Moving into a new home is an exciting time, filled with new possibilities and opportunities to make the space truly your own. However, there are also some practical concerns that come with the territory, and plumbing issues are one of the most common problems homeowners face. One of the most inconvenient plumbing issues is a blocked toilet, which can disrupt your daily routine and lead to costly repairs if not dealt with promptly.

Whether you’re moving into a brand-new home or a pre-owned property, preventing blocked toilets in Oxford (or anywhere) starts with good habits, regular maintenance, and proper knowledge of your home’s plumbing system. In this blog, we’ll provide essential tips for avoiding blocked toilets in your new home, ensuring your plumbing stays trouble-free for years to come.

1. Know What Should and Shouldn't Be Flushed

The most basic yet crucial step in preventing blocked toilets in your new home is understanding what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet. Many people make the mistake of flushing things that should not be in the plumbing system, causing blockages and even long-term damage.

Common items that should never be flushed:

• Wet wipes: Despite being marketed as "flushable," wet wipes do not dissolve like toilet paper and can create stubborn clogs in your pipes.
• Sanitary products: Items such as tampons, pads, and other feminine hygiene products should always be disposed of in the trash, not flushed.
• Cotton swabs, cotton balls, and tissues: These items can easily get stuck in the pipes and create blockages, so they should never be flushed.
• Food wrappers and packaging: If you’re in the habit of tossing food packaging or wrappers in the toilet, it can quickly lead to problems. Always dispose of them in the trash.

What you can flush:

• Toilet paper: Toilet paper is designed to break down easily in water, so it’s the only paper product safe to flush.
• Human waste: Only human waste should be flushed along with toilet paper.

Having a clear understanding of what can and can’t be flushed will help you avoid many common causes of blocked toilets in your new home.

2. Limit Toilet Paper Usage

Even though toilet paper is designed to dissolve in water, excessive usage can still cause problems. Flushing too much toilet paper at once can create a clump in the pipes, which may not dissolve quickly and could lead to a blockage. This issue can be exacerbated in homes with older plumbing or narrow pipes.

Tips for using toilet paper wisely:

• Use only as much as necessary: Try to avoid using large amounts of toilet paper for each use. A couple of sheets should suffice for most people.
• Flush in stages: If you need to use more toilet paper, consider flushing after the first few sheets. This will help prevent clumps from forming in the pipes.
• Consider switching to thinner toilet paper: If your toilet frequently gets blocked, try using thinner toilet paper, which is less likely to create clogs.

By using toilet paper sparingly and flushing in stages when necessary, you can reduce the chances of a blockage forming.

3. Install a Toilet Strainer

Another proactive measure you can take to prevent blocked toilets is to install a toilet strainer. A toilet strainer is a simple yet effective device that can help catch small debris, hair, and other materials before they go down the drain. Over time, even small bits of debris can accumulate in the pipes, causing clogs.

How a toilet strainer helps:

• Prevents hair buildup: If you have long hair, strands can easily clog the toilet, especially when washing your hands or face in the bathroom. A toilet strainer will catch hair and other debris before it enters the plumbing system.
• Stops other small objects: If you accidentally drop small objects in the toilet, such as jewelry or cotton balls, a strainer will prevent them from going down the drain.
• Easy to clean: Toilet strainers are easy to remove and clean, so they won’t add much maintenance time.

This simple addition can save you a lot of hassle and prevent costly blockages caused by foreign objects entering the toilet.

4. Check for Plumbing Issues Early On

If you’re moving into an older home, it’s important to have the plumbing system checked for potential issues before they become a problem. Plumbing systems in older homes may have worn-out pipes, leaks, or other issues that could lead to frequent blockages. A professional plumber can inspect your plumbing and ensure everything is in working order.

What a plumbing inspection can uncover:

• Tree root infiltration: Tree roots can cause pipes to crack and obstruct the flow of water. If your home has a garden or large trees nearby, a plumber can check for this issue.
• Corroded or broken pipes: Over time, pipes can deteriorate, especially if the home is old. A plumber can identify if any pipes need replacing to prevent future blockages.
• Water pressure issues: Low water pressure can result in ineffective flushes, causing waste to get stuck in the pipes. A plumber can ensure your water pressure is adequate.

