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A clogged toilet often leads to sewage spilling out onto the floor. Besides the unpleasant odor from the spillage, a clogged toilet could harbor harmful germs, which are a health risk to your loved ones. If your toilet frequently clogs, you should call a plumbing service in Jacksonville, FL to diagnose the problem and fix it as soon as possible.

Why Does My Toilet Frequently Clog?

You Have an Older Low Flow Toilet

Investing in a low-flow toilet is a great way to conserve water and save money on your monthly water bill. One type of water-efficient toilet is the dual-flush variant, which flushes less forcefully for liquid wastes but with greater force for solid wastes. Because the flush utilizes less water to force the toilet paper and waste down the toilet trap and into the drainpipe, low-flow toilets, regardless of design, can be prone to clogging issues. Models from the first few generations, inherently less efficient than newer ones, are particularly vulnerable to this issue. If the toilet keeps getting blocked, it’s probably time to replace it, even if it looks fine elsewhere.

This problem can be alleviated by urging people to flush only little amounts of waste and toilet paper at a time. This can be inconvenient, so it’s best to call a plumbing service to install a newer model that saves water without compromising efficiency.

Flushable Wipes

Baby wipes, despite popular belief, should never be disposed of in the toilet. These everyday household items are the leading cause of clogged toilets and can lead to costly repairs if flushed down the toilet. Even though many baby wipes and toilet paper products contain a logo indicating they are safe for flushing, they can cause a major clog, especially if the drain is already slightly blocked, to begin with.

Never flush a wipe, even if it says it’s “flushable.” To keep the toilets from being blocked, please toss them in the garbage instead.

You’re Flushing Foreign Objects

Children love to play with water, and yes, that includes toilet water. They are also fond of enigmatic bodies of water that magically carry things to another dimension. For some reason, the toilet never ceases to fascinate young children. Because of this, one of the most prevalent causes of clogs is children’s toys and other objects that they flush down the toilet. Plenty of things can fit through the bowl but get stuck in the pipes, necessitating a call to a plumbing service.

People also try to flush things like disposable clothes, sanitary goods, napkins, ear swabs, and even hair. Flushing them can cause clogs in the toilet or the plumbing system because they are incompatible with the system.

Remind your family members that the toilet is not a garbage can. Every restroom should have a wastebasket for discarding objects incompatible with the toilet.

An Obstructed Toilet Trap

Plumbing fixtures are equipped with a trap to prevent debris from entering the sewer line and causing backups. It’s easy to spot the P-trap in the sink’s cabinet, but the bowl hides the S-trap in the toilet. Like the sink trap, the toilet trap prevents foreign objects from entering the pipework further.

A blockage in the toilet trap is one of the most prevalent causes of toilet blockages. The trap area becomes clogged when excessive waste is flushed down the toilet. In cases where the trap is only partially blocked, the toilet may flush with slower drainage. But as any homeowner will find out, if the toilet bowl overflows and wastewater spills out onto the bathroom floor, partial clogs almost always escalate to full ones. Don’t wait until this happens. Call a plumbing service immediately if you notice slower drainage in your toilet when you flush.

There Is an Issue with the Plumbing Vents

A home’s plumbing system includes more than simply the pipes transporting water to the various fixtures and the pipes carrying wastewater away from the building. Ventilation pipes are vital to the plumbing system because they maintain consistent pressure throughout the system and stop water from being sucked out of the drain traps and into the house, where it can cause a foul odor and health hazards.

The pressure alone may prevent a full flush if there is a problem with the ventilation line leading to your roof. Sometimes there is a clog in the pipe, like a clump of old leaves, and other times it’s because the vent wasn’t constructed or placed correctly. Contact a plumbing service in Jacksonville, FL to diagnose and fix the issue.

You’re Using Too Much Toilet Paper

Toilet tissue is designed to dissolve as soon as it hits the water. However, not all brands dissolve effectively. Both high-end “luxury” brands and inexpensive toilet paper can fail to disintegrate as expected. Some toilet paper is virtually as strong as newsprint.

The accumulation of toilet paper and other organic matter in the line can cause the toilet not to flush effectively, even when you’re only flushing water. You’ll have to use a plunger; if that fails, call a plumbing service to use a professional-grade snaking tool.

