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PARTS OF A DRAINAGE SYSTEM AND CAUSES OF CLOGGED TOILET

December 14, 2021

Nothing is more frustrating than dealing with a clogged toilet. Cleaning a clogged toilet can be time-consuming and unpleasant. Before you decide, you should know the following about your clogged toilet and other common plumbing problems.

Toilet Parts

To repair a clogged toilet, you need to have a basic knowledge of the drainage system’s structure. 

P-trap

A P-trap in your drainage system connects your toilet to the drainpipe to keep the foul odor away and retain the standing water to make the drainage system watertight. 

Soil Stack 

After passing through the P-trap, the wastewater falls through the stack into the house drain and sewer. This large-diameter vertical drain pipe is the primary carrier of all wastewater generated in your home.

Soil Stack Vent 

It prevents back pressure in the drainage system, especially in the soil stack and the house drain. The soil stack is usually extended to the roof and left open to the outside air so that its top can be used as a vent.

House Drain

All wastewater and sewage directed through the soil stack end up in the house drain. This is the lowest point in your home’s plumbing system and connects directly to the sewer.

Cleanout

The side of the house drain opposite the flow direction normally extends upward with its end protruding from the basement floor. This end is temporarily closed by a cap or plug, which can be opened if access to the drain pipe is needed. This extended section is called the cleanout pipe.

The House Sewer

The drainage system carries all kinds of plumbing waste to the house sewer. This sewer connects directly to the main sewer, which runs under the road and takes the wastewater to the treatment plants.

What causes a clogged toilet?

Many reasons can lead to a clogged toilet. The most common are

Foreign object trapped in the trap 

The trap under your toilet is not a straight pipe, so the flush may not produce enough pressure to push complex objects down the drain. Sometimes wipes and tissues are enough to stop the flow of water.

Older Toilet 

No renovation for decades can also result in unflushed material accumulating in the trap and clogging the toilet.

Blocked drain stack 

Without a vent, the drain can experience backpressure, which is a major cause of sewage backup. Ensure the vent is free of any obstructions blocking the air passage.

Use basic techniques to clear clogs. If the clog persists, it’s a clear sign that you need the help of a professional plumber

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