The water in the bowl starts rising and you frantically jiggle the handle… no, no, NO! And then water, toilet paper, and lots of brown stuff start coming over the sides of the toilet. You grab the plunger and frantically stab, but alas, it’s too little, too late.
We’ve all been there.
Clogging the toilet is unpleasant for obvious reasons, but did you know it can also take a toll on your septic system? By taking care of your toilet, you’re taking care of your pipes, your septic tank, and your overall system. This can prevent long-term problems from developing and save you money in repairs.
7 Ways to Prevent Toilet Clogs
Employ the following tips to protect your septic pipes and system.
1. Clean your toilet regularly.
Use a gentle, cleansing wash to keep your toilet bowl and water clean. The cleaner will help break down bad bacteria and prevent unwelcome buildup in the pipes.
2. Fix small problems immediately.
If your toilet is running, leaking, or making weird noises, do not ignore it! Chances are high that there is a problem somewhere within the system. Ignoring these small problems can lead to bigger problems, and before you know it, your toilet is overflowing or not flushing at all.
3. Don’t use harsh chemicals.
Harsh chemicals and cleaners can do more harm than good inside your pipes. They will often break down good bacteria that are necessary to the wastewater treatment process. If you aren’t sure what cleaners will work well with your pipes, check with a licensed septic system professional.
4. Flush what needs to be flushed and nothing else.
You’ve heard it before, but it’s still true – paper towels, baby wipes, and feminine products belong in the trash can, not the toilet. If you send anything but toilet paper down your pipes, chances are good that your pipes will clog and your toilet will overflow. Save yourself a headache and use the garbage can.
5. Don’t be afraid to flush more than once.
We know that there’s nothing worse than using the bathroom at someone else’s house and having to flush twice (unless it’s clogging the toilet). After all, the whole world hears it and knows what you’re up to. Just remember that there are two options – flushing twice, or clogging someone else’s toilet. We know what we would choose!
6. Perform routine maintenance every 6 months.
One of the most important things you can do to protect your septic system and pipes is to schedule a system tune-up once or twice a year. A licensed professional will inspect the tank and pipes and catch any problems before they have time to develop. It saves you both money and a mess!
7. Call a plumber when necessary.
If you need a plumber, call a plumber. Trust us, it’s always better to make the call than to let the problem grow.
Summing it All Up
To recap, you can avoid clogged toilets and help your septic system by doing the following things:
- Schedule an annual tune-up by a professional.
- Stay aware and attentive.
- Make small repairs before they become big repairs.
- Don’t be afraid to use a mid-session flush.
Norway Septic Inc. is a service-oriented company dedicated to providing excellent septic tank cleaning and septic tank pumping services to homeowners and business owners in the Michiana area. We take pride in doing the job that others leave behind. If you have further questions or if you would like to schedule a system inspection by one of our professionals, call us today.
