The late night “Oh no!” that accompanies the discovery the toilet won’t flush is a staple of comedy shows – but what’s really responsible for toilet clogs? The answers might surprise you. We went to a top Manhattan plumber to get the real truth about what does – and doesn’t – cause clogged drains.
Blame the Trees
We thought we’d start with the least likely but most serious cause of toilet clogs: tree root penetration into the septic drain. Any botanist will tell you the reason trees have roots is to seek out moisture and nutrients from the soil. Guess what’s full of moisture and nutrients? That would be the typical sewer drain pipe that connects your home to the city’s waste water system. It is not unheard of for tree roots to penetrate your sewer lines and contribute to chronically clogged toilets. Luckily, your Manhattan plumber can detect this issue for you with the use of video equipment.
The Most Common Causes of Clogged Toilets
The most common causes of clogged toilets are items that people flush down the toilet. Some of the biggest culprits: baby diapers, feminine hygiene products, and ‘flushable’ wipes. Other items that find their way into toilet drain pipes and cause clogs include wash cloths, hand towels, underwear, stuffed animals, children’s toys, remote controls, cell phones, keys and more.
Can items be retrieved from the drain after being flushed away? We understand that sometimes items get flushed inadvertently and that the owner might really, really want them back. However, the majority of the time once an item has made it into the drain pipe, it is not going to be in a state that you can use it safely once again.
What’s the best way to get rid of a toilet clog? Sometimes, if a clog isn’t severe, it can be removed through the use of a typical household plunger. If that isn’t doing the trick, your next best step is to call in a Manhattan plumber. They have the equipment to quickly and completely clear the clog so your bathroom will function properly once again.
The best Manhattan plumbers are prompt, professional, and friendly. They will deal with your clogged toilet without making a mess. 24 hour emergency service is available!
