No homeowner wants to begin their day with shower water pooling around their feet and a toilet that won’t flush properly, yet these plumbing issues can quickly turn any ordinary day into one that’s filled with stress and worry.
But don’t despair – Plumb-Tech is here to help with our flexible, yet reliable services that ensure your home plumbing always functions at its best. This post will guide you through some key steps you can take if you notice your toilet and shower are clogged.
With knowledge and patience, this plumbing hiccup can become manageable; however, should it become overwhelming, we’re only ever one phone call away.
Diagnosing a clogged toilet and shower: A handy guide
If you notice your toilet and shower are acting abnormally, getting to the source of the issue is the first step to a long-term fix. Here’s how you can diagnose the issue:
- Check for slow drainage
A common sign of a clog is slow-draining water. If your toilet and shower are clogged at the same time, check both appliances. If your shower water isn’t draining as quickly as it usually does, or if your toilet isn’t clearing out after a flush, you may be dealing with a dual clog.
- Listen for gurgling noises
Unusual sounds coming from your drains or toilet may indicate a potential blockage. Gurgling or bubbling noises suggest this possibility. The sound of gurgling is the trapped air escaping from your pipes.
- Observe water backups
If you flush the toilet and water backs up into the shower, or vice versa, it could be a clear indicator of a clog in your main drain line.
- Test other drains
Try running other faucets in your home. If you notice slow drainage or backup in multiple locations, it’s likely a more substantial blockage in the main line.
While these tips can help, dealing with a clog (especially a dual clog!) can be tricky, requiring the expertise of professionals. The Plumb-Tech team, your friendly Missoula neighbor, is committed to providing flexible and reliable service. We promise to resolve your plumbing issues with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
How to fix a dual clog: A step-by-step guide
Navigating through plumbing issues is not the most pleasant task – especially when your toilet and shower are clogged – but don’t panic! Here are some steps you can take:
- Use a plunger: The first method is the old faithful plunger. Position it over the drain or toilet bowl and use strong, rhythmic plunges to try to dislodge the clog. Although not the most graceful mechanism, it might just do the trick.
- Try a plumber’s snake: If the plunger isn’t helping, your next best friend could be the plumber’s snake. A clog in both appliances indicates that the issue is deeper in your sewer line. This tool can reach deeper into the drain to break up the clog. Just insert it into the drain and rotate it to break up the blockage.
- Try a drain auger: For severe clogs, a drain auger, a motorized version of a plumber’s snake, could save your day. It’s more powerful and able to handle stubborn blockages.
- Use a closet auger: If your toilet is the main troublemaker, a closet auger, specifically designed for toilets, could be the solution. It’s effectively an elbow-shaped plumber’s snake that’s gentle on porcelain.
- Natural remedies: Chemicals can flush into the water systems and harm our precious ecosystems so we recommend steering clear of those.
Try a mix of 1:1 baking soda and vinegar. First put a half cup of baking soda in the drain and pour half a cup of vinegar. Leave for 15-20 minutes before flushing it away using hot water.
If the clog persists despite using these techniques, don’t hesitate to get professional assistance – we are always here for you! Plumb-Tech offers flexible and reliable plumbing services and we’re committed to keeping the homes in the Missoula community functioning smoothly.
Preventative measures to avoid future clogs
If you find that your toilet and shower get clogged up often, here are several preventative measures you can adopt to keep your plumbing running smoothly and avoid future clogs:
- Regular cleaning
Clean your appliances regularly to prevent the build-up of hair, soap scum, and other debris that could lead to a clog. For example, use a mild cleaner in your shower once a week to dissolve soap scum.
- Invest in drain guards
Drain guards are simple devices that catch larger debris, such as hair and pieces of soap, before they go down your drain. Use them in your shower to prevent the most common types of clogs and prevent the need for harmful chemical use in your drains.
- Careful flushing
Only toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. Even products labeled as ‘flushable’ can cause clogs. Keep a bin nearby for disposing of other items like baby wipes, sanitary products, and paper towels.
- Limit the use of chemical drain cleaners
Although they can be effective, chemical cleaners can not only hurt the environment, they can also ruin your pipes if used too often. Try to use natural or mechanical solutions like vinegar and baking soda or a plunger.
- Routine professional inspection
Regular inspection by a professional plumber can detect potential problems before they become serious. Consider having Plumb-Tech, your local Missoula plumbing service, perform an annual check of your plumbing system.
Got a clog? Call the professionals at Plumb-Tech.
While having your shower and toilet all clogged up at once might seem like a daunting challenge, understanding how to diagnose and fix it can make the process more manageable. From recognizing signs of a clog, employing various methods to unclog, to implementing preventive measures, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to tackle this common plumbing issue.
That said, it’s important to note that do-it-yourself solutions have their limitations. If a clog persists or you want a thorough professional check-up, don’t hesitate to contact an expert.
Plumb-Tech, your Missoula neighbor, is committed to providing flexible, reliable service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Contact us today, and let us help you ensure smooth and efficient plumbing in your home.
