Solving Toilet Backup Troubles: A Step-by-Step Guide

What are some of the main causes of toilet backups?

Toilet backups can be a nuisance and potentially damaging if left unchecked. Hazardous raw sewage from backed-up plumbing systems can cause costly damages and health hazards.

Two of the main causes of toilet backups are blockages due to old plumbing pipes occurring over time, as well as improper disposal of large amounts of foreign materials such as paper towels, sanitary products, diapers, and other non-flushable objects.

These blockages prevent wastewater from exiting properly, causing a backup in your plumbing system. To avoid these plumbing emergencies altogether, it is important to periodically update the plumbing system with quality supplies and to fix any quickly clogging problems immediately.

What are the steps to solving a toilet being backed up?

1. Identify the problem: Inspect the blockage or obstruction and determine what is causing the issue. This can be done by inspecting visible pipes, checking for clogs in drains, or using an auger to reach deeper plumbing lines. You may also need to shut the water off at the main valve if there is a large amount of water coming from the toilet.

2. Clear the pipe: POnce you have identified the cause of your toilet backup, you can take action. You can use a plunger to flush out any debris or try using a drain snake to remove clogs from the plumbing pipes.

To plunge the toilet, make sure you have an airtight seal on the toilet bowl, and then work the plunger up and down vigorously. Be sure not to use too much force as this can cause damage.

For stubborn clogs, a drain snake may be necessary. Feed the snake through the access point in your plumbing pipe until it reaches the clog. Once you have it in position, twist and pull the snake to remove the obstruction.

Once you have cleared the clog or blockage, run a few gallons of water through the toilet to make sure that everything is functioning properly. If not, consider repeating steps 1 and 2 until all debris has been removed.

3. Drain cleaning: If your blockage is more severe, you may need to use an enzymatic drain cleaner to break apart organic matter and other debris that cannot be removed with a plunger or drain snake.

Pour the drain cleaning product down the toilet drain or into the overflow pipe and leave it to sit overnight. Make sure you wear protective gloves, as some chemicals can be dangerous and cause skin irritation. Follow all manufacturer’s instructions carefully and use the correct dosage for your specific problem.

4. Repair pipes: If the blockage persists after these steps, it may be time to repair or replace broken pipes and other plumbing equipment. If the issue is due to old and worn-out plumbing pipes, you may need to replace some parts to get your toilet running smoothly again. In some cases, you can make minor repairs yourself, but in more serious cases, you will need the help of licensed plumbing services.

5.  Professional assistance: If the issue is more complex and you are unable to find a solution on your own, it may be time to call professional plumbing services. They will be able to assess the situation, make any necessary repairs, and suggest long-term solutions to ensure that your toilet runs smoothly in the future.

By following these steps, you can easily diagnose and fix most toilet backups. With the right tools, supplies, and knowledge, you can tackle any plumbing issue quickly and efficiently. Just remember to take preventative measures such as regularly checking your pipes for signs of clogs or deterioration so that you can have a well-functioning toilet at all times. Don't hesitate to ask for help and reach out to a professional.

Finding plumbing services in Leander, Texas to call upon for help with your backed-up toilet is easy. Salty Dog Plumbing is a locally-owned plumbing service company in Leander, Texas, and we provide an array of services to help you get your toilet working properly. If your toilet needs any additional work beyond unclogging, we can provide that too. We do toilet replacements and repairs. Contact us today for a free consultation and get the information and plumbing services you need to get rid of any backing up your toilet may be doing. We will do the dirty work so you don't have to!