You Have a Hard Water Problem

Florida has a hard water problem. While it’s safe for bathing and drinking, hard water can build up in your pipes and clog your toilets with a calcified, white substance that’s a pain to get out. Mineral deposits in pipes caused by hard water increase the frequency of plumbing issues like clogged toilets.

The easiest fix is to call a plumbing service in to flush out the system with a solution. However, if you are looking for a more permanent fix, you should have a plumber install a water softener to prevent mineral buildup in your toilet.

The Tank Does Not Have Enough Water

If there is an issue with the incoming water supply line to the toilet, the tank may not fill completely. When the tank isn’t filled, flushing the toilet won’t generate enough force to clear the bowl, resulting in a backed-up or clogged toilet. Call a plumbing service to check the water supply line for leaks and to check the supply valve. They’ll have to change the fill valve if neither is the issue.

Call Bert Norman’s Plumbing

Contact Bert Norman’s Plumbing immediately if you’re having trouble with a clogged toilet. Having professional plumbers on your side will save you the trouble of dealing with this problem repeatedly. Let us examine your home’s plumbing system to determine the root cause of the toilet’s frequent blockages. When you choose us, you can rest assured that the problem will be fixed. Call Bert Norman’s Plumbing at 904-225-5888 or contact us online if you need plumbing services in Jacksonville, FL. Where your plunger fails, we won’t.

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Many Jacksonville, FL homeowners take their plumbing system for granted. As long as clean, clear water is coming into the home and water, and waste is removed, they don’t think about their plumbing system too often. It isn’t until something goes wrong that people begin to worry.

Although plenty of projects around the house make great DIY projects, plumbing repairs aren’t one of them. The plumbing system in your home is very complex. If you attempt a DIY repair and make a mistake or skip a step, it can result in disastrous consequences.

If you are experiencing any of the issues below, it is best to schedule an appointment for plumbing service immediately.

#1 Slow Or Clogged Drains

If the water in your home is flowing down the drain slowly or isn’t draining at all, you should schedule an appointment for plumbing service. Many homeowners will take the DIY approach and try to use a liquid drain cleaner. If the drain is completely clogged, the liquid drain cleaner won’t reach the clog. If the water is draining slowly, there is no guarantee that the drain cleaning will work. Also, these products contain harsh chemicals that can cause damage to the pipes.

When you call for plumbing service, the plumber can use one of several methods to remove the clog. The method they choose would depend on the size and location of the clog. When you hire a professional, you can be sure that the entire clog will be removed without causing damage to the pipes.

#2 Rusty Water

If you turn on the water in your home and it comes out rusty, it is a serious issue. It is not safe to bathe, drink, or cook with rusty water; therefore, you should immediately schedule an appointment with a plumber.

If just the hot water is coming out rusty, the issue likely lies within your water heater. If sediment is built up in the water tank, it can come out in the water, making it rusty.

If the hot and cold water are coming out rusty, the problem is likely due to old, corroded pipes.

When you call for plumbing service, a licensed plumber will inspect the plumbing system to determine the source of the problem so it can be repaired.

#3 Water Heater Issues

The water heater in your Jacksonville, FL home is essential to your everyday life. If your water heater is not functioning properly, it can make daily household tasks impossible.

If you are experiencing any of the issues listed below, you should call for a plumber immediately.

  • No hot water: The issue could be with the thermostat or the heating element.

 

  • The water isn’t getting hot enough: If the water coming from the faucet is lukewarm, one of the heating elements could be faulty, and the water in the tank won’t be able to reach the desired temperature. The issue could also be that the thermostat is not set correctly or it is broken.

 

  • You are running out of hot water too quickly: If your water tank isn’t large enough to meet your family’s hot water demand, you will run out of hot water quickly. If sediment is built up at the bottom of the water tank, there will be less space for hot water storage, causing you to run out quickly.

 

  • Poor hot water pressure: If sediment builds up in the waterline in the water tank, poor hot water pressure can occur.

 

  • Rusty hot water: If just the hot water is coming out rusty, there could be sediment buildup in the water tank or the waterline, adding rust to the water.

