Does your toilet get clogged frequently? It’s a messy, unpleasant, inconvenient experience, and you probably would be glad if it never happened again. In order to prevent clogs, you make sure to never flush anything that could be damaging, like food, feminine hygiene products, or trash. But what if the clogs keep forming?
As strange as it sounds, toilet paper may cause your constant clogs. Not all toilet paper is made the same, and some kinds may get stuck in your plumbing. This blog can help you figure out why toilet paper might clog your toilet and what to do about it.
How Can I Stop Clogs?
In order to stop frequent clogs, start by taking easy steps. For example, if your children are using too much toilet paper, try teaching them to count the squares so they don’t take too much. Alternatively, some parents draw a line on the wall under the toilet paper dispenser. The child can pull the toilet paper down, and when it hits the line, they know they have enough.
If you’re worried that your toilet paper is too thick, there is an easy test. All you have to do is put a square of your toilet paper into a toilet. Wait a few minutes, and then go check on it. If the toilet paper is at least partially dissolved, the toilet paper is probably not an issue. However, if it still looks the same as when you put it in, the toilet paper is too thick. Try to get a product that is thinner next time you shop.
If you’re worried about low-flow toilets or about rough pipes, hopefully switching your toilet paper and limiting the amount of paper will be enough to prevent clogs. However, if it isn’t, you’ll need to contact a plumber. A professional will be able to help you decide if your toilet and pipes are doing their jobs correctly and can repair or clean them if they aren’t working.
What About When I’m Away From Home?
Did you know that in many countries, you aren’t supposed to flush the toilet paper? Generally, Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and the US all flush toilet paper, but much of the rest of the world doesn’t-and if you try to do so in those areas, you might clog the pipes. You probably don’t want to cause or deal with a plumbing emergency while on vacation.
If you plan on traveling in an unfamiliar country, make sure to look up how they handle toilet paper before you leave. However, if you are traveling now and you aren’t sure, just check the bathroom. If there is a wastebasket that has toilet paper in it already, you should probably throw the paper away instead of flushing it.
If your toilet keeps clogging just from waste and toilet paper, make sure you are using a small amount of the right kind of toilet paper. However, if you have further problems, contact Albuquerque Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We can help you address the problem and discuss your options.