Dealing with a toilet backup is never a pleasant job. Depending on the situation, it can be messy, damaging, and more. However, that doesn't mean that there aren't solutions to address the issue. Understanding the situation that you're facing is the first step toward dealing with a toilet backup and determining if it's something that you can resolve on your own or if you need the support of a plumber. Here's a look at what you need to understand about toilet backup issues in your home.

Occasional Clogs

The occasional clog that causes a backed-up toilet is no real cause for concern. In fact, these issues are quite common and usually pretty benign in nature. In most situations, they are the result of flushing too much in volume at one time, or in some cases due to a child flushing a toy or something else that doesn't belong.

Make sure that everyone in the house knows what does and does not go down the toilet. For example, even flushable wipes shouldn't be flushed because they don't break down as quickly as the plumbing system needs them to. Paper towels, tissues, and any other similar waste should be kept out of the toilet as well. 

A plunger should be enough to clear this type of clog. Just make sure that you know how to properly form a seal around the drain of the toilet, otherwise, you'll risk splashing toilet water back on the bathroom floor.

You can also try pouring hot water in the toilet bowl to try to force whatever is blocking it to move along or break down. If neither of these work, a toilet snake may be employed, or you can reach out to a local plumber for help.

Full System Backups

Sometimes, your toilet backup is more than just an occasional clog. If you flush the toilet and the plumbing system starts backing up into your shower, tub, or sinks, that's a sign of a much bigger and more serious problem. In those situations, you'll need to reach out to a plumber to address the issue.

When you're seeing a backup this severe, it's because the blockage resides in the main drain pipe. A main drain pipe that's clogged won't allow enough flow through the pipe for things to drain, and they have to go somewhere. That's why everything backs up into your drains. You'll need a plumber to run a camera through the system or hydro-flush the main drain to address this problem.

Understanding the fundamentals of toilet backups can help you to determine when you might need to contact a plumber. Talk with a plumbing contractor near you today for more help.

For more information on toilet backup repair services, contact a company like Rob's Septic Tanks Inc.