 

  • Strange sounds: Strange sounds coming from the water heater is a major cause for concern. When sediment builds up inside the water tank, it can hit the sides, causing a banging or clanging sound. If this issue is ignored, the sediment can crack the water tank, causing a major flood.

 

  • Moisture or water pooling around the water tank: Because this issue can promote mold growth, this is a serious issue. There could be a loose or broken hose or a crack in the water tank.

If you are having any issues with your water heater, schedule an appointment with a plumber immediately. The longer you wait, the worse the problem will be.

#4 Broken Toilet Or Faucet

If the toilet or faucet in your Jacksonville, FL home isn’t functioning properly, schedule an appointment for a plumber to come.

A leaky faucet is a sign that there is something wrong inside the faucet. This issue can also waste a great deal of water, causing a significant increase in your water bill. If you ignore the problem, it will get worse. Over time, the drip will turn into a flow that cannot be stopped.

A broken toilet can be a major inconvenience, especially if you only have one bathroom. If the toilet doesn’t flush or flushes on its own, you should call for plumbing service. The same is true if your toilet runs constantly. A constantly running toilet can waste so much water that it can cause your water bill to increase up to $60 per day.

A broken toilet or faucet should not be a DIY project because the issue could be more complex than you think. It is best to call for professional service and leave the job to a licensed plumber.

Why Choose Bert Norman’s Plumbing?

If you need to schedule an appointment for plumbing service, don’t waste your time on a Google search. Instead, schedule an appointment with Bert Norman’s Plumbing.

We are a family-owned, state-certified company that has been in business since 1985. Over the last 35+ years, we have earned an excellent reputation in the community and the industry.

We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 5-star rating on Google. This should give you peace of mind that you will be satisfied with our plumbing service.

We understand that plumbing emergencies can arise at any time. This is why we offer 24/7 emergency service. If you call for plumbing service during the night or on a holiday, we will get a plumber to your home as quickly as we would if you had called during regular business hours.

To schedule an appointment for plumbing service, give us at Bert Norman’s Plumbing a call today.

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Toilets can last up to 50 years. However, they may fail if not properly maintained. You can call a plumber to help you fix your toilet problem. In some cases, it may be best to just replace your toilet. Below are the signs it’s time to get a replacement.

Clogs

Dealing with a clogged toilet is stressful and can be downright unpleasant. They also don’t happen often. If you have recurring toilet clogs, there could be another problem with your plumbing. Consider calling a plumber in Callahan, FL so they can check the toilet.

If your toilet clogs at least once a week, it may be time to replace it. Get a toilet that uses less water than regular toilets so you can save money in the long run. They are a little expensive compared to the regular toilets but they are more efficient. For installation, only work with a licensed plumber in your area.

Lots of Repairs

Do you keep calling a plumber to get your toilet fixed? This isn’t a common problem of toilets – homeowners don’t always get them repaired so if you keep having this problem, it may be time to call a professional for a replacement toilet. You can save money investing in a new one than having to call for frequent repairs as toilet repairs can add up over time.

When you keep calling professionals for toilet repairs, the issue could be that it’s no longer efficient. Get a replacement and preferably a toilet with water-saving features so you can save money. During installation, work only with a licensed plumber to ensure proper installation.

Toilet Wobbles

It’s easy to fix a toilet that wobbles. You only need to tighten the bolts and then it’ll be good as new. However, you do need to do it correctly. If you’re not confident with your ability, it’s best to call a professional to help you properly fix the toilet.

If tightening the bolts doesn’t resolve the issue, there could be another problem with your toilet. Get professional help so they can check it. A plumber will either repair the toilet or it may be time to get a replacement.

Old Toilet

How old is your toilet? If you’ve moved into an older home, it’s likely that the toilet is old. You’ll know that when you keep having problems. Although old toilets can still work, they may not be as efficient as the newer models. If you want to save money, consider calling a professional in Callahan, FL so they can help you install a toilet replacement.

