Common Toilet Clogs
Clogged toilets are never fun, and at Donnie’s Plumbing in Murrieta, we’ve seen it all. You wouldn’t believe the strange things people flush! But let’s focus on the usual suspects—the ones that keep Murrieta plumbers like us shaking our heads (and sometimes laughing).
Common Things That Clog Toilets
1. “Flushable” Wipes (That Aren’t Really Flushable)
Even though they say “flushable,” they don’t break down like toilet paper. Instead, they clump together and block your pipes. It’s like they form a secret club that refuses to let water through.
2. Paper Towels: Tougher Than Toilet Paper
Paper towels are designed to absorb water, not dissolve in it. Flushing them is like trying to shove a sumo wrestler through a doggy door—it’s just not happening!
3. Hair: A Sneaky Clog Creator
If enough hair makes its way into your toilet, it tangles, snags onto other debris, and eventually forms a nasty clog that only a Murrieta plumber can fix.
4. Cotton Balls & Swabs: Small But Mighty Blockers
Cotton balls, Q-tips, and even makeup wipes don’t break down in water. Instead, they absorb moisture, expand, and cause blockages deep in your pipes.
5. Feminine Hygiene Products: The Silent Pipe Destroyers
Tampons and pads expand when wet, making them some of the worst culprits for toilet clogs. Even if they go down at first, they don’t dissolve, and sooner or later, they’ll come back to haunt you—probably with a plumbing bill.
6. Cat Litter: Not a Good Flush
Flushing cat litter is a surefire way to wreck your plumbing. It clumps, hardens, and can turn your toilet into a cement-filled disaster zone. Your pipes are not a litter box!
7. Cooking Grease: Yes, People Actually Do This
Believe it or not, some people dump bacon grease and oil into their toilets. But grease hardens when it cools, sticking to pipes and trapping other debris until you’ve got a full-blown blockage. Just use a grease jar instead!
8. Vapes: Seriously, Stop Flushing These!
For some reason, people think toilets are a good place to dispose of vapes. (Especially those families with teens) News flash: they’re not. Vapes don’t break down, and their metal and plastic parts can get stuck in your plumbing, causing expensive blockages. Plus, they contain harmful chemicals that shouldn’t be anywhere near your water system.
And the Weirdest Clog We’ve Ever Hear of…
🚽 A whole rotisserie chicken.
Yes, an entire chicken. Still mostly intact. Why was it flushed? We have no idea. But we do know that toilets aren’t designed for poultry disposal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toilet Clogs
1. What should I do if my toilet is clogged?
First, stop flushing! Too many flushes can make things worse. Try using a plunger, and if that doesn’t work, call Donnie’s Plumbing in Murrieta for professional help.
2. Can I use chemical drain cleaners to unclog my toilet?
We don’t recommend it. Harsh chemicals can damage your pipes over time. A plunger or plumbing auger is a much safer choice.
3. How do I prevent toilet clogs?
Stick to flushing only toilet paper and human waste. Avoid flushing wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or anything that isn’t meant to dissolve in water.
4. Why does my toilet keep clogging?
If your toilet clogs often, you might have an underlying issue—like an older low-flow toilet, tree roots in your sewer line, or a partial blockage that needs professional attention. We can help diagnose the problem!
5. When should I call a plumber?
If a plunger isn’t working, your toilet is overflowing, or you’re dealing with frequent clogs, it’s time to call a professional. The sooner you fix the issue, the less damage you risk.
Need a Plumber in Murrieta or Temecula? We’ve Got You!
As experienced Murrieta plumbers, we know that keeping your plumbing in top shape starts with smart flushing habits. But if your toilet’s clogged, don’t panic—just call Donnie’s Plumbing in Murrieta! We’ll show up with an auger in hand, a smile on our face, and maybe even a few questions about your flushing habits.
Call us at (954) 636-0085 or visit our website to schedule a service. We proudly serve Murrieta, Temecula, and surrounding areas!
