remove it before it becomes a full clog that may cause overflows or backups.
5. Sewage Odors
Unpleasant odors from your bathroom are never healthy and usually signify a major issue. Bad odors usually signify a parched P-trap, a broken seal, or a clog letting sewer gases escape into your home. These gases aren’t only stinky but can be dangerous to your health. Your plumber can quickly determine where the smell is coming from and correct the root problem so that your bathroom smells fresh again and your home is safe.
6. Visible Cracks and Leaks
Standing water near the base of your toilet or observable cracks in the porcelain are signs of pressure-related damage from a clog. If not taken care of, these can cause water damage to your subflooring and flooring. A professional plumber can evaluate the damage, clear any clogs creating unnecessary pressure, and replace or fix damaged parts. They will ensure your toilet works well and not secretly damage your home’s structure.
7. Ineffective DIY Solutions
If plunging, a toilet auger, and even chemical drain cleaners have failed you, it’s time to involve a professional. Repeated use of aggressive chemicals can even harm your pipes, making matters worse. Professional plumbers can also access specialized equipment and methods that will clear even the toughest clogs without harming your plumbing system. They can identify and solve the underlying cause of the clog rather than just temporarily masking the symptom.
When to Call a Plumber for Other Toilet Issues
Though clogs are the most frequent toilet issue, other issues also need professional plumber. A running toilet wastes water and can be a major drain on utility bills. Rocking or wobbling toilets, when flushed, could have a cracked flange or wax ring, which can cause leaks and damage to the floor. Slow tanks usually mean fill valve or water supply line issues. Tank or bowl cracks cause leaks and water damage. A qualified plumber can diagnose and fix these problems, assuring your toilet operates efficiently and safely for the next few years.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
Regular Cleaning and Inspection
Keep your toilet clean by regularly cleaning it with proper products and checking visible parts for wear or damage. Check the flush mechanism, looking for rusty parts or worn-out flappers. Cleaning regularly keeps buildup at bay, which could lead to clogs, and regular checks may detect minor issues before they develop into significant problems that cost money to fix.
Watch What You Flush
Flush only toilet paper and human waste. Do not flush “flushable” wipes (which are not flushable), feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, dental floss, or paper towels. These products don’t dissolve like toilet paper and can easily lead to clogs in your plumbing system. Place a small trash can in your bathroom for these non-flushable items to prevent clogs from ever happening.
Schedule Annual Maintenance
Flush only toilet paper and human waste. Do not flush “flushable” wipes (which are not flushable), feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, dental floss, or paper towels. These products don’t dissolve like toilet paper and can easily lead to clogs in your plumbing system. Place a small trash can in your bathroom for these non-flushable items to prevent clogs from ever happening.
Trust Berks Plumbing Specialist for Your Toilet Troubles
When you notice signs of a clogged toilet, don’t wait until you face a plumbing crisis. Berks Plumbing Specialist has been helping Pennsylvania homeowners for years with trusted, professional service for all plumbing and toilet problems. Our skilled technicians have the newest tools and techniques to diagnose and repair even tenacious clogs. We know that fully functioning bathrooms are essential to your daily routines, so we provide quick, quality solutions to restore your plumbing. Contact us today at +1-484-332-3573 for fast, professional assistance with your clogged toilet or other plumbing issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost inexplicable clogs might be caused by a clog hidden deeper in the pipe, mineral deposits constricting the passage, or problems with the main sewer line.
For a permanent solution, have a professional plumber examine your entire plumbing system to determine and repair the source of repeated clogs, which might include cleaning or replacing pipe parts.
Put the auger into the toilet with the curved end down, then turn the handle clockwise while pushing it slowly into the drain until resistance is met, then crank to loosen the clog.
Your slow-draining toilet might be caused by low water pressure, ventilation problems, or partial blockage. All of these must be tackled by a professional before they develop into complete clogs.