Damages

Scratches in your toilets may not affect their efficiency, just their appearance. Some homeowners may decide to just ignore it so long as the toilet still works. Keep in mind that it may be difficult to clean the toilet if it has a lot of scratches. This could be a sign for you to get a new toilet. Consider getting a more efficient one — dual flush toilets can save you money on your utility bills in the long run. Always work with a licensed plumber in the installation of your new toilet.

Cracks

When there is standing water in the toilet area, there could be cracks in your toilet. You can call a plumber in your area so they can inspect your toilet. If the water is caused by toilet cracks, we would recommend that you replace your toilet right away to avoid other problems.

Mineral Buildup

Minerals in hard water may buildup in the syphon tube or inlet holes of your toilet. This can affect the flow of water, making your toilet efficient. Call a professional so they can check and advise whether it’s time to replace your toilet.

How to Prevent Toilet Problems

There are things you can do to avoid toilet problems and save your money. Below are our helpful tips to prevent issues with your toilets.

  1. Never use chemical drain cleaners when unclogging your toilet. Professionals will never recommend these types of cleaners as they can damage pipes and are also highly poisonous. Also, they are not a permanent solution. When you have older pipes, they may likely leak because of these chemicals.
  2. Always fix a running toilet to save water. Some homeowners would either ignore or postpone toilet repair. While it can be a little inconvenient to keep calling professionals to help you fix the toilet, it’s the only way to permanently get rid of the problem. Otherwise, you’ll only get skyrocketing water bills as a running toilet wastes hundreds of gallons of water.
  3. Use a mild cleaner for maintaining the toilet. We would recommend that you use a mild soap, soap or vinegar solution for cleaning your toilet. Make sure to also regularly clean the toilet to keep it smelling fresh.
  4. Teach your kids how to properly care for a toilet. Let them know it’s not okay to flush small toys, food, paper napkins or any solid material in the toilet.

 

  1. Keep in mind that toilet maintenance can help. Periodically check your toilet for cracks or any damage on the fixture. When you think there is a problem, don’t hesitate to contact a professional so they can help you fix the problem.
  2. Don’t ignore problems to avoid plumbing emergencies. Some homeowners make the mistake of postponing repairs or maintenance of their plumbing. This can only lead to costly plumbing emergencies. To avoid this, always call for help at the onset of the problem.
  3. Get regular maintenance for your plumbing system including the toilet. A professional can check if there might be issues with your toilet and can help you resolve it properly.

Contact Bert Norman’s Plumbing

Do you need professional help in Callahan, FL? Our licensed plumbers are experienced and have been helping out several homeowners in your area. We can fix any plumbing-related issue. We can also help with professional installation as well as maintenance of your plumbing system. Call us today for an appointment.

When you think about making your house better, a great place to start is your plumbing system. How-Your-Plumber-Can-Upgrade-Your-Home-_-Callahan,-FLWith a few changes to your bathrooms and kitchens, you and your family can enjoy better performance from your plumbing. And, even better, most plumbing upgrades actually add value to your home.

In Callahan, FL, Bert Norman’s Plumbing offers experienced, licensed, professional plumbers and a full array of installation, repair, and replacement services for your home or office. Talk to our team of specialists today about what changes would add the most convenience and value to your property.

It can be difficult to single out just one upgrade, so be sure to talk to your i before you make any decisions. Your professional plumber can make sure your remodel goes quickly and gives you the beautiful results you expect and deserve. To get you started, here are a few bathroom upgrades that your plumber can add to your home.

Add Another Bathroom

No matter how big or small your family is, there always seems to be someone in the bathroom when you need it. The best way to get around this is to have your plumber in Callahan, FL add an extra bathroom to your house. The only problem you will have is deciding where to put it.

You could give your kids a bathroom of their own or add one to your master bedroom. This can not only keep the bathroom free more often, it adds an element of privacy that can keep the guest bathroom clear and looking good.

Or you could decide to treat your guests to their own bathroom. Add a half or whole bathroom to your guest room for a touch of elegance and convenience that will make your home worth more.

With the popularity of outdoor buildings on the rise, you could give your playroom, office, or man cave a half bathroom for the ultimate convenience. No more running back and forth into the house to use the bathroom.

Switch to Low Flow Shower Heads and Faucets

New low flow faucets and shower heads are an inexpensive way to lower your water usage and save money on your water bills. By just switching to a low flow shower head, you can save a substantial amount of both.

