Fix Backed-Up Toilets to Keep Households Safe and Healthy

Person using a plunger to unclog a backed-up toilet, emphasizing plumbing repair and maintenance in a home setting.

Backed-Up Toilets Can Put Homes and Families At Risk

Backed-up toilets can cause significant damage to homes. These problems can lead to mold and mildew from water damage, structural damage, bad smells, and health risks from bacteria and contaminants. 

But plumbers can help homeowners and fix the underlying causes of toilet backups. This post will share what commonly causes backed-up toilets, how experts can repair them, and ways households can prevent them from occurring. 

Backed Up Toilets: Common Causes

Damaged sewer pipe infiltrated by tree roots, illustrating a common cause of backed-up toilets and plumbing issues.Backed-up toilets are never a welcomed sight for homeowners. However, when they occur, plumbers can quickly identify and repair the problem. Plumbers will perform an inspection of the drain and sewer line to locate and determine the issue. In most cases, it is due to a clogged sewer line. Plumbers will check for blockages caused by debris, cooking oils, or other items stuck in the line. 

They will also check for other defects that can cause toilet backups, including broken or damaged sewer lines, sewer lines that have been infiltrated by tree roots, and other issues. The way plumbers fix the sewer line and stop the toilet backups will depend on the cause. 

Plumbers Use Expert Methods to Repair Toilet Backups

Plumber using a sewer inspection camera to diagnose toilet backup issues, showcasing professional plumbing techniques for identifying clogs and sewer line defects.Plumbers are trained experts who have specialized tools to repair backed-up toilets. When they arrive at a home to fix backups, they can use numerous methods to make the repairs. To start, many plumbers may perform sewer video inspections to identify the location of the sewer line problem and its severity. 

Once a clog has been located, they can use a drain snake or hydro jetting to dislodge the blockage. If plumbers identify a sewer line defect, they will need to repair or replace the line. They may use trenchless sewer line repair, but if this cannot be done, then traditional methods will need to be used. 

Ways Homeowners Can Prevent Toilet Backups

There are numerous ways homeowners can help prevent toilet backups from occurring. 
One of the most effective methods is to prevent sewer line clogs by using caution about what is put down the drains and toilets. Only waste and toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. Certain items, including feminine hygiene products, paper towels, cotton balls, Q-tips, baby wipes, and other items, should never be flushed. As for food, avoid putting waste down the kitchen sink and dispose of it in the garbage instead. 

Another easy way for homeowners to avoid clogs is to put screens over their drains. These will collect hair and debris, preventing them from going down the drains and contributing to clogs. Homeowners should also help avoid tree roots from growing into the sewer lines by installing root barriers or planting trees far from underground sewer lines. 

About Plumbing Pals

Plumbing Pals is a family-owned and operated company serving Bensalem, PA, and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward pricing, 24-hour emergency services, and quality-trained technicians. Call them today for a sewer line or clogged toilet repair services in Bensalem, PA