York County Clogged Toilet Repair

If you're having toilet trouble, call the Southeast PA plumbing experts at RiverView Mechanical at 717-810-7276 for same-day service, fair prices, and a satisfaction guarantee.

RiverView Mechanical is your trusted, local residential plumbing company serving residents throughout York, PA, with expert plumbing repair performed by fully licensed and insured technicians.

Not sure where to begin with your kitchen plumbing project? Call us today to speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff!

Common Causes of a Clogged Toilet

A clogged toilet can bring your family to a standstill. You can prevent most clogs by changing your habits, but you’ll need professional help to solve the problem in some cases.

Let’s look at the most common causes of clogged toilets, what you can do to prevent them, and when to call a professional.

Flushing Non-Flushable Items

One of the most common causes of toilet clogs is flushing things that should go into the trash, and personal wipes are at the top of the list. Companies that sell these products advertise them as flushable; however, that's true only because they can be flushed down the drain. And while these products may make it past the trap (the curved portion), they often get stuck in the drainpipe and build up over time, creating a huge problem. Also, people mistakenly flush feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, paper towels, and other products down the toilet, creating similar issues. It's easy to stop clogs like this from happening; put these items into the trash instead of flushing them down the toilet.

Blocked S-Trap

The S-trap is an S-shaped pipe that prevents sewer gases from passing through the toilet and coming into your home. Some toilet designs use a P-trap to perform the same function. If the trap becomes partially or fully blocked, your toilet won't flush correctly.

Obstructed Vents

You may not know this, but your plumbing system is more than a series of water pipes; it also relies on ventilation pipes to remove sewer gas safely through the roof to alleviate pressure in the drain pipe. So, if the vent is clogged or obstructed, it reduces the toilet's flushing power.

Damaged Sewer Line

The main sewer line carries wastewater from the home to the treatment facility or septic tank. Because this pipe is underground, it's not easy to determine when there's a clog or break. One symptom of main sewer line damage is when you experience multiple clogs or slow drains throughout the house. Unfortunately, neither plungers nor home remedies can solve this problem, and you'll have to call a professional plumber.

Low-Flow Toilet

Low-flow toilets cut down water usage and save you money on your water bills. However, older low-flow toilets lack the flushing power of today's designs and often clog as a result. If you have an old low-flow toilet, consider upgrading to a new, more efficient model.

Depending on the clog’s cause, you may be able to dislodge it using a plunger or auger. However, if that doesn’t work, call a professional plumbing contractor to solve the problem.

Call RiverView Mechanical and ask about our bathroom remodeling service! We can help you upgrade your shower, tub, sink, and other fixtures.

York County Toilet Replacement

Most homeowners don’t think twice about their toilet; they expect it to work day in and out. However, a toilet will wear out like any other fixture in the house and need to be replaced. Here are the most common signs you need a new toilet installation.

Persistent Clogs

As we've seen, many scenarios can cause a toilet to clog. And while most of them are fixable with home remedies or by calling a professional plumber, sometimes replacing the toilet is the answer. If you have persistent clogs and nothing seems to resolve them, it's probably time for a new toilet.

Cracks

A cracked toilet is another indication that you need to replace it. While you can repair hairline cracks with epoxy, this should only be a temporary solution. If you have a crack wider than 1 ⅙ inch, you must replace the toilet because it's only a matter of time before it splits and leaks water all over the bathroom.

Frequent Repairs

Your toilet shouldn't need frequent repairs, so if you find you're always calling a plumber to fix it, consider spending the money on repairs on a new toilet installation.

Flushing Problems

As mentioned, older low-flow toilets lack the flushing power necessary to remove waste effectively. While you can minimize the effects by using less toilet paper or 'courtesy flushing,' you'll be happier and less frustrated upgrading to a more powerful model.

When you need a plumbing company in York County you can trust, call the experts at RiverView Mechanical at 717-810-7276.