There are always rumors and myths that surround items you use on a daily basis. For example, people assume that garbage disposal systems are made for all scraps and can handle anything you throw into the unit.
This information is false as these systems are made for minimal amounts of food and must be treated with care. This misinformation is common across the board, no matter the industry, appliance, or item being used.
In fact, these myths and rumors also abound with an important part of your home: your toilet. We’re going to discuss some bad toilet habits that you may not be aware of--keep reading for more information!
Toilet Piping: More Delicate Than You Think
Your toilet is designed to flush human waste, so it must be able to handle all types of garbage, correct?
The answer to this question actually the opposite of correct, as your toilet is really only designed to flush waste and degradable toilet paper. Here are 5 things you should consider about your toilet and its piping before flushing anything else:
- Not a trash can: don’t flush hair from your brush, feminine products, or even baby wipes. Although some of these items may claim to be flushable, they are hard on your pipes and can often cause clogs
- Flushing once: you might believe that flushing once will save water. Failing to flush more than once may allow toilet paper to clog your pipes, which can cause damage and overflow
- Grease: some people may flush old cooking grease down the toilet which can be a major problem. Hot grease will eventually cool and solidify, leaving residue in your pipes and preventing your toilet from flushing completely
- Incorrect tools: it’s tempting to try to solve a clogged toilet problem yourself by using a drain snake or auger. Before doing so, try using a plunger. If the plunger doesn’t do the job, call a plumber instead because you may have a bigger problem
- Ignoring problems: when you flush your toilet, it should make a normal flushing sound--no gurgling or sucking noises. The bowl should fill back up and not overflow. If you are noticing strange noises, smells, or seeing too much or too little water, don’t ignore the issue!
Don’t Damage Your Toilet
Sometimes damage to your toilet is inevitable; it may be old, or there could be a toilet clog that you don’t know about.
However, avoiding the above bad toilet habits will help ensure that your toilet works properly for years to come.
Continually flushing items that aren’t flushable or ignoring clogs can cause damage both to your toilet and the pipes that lead away from your home. Clogged pipes that succumb to water pressure are at risk of bursting if not cared for quickly.
Cost of Repairs
While it is definitely possible to repair a clogged or broken toilet, the best option is to take care of your plumbing so it doesn’t become an issue.
Renting tools and attempting to fix a broken toilet will cost you money and possibly your sanity for the day. Calling a plumber for an emergency repair will also be costly.
The easiest and least expensive option is to maintain your toilet by following good habits and to call a plumber when you begin to notice something is amiss. Even with the best toilet habits, you can still find yourself with a problematic system.
When this is the case, don’t attempt to fix it yourself. Instead, call Dr. Rooter for all of your toilet and plumbing needs! Should you find your toilet continually overflowing or making odd noises, don’t stress! Call Dr. Rooter at 803-398-2090.