Clogged Toilet: When Should You Call a Plumber to Fix?

As a homeowner, you never want to encounter a clogged toilet. It is a frustrating and embarrassing situation that can bring your daily routine to a standstill. While some clogs can be solved with a plunger and a bit of elbow grease, others require the attention of a plumbing professional.

So, how do you know when it's time to call a plumber for a clogged toilet? In this blog post, we will delve into the signs that indicate you need professional assistance and why you should call Boothe's Heating, Air, Plumbing, Drains & Electrical for help.

What Can Cause a Clogged Toilet?

First, it is important to understand what causes toilet clogs. Clogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Foreign objects such as toys, sanitary napkins, baby wipes, and dental floss can cause clogging of toilets.
Flushing inappropriate items like paper towels, napkins, and excess toilet paper can cause blockages in the pipes leading to the toilet.
Flushing too much toilet paper can also lead to clogged toilets.
Some low flow toilets are more prone to clogging as they have smaller flushing power than traditional toilets.
Hard water build-up can cause mineral deposits that accumulate in the toilet trap and pipes, causing larger blockages.
Faulty plumbing can cause a toilet to clog as debris gets stuck in the drain line.
Tree roots invading the sewer drain pipes and sewer septic lines can also cause toilet clogs as they obstruct the flow of wastewater.
Lack of regular maintenance such as cleaning or unclogging the toilet can cause a buildup of waste in the sewer lines, leading to toilet clogs.
Poor drainage systems that are full or blocked can cause the toilet to fail to drain correctly, leading to a clogged toilet.
Age and wear and tear of plumbing fixtures can lead to clogs in the toilet as metal corrosion results in buildup of debris.

Tips to Fix Your Clogged Toilet

Toilet clogs are a common household problem that can sometimes be fixed without calling a professional plumber. Here are some DIY tips to help you remove a toilet clog:

First, try to flush the toilet to see if the clog will clear on its own. If the water starts to rise and doesn't go down, turn off the water supply to just your toilet to prevent overflow.
Use a plunger by creating a seal around the drain and pressing down and up with a firm and steady motion. Repeat this several times until you see the water level start to go down.
If the plunger doesn't work, try pouring a cup of hot water and dish soap into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes before flushing and see if the clog clears.
If the clog is still there, try using a toilet auger or drain snake, which can be found at most hardware stores. Insert the auger into the toilet bowl and slowly turn the handle until you feel resistance. Keep turning until you feel the auger break through the clog.
For tougher clogs, you may need to use a combination of a plunger, hot water, and a toilet auger. Be patient and persistent.

When to Call a Plumber for a Clogged Toilet

In any case, a clogged toilet can be a headache, and it is crucial to address the issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

Too Much Water in the Toilet Bowl

One of the telltale signs that you may have a clogged toilet that requires professional help is when the water level in the toilet bowl rises higher than normal. If you notice that the water level is rising or even overflowing, this indicates that there is a blockage in the drain. Attempting to use a toilet plunger in this situation could push the blockage further down into the sewer line, making it even more difficult to remove. Instead, it is best to call a plumber to remove the blockage before it can cause more damage or turn into a larger problem.

Flush Issues

Another sign that you may need professional assistance is if your toilet is slow to flush or doesn't flush at all. These toilet problems could indicate a blockage deeper in the plumbing system that requires a plumber's expertise to clear. Attempting to use chemical drain cleaners can damage your toilet drain pipes and cause more harm than good. A licensed plumber can identify the issue and offer a solution that will get your toilet operating smoothly again.

Noise from the Toilet

Sometimes, you may notice strange gurgling or bubbling noises when you flush the toilet. This is a sign that there could be a serious problem with the sewer line. This can be due to a blockage or, in some cases, it could be a damaged pipe. If left unchecked, this could lead to a serious issue that requires extensive repair work. A plumber can identify the cause of the noise and offer a solution that will prevent further damage and make sure your toilet is working correctly.

Call a Professional Plumber for Toilet Issues

Calling a professional plumber like Boothe's for a clogged toilet has many benefits. Not only will a skilled plumber identify the underlying issue, but they will also provide a solution that fixes the problem for good. Attempting to fix a clogged toilet on your own can cause more harm than good and lead to more expensive repairs down the line. Additionally, a licensed plumber's work is backed by warranties and guarantees, so you can trust that the issue is fully resolved.

Boothe's professional plumbers have the experience and expertise necessary to tackle any plumbing issue, including clogged toilets. Our team is licensed and insured and offers a wide range of plumbing services, including emergency repairs, routine maintenance, and installation. When you call Boothe's for help, you can trust that your plumbing system is in good hands.

Get Help with a Clogged Toilet

A clogged toilet is a common household nuisance that requires prompt attention to avoid further serious damage to your plumbing system. Knowing when to call a professional plumber is crucial, as attempting to fix the issue on your own can cause more harm than good.

When you call Boothe's for help, you can trust that your clogged toilet will be fixed promptly and correctly. Don't hesitate to schedule plumbing repair service for all your Southern Maryland plumbing needs.