Nothing puts an end to an easy-flowing start to your day more than a clogged toilet. While a slow-draining toilet may be annoying a frequently clogged one can be the start of a true plumbing emergency. Let’s take a look at the basic anatomy of a toilet and the function of each of its parts and see what takes place behind the scenes to cause a toilet to clog. We will examine the signs that may indicate a blockage and some practical steps you can take to prevent a clog or to remove one you already have.
Toilet Components and Their Function
To understand what’s really going on with your toilet, it’s best to understand the different parts of a toilet and how they work together. Here is a list of all of the parts of a toilet and their specific function.
Toilet tank
The toilet tank is the top portion of the toilet where clean water is stored and waiting to be used to rinse the bowl clean, emptying the contents into the sewer drain.
Toilet bowl
The bowl is the toilet part you sit on during use. It is a single piece of porcelain that is attached to the floor using T-bolts.
Toilet handle/buttons
These are depressed and help allows the water stored in the tank to empty into the bowl.
Chain and lift wire
These parts are tied to the toilet handle and work in unison to lift the flapper to release water from the tank into the bowl.
Flapper
The toilet flapper is the large, rubber, hinged valve that covers the outlet hole located at the bottom of the tank.
Toilet fill valve
This refers to a vertical plastic tube inside the tank. Its purpose is to fill the tank with water and sense when the amount of water is adequate.
Toilet float or ballcock
By floating on top of the tank’s water it monitors and manages the level of water.
Overflow tube
This part has two functions. One is to move water from the tank to the bowl to avoid overflowing. It also plays a part in refilling the bowl in preparation for the next flush.
Toilet supply line and valve
The supply line supplies water from the toilet valve through a braided metal tube to the toilet tank. The valve begins at the end of the plumbing pipe exiting the wall and ends at the toilet tank.
Causes Of Toilet Clogs
Toilet clogs can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are some of the most common causes of toilet clogs that we see from our Orange County customers.
Excessive Toilet Paper
Using too much toilet paper is a common cause. Toilet paper is designed to dissolve in water, but if too much is used, it can create a blockage.
Non-Flushable Items
Many items are not suitable for flushing, such as baby wipes, sanitary products, cotton balls, dental floss, and even certain types of thicker, plush toilet paper. These do not dissolve in water and can easily cause a clog.
Tree Roots
Tree roots can infiltrate pipes and cause blockages. This usually happens in older homes with clay or porous pipes that tree roots can grow into.
Hard Water Deposits
Hard water contains minerals that can accumulate over time and cause blockages in the pipes.
Foreign Objects
Accidentally dropped items like toys, soap bars, or other objects can cause immediate clogs.
Poor Plumbing Design
If the plumbing system is improperly designed or has an insufficient slope to effectively carry waste and water away, clogs can occur.
Sewer Line Problems
A clog can also occur in the sewer line itself, which could be due to broken pipes, an object lodged in the pipe, or a buildup of waste materials.
Each of these causes can lead to a clogged toilet, but they can be mitigated with careful usage, regular maintenance, and appropriate action when problems occur.
Call Us For Toilet Repair Service
If you have a clogged toilet that just won’t budge with a plunger, it’s best to call in the toilet plumber Orange County residents count on for their toughest clogs. Because of our team’s decades of plumbing experience, we know how to quickly find out what’s causing your toilet problems so we can solve them right away. Call us today to schedule an appointment and we will get your toilet flushing like it did when you first bought it!
Slab Leaks: A True Plumbing Emergency
Home building following World War II was aggressive, so many houses were built on cement foundations to reduce the time it took to build them and to keep costs at a minimum. They were
How To Extend The Life Of Plumbing Pipes
A plumbing system consists of a complicated series of pipes, fixtures, and appliances that provide the infrastructure to run a well-functioning home. In this article, we will focus solely on plumbing pipes and ways
3 Silent Signs You Have A Plumbing Problem
Some plumbing issues announce themselves with a fury such as a drain backing up with sewage or a burst pipe, while others remain silent and destructive. In this article, we will reveal 3 signs