Helpful Tips for Avoiding a Clogged Toilet During Freezing Weather
It’s the middle of winter, and, as always, Rochester, NY is seeing its fair share of snow. While this might be great for skiing and sledding, it’s not so great when your toilet starts overflowing. Below are some of our top tips for dealing with a clogged toilet repair in Rochester, NY, during the winter months.
1. Check Your Drain
One of the most common causes of a clogged toilet during the winter is ice blocking your pipes and drains. Make sure to check all outside drains regularly, as they may be frozen shut due to the cold temperatures. If you can’t access the external drains, try to pour some boiling water down them to help thaw them out. Many times, this will be enough to get your drains working again.
2. Don’t Flush too Much at Once
During winter, toilets can become easily clogged due to cold temperatures and icy pipes. To avoid a clog, you should only flush small amounts of waste down the toilet at once. By doing this, you can ensure that your toilet won’t get overwhelmed and clog up.
3. Don’t Use Chemical Drain Cleaners
While chemical drain cleaners may seem like an easy solution to a clogged toilet, they can actually be very harmful to the pipes in your home. Not only are these chemicals bad for the environment, but they can also cause damage to your pipes.
4. Call an Emergency Plumber
If all else fails, it’s always best to call a professional plumber to help unclog your toilets. An experienced emergency plumber can assess the situation and determine the best action to resolve the clog. Plus, they have the right tools and knowledge to ensure the job gets done correctly.
5. Follow Preventative Maintenance Steps
The best way to avoid a clogged toilet during winter is to follow preventative maintenance steps. This includes checking the outside drains regularly, only flushing small amounts of waste at once, and not using chemical drain cleaners. By taking these preventive measures, you can ensure that your toilets remain unclogged throughout the entire winter season.
6. Invest in Quality Toilet Bowl Cleaners
Another way to help prevent clogs during the winter months is to invest in quality toilet bowl cleaners. These products can help keep your toilet bowls free of bacteria and odors, which can lead to clogged pipes. Be sure to follow the directions on the product’s label to ensure you are using it correctly.
7. Ensure You Have Adequate Insulation
The cold temperatures of winter can cause pipes to freeze. This is why ensuring your home has adequate insulation around the pipes and other plumbing systems is essential. If you find that your pipes are freezing, consider adding additional insulation or having a professional come in to inspect them.
8. Keep an Eye on Your Water Usage
It’s essential to keep an eye on your water usage during the winter months. If you start to see a decrease in water pressure or notice any strange noises coming from your pipes, it could be a sign of a clog. You should contact an emergency plumber right away if this happens.
9. Keep Your Toilet Clean
It’s advisable to keep your toilet clean during the winter months. This will help reduce the chance of a clog due to buildup in the pipes. Regularly cleaning your toilet is essential for keeping it running smoothly and preventing any clogs from happening.
At Irock Plumbing, our experienced emergency plumbers can help you if you are dealing with a clogged toilet during the winter season in Rochester, NY. We have years of experience in plumbing and can provide you with the best solutions for your problem. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do to help!