A regular shower head used 2.5 gallons of water per minute. When you make the switch to a low flow model, you will only need 2.0 gallons of water per minute or less. If you have more than one shower, your savings can add up quickly.

Add to that the savings from your bathroom and kitchen faucets when you change to low flow models. You will be doing your part to conserve our natural resources while saving big on your annual water bill.

Even better, you will not have to sacrifice your enjoyable shower when you change to low flow shower heads. You will still get the same pleasant shower experience, even though you won’t need nearly as much water.

Update Your Pipes

If you live in an older home, the first upgrade you should consider is modernizing your plumbing system. Your plumber can help you identify which areas are in the most need of change, so you can start there.

The most dangerous areas of your plumbing system are the old pipes that are no longer in use. Materials like galvanized steel are no longer approved for use because of their corrosive tendency. Not only do they break down more often, they can be adding rust and metal debris to your water supply.

Your plumber can make sure that your entire plumbing system is composed of copper and PVC piping, which is non-corrosive and a much healthier choice for your family members. Even though no one will be able to see this remodel, they will all enjoy the benefits of the new pipes.

Install Dual Flush Toilets

Your old toilets are the biggest water wasters in your house. And the older they are, the more water and money they are wasting.

If you have toilets in your house that were made before 1982, you should replace these immediately. These old models use between five and seven gallons of water with every flush.

Toilets made after 1982 are required to use just 1.6 gallons of water per flush, in an effort to conserve water. Just by updating your toilets, you could save a bundle.

One option you have now is a dual flush toilet. In these models, you have two choices of flush strength to get rid of the waste. There is a low force option for liquid waste only and a stronger option for solid waste. Most flushes are for expelling liquid waste, so the saving in water will add up quickly.

Install a Tankless Water Heater

For many decades, water heaters have looked pretty much the same. They all had a big metal tank to hold the water, which is only the start of the design problems. Eventually, these tanks can corrode with rust and develop a leak. But there is a new water heater on the market that is taking the plumbing world by storm.

Tankless water heaters are just what they sound like. There is no tank to corrode and run out of hot water. That means there will be fewer repair problems and no shortage of hot water when you need it.

Tankless water heaters provide hot water just when you need it by super-heating the water in a looping pipe system. You will never run out of hot water, no matter how many showers have been taken. And, you won’t have to wait for the water in the tank to heat up after it has been emptied.

Contact the licensed professional plumbers at Bert Norman’s Plumbing today for more information about how we can help you improve your home. Our qualified team is waiting to serve you. Let our plumbers make your house the dream home you’ve always wanted!

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You most likely have never had to endure a life without plumbing. The-Importance-of-Having-A-Professional-Plumber-For-Plumbing-and-Plumbing-Maintenance-_-Jacksonville,-FLThis privilege has a long history of invention and innovations. The plumbing systems we take for granted daily have played a pivotal role in our everyday lives and the way we live today.

Sanitary waste removal has been a hot button topic for centuries. Before large communities began forming waste removal was fairly simple. All you needed to do was dig a hole and presto. This natural process was good for the environment at the time. With the birth of sidewalks and pavement, dirt and trees became less prevalent. People began to live close together and privacy was becoming a thing of the past. Waste removal techniques before plumbing were extremely unsanitary and toxic to the civilians that lived there. Do not take your plumbing systems for granted. If you notice a problem fix it by contacting a trusted and local plumber in Jacksonville, FL.

How Flushing Toilets Tremendously Improved Our Lives

Toilets are such an important component of everyday life. If we suddenly ceased to have them, we would suddenly not know what to do. The streets would be filthy with sewage. This was a problem before the first sewage waste pipeline was invented for New York in 1728 due to a compelling need for more sanitary conditions. Before the invention of the sewage lines human waste was just thrown into the street. This is why your waste disposal lines are especially important.

