| Live in a home long enough and the chances are | | | | not necessary to clean up with. Using single ply toilet |
| good that you'll have to deal with a clogged toilet at | | | | paper can also help to avoid toilet clogs. |
| some point. It's not the most pleasant experience in | | | | If the toilet does clog up, and water is still slowly |
| the world but there are ways to deal with it that | | | | running through the obstruction, try running hot |
| may keep the problem under control. | | | | water down through the toilet. Usually by pouring a |
| The biggest risk, and the thing you want to avoid | | | | bucket of water slowly down into the basin the heat |
| the most is the toilet overflow. This can lead to a | | | | will loosen things up and get the water flowing again. |
| tremendous amount of damage in home and it can | | | | It may take a bit of time, but once you have the |
| happen quite quickly. No matter where the toilet is | | | | pipe open, but sure to follow up with a few more |
| located, if water leaks into the home a great deal of | | | | shots of hot water to make sure everything is |
| damage can be done to the walls, ceiling and floor. | | | | cleaned out. |
| Usually stains are left behind and a very undesirable | | | | For more stubborn obstructions it's advisable to use |
| mess. The biggest problem however can come with | | | | either a plunger or a snake like cable to open things |
| the onset of mold. Many people have health problems | | | | up. There are many designs of plungers that can help |
| related to toxic mold. It's critical if mold does develop, | | | | with the task but the basic models often do as good |
| or if you notice that the family is having ongoing | | | | a job as the fancy ones. Snakes and augers are |
| health issues that weren't happening before the leak, | | | | often a good bet if the plunger doesn't seem to |
| it would be advised to have your home checked for | | | | loosen things up. Since these devices are made out |
| mold. Many times it cannot be seen or will leave no | | | | of metal, it's not uncommon for them to scratch the |
| visible indication that it's present. | | | | porcelain finish on the bowl. By twisting and pushing |
| Fortunately there are ways to protect your home | | | | the tip into the toilet it will often catch hold of any |
| from toilet overflows. Inexpensive mechanical devices | | | | paper that might be stopping things up. |
| have the ability to turn off the water flow in the | | | | After trying these things, if the toilet still hasn't been |
| event that an overflow is imminent. | | | | opened up, it's probably not a bad idea to call a |
| Generally the best way to avoid an overflow is to | | | | plumber in to help with the problem. They may |
| either avoid the clog or eliminate it in the first place. | | | | actually have to remove the toilet from the floor |
| To minimize the chances of objects falling into the | | | | mounting and expose the drain hole to find out |
| toilet and plugging it up, it's recommended to keep | | | | what's really causing the problem. But with |
| the toilet lid down when it's not in use. Also, be sure | | | | professional help, it's usually only a matter of time |
| to teach your children that half a roll of toilet paper is | | | | before they open the flow up once again. |