Having a clogged-up toilet is never a pleasant experience. When the toilet refuses to flush, you have a major problem on your hands, one that needs to be resolved as quickly as possible. But if your home includes a septic tank instead of city water, your clogged toilet could mean an even bigger problem.
Having the toilet stop working is bad enough when you are hooked up to the municipal sewer system. No matter what type of system you have, you still need to find and eliminate the clog, and that means spending quality time with your plunger.
If you home includes a septic system, however, your job is an even bigger one. You still need to find and resolve that troublesome clog, and look for ways to keep it from coming back. At the same time, you need to worry about the integrity of your entire septic system, including your drain lines, drain field and other vital components. Failing to take these things into consideration could mean a compromised septic system in your back yard, and a big repair bill in your mailbox.
If your toilet is backing up on a regular basis, or even once in awhile, it may be time to have your septic system inspected and possibly pumped. A holding tank that has reached its capacity could create a backup that clogs the toilet and stops it from working properly.
You do not want to wait if you suspect your holding tank if full. Waiting too long could damage your drain fields and compromise the entire system. Having the septic tank pumped now could prevent a big headache later.
The things you do inside your home could also be causing problems with your toilet. Using too much toilet paper is a common culprit, as is using a brand that is too thick and does not break down properly. That cloth-like toilet paper may feel good on your body, but it is not so good for your septic system.
Flushing non-flushable items, like tampons, condoms and paper towels, could also clog up your toilet and compromise the integrity of your septic system. If you have a cat, you should never flush cat litter, even if the litter manufacturer claims that it is flushable. The solid clumps in the cat litter can wreak havoc with your septic system, and lead to a big repair bill down the line.
If your home has a septic system, you need to care for it properly and watch for signs of problems. A toilet that does not flush or clogs frequently is a big cause for alarm, and something you cannot afford to ignore. If your toilet is clogged, you need to look not only at the toilet inside your home but the septic tank outside it as well.