The invention of the flush was also revolutionary and has brought us a lot of conveniences. The invention was brought to us in the late 1800s by a man named Thomas Crapper. This is why we sometimes refer to the toilet as the crapper. The name may have a slightly humorous tone to it but it has seriously improved our quality of life. Due to this amazing invention, we can now go to the bathroom in our homes without any smells or toxins permeating the air for too long. If you notice any issues with your toilet you need to contact a professional right away. Toilet issues can be a serious problem.

You may need to invest in a new toilet if your porcelain throne is in need of constant repairs. Bert Norman’s plumbing will come out to your home and property and help you decide on how to proceed. The issue may not be as simple as a replacement. A plumber may be required to replace the entire appliance if it has reached the end of its lifespan.

The Benefits of Preventive Maintenance

You can rely on your trusted local plumber from Bert Norman’s plumbing to take care of all your plumbing system needs. Plumbing is a big job, there are a lot of components to a one single plumbing system. Preventive maintenance for your plumbing system is just as important as the plumbing specialist you hire to maintain your property’s systems. Your plumbing technician should be certified and reliable, this way you can rest easy knowing your very necessary plumbing systems are taken care of.

Fewer Breakdowns

The median age of American homes is 36 years of age. Your home may be a little older or younger. Older homes will have more frequent breakdowns than newer homes. When a newer home begins to break down you need to stay on top of the maintenance to not further damage your property and keep it as new as possible for longer. Plumbing systems can last anywhere from 17 to 100 years. The amount of time your plumbing systems last depends on how you care for it and what your pipes are made out of. Hire a professional who is experienced and certified to ensure your plumbing systems are working normally.

Contact a plumber to inspect your home at least once a year. This will greatly reduce the number of plumbing repairs your property may need. This will save you money and postpones the need for a total plumbing system replacement which can be an extremely costly investment.

The professionals at Bert Normans plumbing will perform plumber services on any of the systems you need to be checked. They are located in Jacksonville, FL and have been servicing the area since 1985.

Sufficient Water Pressure Helps You Save Money

Pipes can be made out of things such as copper, lead, or polyvinyl chloride. PVC is the most common type of pipe used today. PVC is durable but has its weaknesses. Some homes have different kinds of materials connecting. Special configurations require a trained and experienced plumber to handle.

Water pressure can be affected by the type of pipes you have within your walls. The water supply pipes are typically made of copper. Copper is the best material for such a large job. Some older homes still have iron pipes for water supply. This is what was used decades ago as plumbing systems evolved. Copper is the best for water supply due to its tolerance for high water pressure amounts staring through it constantly. If you notice a difference in your water pressure It may be time to contact a plumbing technician.

Depending on the issue your plumbing specialist may be able to simply patch up the issue. Your plumber may also suggest a total replacement of the water supply system if your systems aren’t up to par. Contact Bert Norman’s plumbing to have a plumber inspect your water supply system to help you decide on what the next best steps should be.

Water Quality Improvement

Another benefit of preventive maintenance directly affects the quality of water coming out of your faucets. Having your plumber inspect your plumbing and water supply systems will help improve your water quality. If the professional were to replace your iron pipes with copper ones you have instantly increased the quality of your water. Iron tends to rust and leave small particles of debris in your bath and drinking water. Copper can rust as well but isn’t as prone to doing so as iron would.

Bert Norman’s Plumbing offers 24/7 plumbing services in case of an emergency. You can also count on them to perform services such as drain cleaning, repairs, replacements, and more. They are known to use high-quality materials as well as modern and efficient techniques. Contact Bert Norman’s Plumbing for more assistance if you live in or around the area.

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Most homeowners are smart enough to know that a toilet is not a trash can. The-10-Worst-Things-to-Flush-Down-Your-Toilet-_-Tips-from-Your-Trusted-Jacksonville,-FL-Plumbing-ServiceAfter all, if you try to flush most of your garbage down the toilet, you’re going to find yourself making a phone call to a Jacksonville, FL plumbing service in a rather short amount of time.

However, in this day and age, there are quite a few things that people think can be flushed that actually shouldn’t ever go down the toilet. You might get away with flushing a couple of these items once or twice, but if you do it regularly, you’re going to wreck your plumbing. A few of these items are so devastating for your pipes that even one time will require a plumber to come out and fix the damage. Here are some of the worst things to send down the toilet!