By getting your plumbing system checked early on, you can address any underlying issues and avoid future blockages in your new home.

5. Maintain the Toilet and Plumbing System Regularly

Preventing blocked toilets isn’t just about avoiding what gets flushed down. Regular maintenance of your toilet and plumbing system can go a long way in keeping everything functioning smoothly. Over time, waste, soap scum, and even natural mineral buildup can cause minor blockages that, if left unaddressed, can turn into persistent problems.

Regular toilet maintenance tips:

• Clean the toilet regularly: Clean the inside of your toilet with a non-abrasive cleaner to remove any buildup of waste or minerals that could obstruct the drain.
• Inspect the flush mechanism: Ensure that the flushing mechanism is working efficiently. A weak flush can leave waste behind, which could eventually lead to blockages.
• Check for leaks: Leaking pipes or a leaking toilet can cause water damage, and over time, small leaks can lead to larger plumbing issues.

You can also clean the toilet tank and use a mild cleaner to remove any mineral deposits. Regular toilet and plumbing maintenance is key to preventing blockages and ensuring your toilet stays in good working order.

6. Use Natural Drain Cleaners for Preventative Maintenance

Using natural drain cleaners is an excellent way to prevent blocked toilets and other plumbing issues in your new home. Commercial drain cleaners can be harsh on your pipes and harmful to the environment, but natural alternatives can help clear minor clogs and keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

Natural remedies to keep your toilet clear:

• Baking soda and vinegar: Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then flush. The bubbling reaction helps clear minor buildups.
• Hot water: Pouring hot water into your toilet bowl can help break down waste and toilet paper. Be careful not to use boiling water, as it could crack the porcelain.
• Salt and baking soda: Mix a cup of salt with a cup of baking soda and flush it down the toilet. Let it sit for a few hours, then flush again. This helps break down organic matter that may be stuck in the pipes.

By using these natural remedies as part of your regular maintenance routine, you can keep your pipes free from buildup and prevent blockages before they happen.

7. Be Mindful of the Toilet’s Water Level

The water level in your toilet bowl plays a critical role in ensuring proper flushing. If the water level is too low, the toilet might not have enough water to fully clear waste and toilet paper, leading to potential blockages over time.

How to adjust the water level:

• Check the toilet tank: If the water level in the tank is too low, adjust the float or fill valve to increase the water level. A higher water level in the tank ensures a stronger flush.
• Ensure the flush is powerful: A weak flush can leave waste behind in the toilet. If you notice that your toilet flushes weakly, it may be time to inspect the flushing mechanism or upgrade to a more efficient model.

By maintaining the proper water level and ensuring that your toilet flushes efficiently, you can avoid minor clogs and prevent them from turning into more significant problems.

8. Know When to Call a Professional Plumber

Even with all the preventative measures in place, there may come a time when your toilet is blocked despite your best efforts. If you experience repeated blockages, slow drainage, or overflowing toilets, it’s time to call a professional plumber.

Signs you need a plumber:

• Recurring blockages: If your toilet keeps becoming blocked, there could be a larger issue with your plumbing that requires professional attention.
• Overflowing toilet: An overflowing toilet can cause significant damage to your home, so it’s important to have a plumber fix the issue before it worsens.
• Foul smells or gurgling noises: Bad smells or strange noises coming from the toilet could indicate an issue with your plumbing system, such as a blockage in the main sewer line.

A professional plumber can assess the issue, clear the blockage, and inspect the plumbing to ensure everything is working correctly.

Conclusion

Preventing blocked toilets in Oxford in your new home requires a combination of good habits, regular maintenance, and proactive care. By being mindful of what you flush, using toilet paper sparingly, and keeping your plumbing system in top shape, you can avoid most common toilet blockages. Regular maintenance and being aware of the signs of plumbing issues will help you keep your new home’s plumbing system functioning smoothly.

If you do encounter a persistent problem, don’t hesitate to contact a professional plumber to handle the situation effectively. With these tips in mind, you can ensure that your new home remains free from the hassle of blocked toilets and plumbing problems.