Flushable Wipes

Many people might be surprised to see these on here. After all, the name flushable is even part of the title! But just because something is advertised as flushable doesn’t mean that it’s meant to go down the toilet. The reason that toilet paper goes down the toilet without issue — and even it’s been known to clog a toilet if you use too much — is that after a few minutes, toilet paper will break down in water. Flushable wipes don’t break down, and they end up causing real problems in the sewers if you flush them. You might not need a plumber to rescue you from flushing these, but Jacksonville, FL and Duval County will certainly be feeling the negative effects of your decision if you send flushable wipes down the toilet.

Q-Tips

It’s easy to make the mistake of accidentally letting one of these slip into the toilet and thinking that it’s no big deal. But they present the same problems as flushable wipes: they don’t break down. If you use the ones that are partially plastic, it’s even worse. Be careful not to toss these down the toilet, or you’ll cause a sewer blockage over time.

Menstrual Pads

This would fall under the category of “call a plumbing service” if you flush one. Think about it: the purpose of a menstrual pad is to absorb fluid when necessary. Why would you want something that absorbs fluid going into your pipes? It’s going to expand and cause a major blockage if one gets flushed.

Diapers

Take everything that was just said about menstrual pads and multiply it. Diapers’ main purpose are to absorb wetness so that your baby’s skin doesn’t suffer from irritation as long as you change your baby quickly. Again, something that absorbs wetness going down your pipes is going to require you to call a Jacksonville, FL plumbing service to fix the damage.

Bleach

This is another entry that might surprise you, but bleach causes damage to your pipes in a different manner than a clog. Bleach is a corrosive liquid, and if it doesn’t get flushed through your pipes promptly, it’s going to break down the glue in PVC pipes and cause a serious issue that requires calling a plumbing service for immediate attention. If you’d like to clean your toilet, use a specific toilet bowl cleaner, or toss some common white vinegar down your pipes. Vinegar is actually an excellent choice for cleaning your toilet, as it won’t cause any problems if it goes down your pipes.

Undigested Food

The same cannot be said for other kinds of food, however. Human waste obviously goes down the toilet without issue, but when food hasn’t had a chance to be digested, it causes real problems for your pipes. Unlike flushable wipes or diapers, food will eventually break down in your pipes and clear away, but the process takes so long that you’re likely going to have to call for a plumbing service long before that happens. Bottom line: if a human body hasn’t had a chance to break it down, it doesn’t belong in the toilet.

Medicine

Have you ever heard that water is a renewable resource? Well, that becomes substantially less true if you’re putting medicine into the sewer system. Unlike other items on this list, medicine will break down when you flush it — but not all the way, and that’s a serious problem. The medicine will break down enough to toxify the water, costing Jacksonville, FL and other localities more money to properly clean it. Flushing medication won’t require you to call a plumbing service, but it’s still a very bad idea.

Pet Waste

Human waste goes down the toilet with no problem, so why not pet waste? Simple: cats and dogs’ waste dries out over time, and putting dried pet waste down the sewer is a major issue. Don’t think it will rehydrate and get through the pipes without any problems. It won’t, and you’ll likely be stuck calling a plumbing service for assistance.

Hair

Hair doesn’t break down in water. Hair expands in water by up to 30 percent, and when it’s surrounded by water, it doesn’t shrink back to its original size. Hair doesn’t belong in your shower drain, let alone your toilet’s pipes. Be sure to pluck it out of the drain and throw it away.

Grease

This might be the worst thing you can flush because of how damaging it is to your pipes. As grease cools, it solidifies, and you can probably see where this is going for your pipes. Under no circumstances should you ever flush grease of any kind down your toilet. If you do, there’s no maybe about it: you will be calling Bert Normans Plumbing for help because that’s the only way to fix the damage that grease causes.

What Can I Do?

Don’t flush anything that isn’t human waste or toilet paper down your toilet and always be sure not to use too much toilet paper for your toilet to handle. By restricting your flushing to those two items, you’ll do a lot for your pipes and keep them in top shape — and you’ll limit the amount of emergency calls you have to make to a Jacksonville, FL plumbing service, keeping that money free for things you really want to use it for, such as a new shower!

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