Why Is My Toilet Backing Up in My Winnipeg Home?

Few things in life spur immediate feelings of panic, like a toilet that doesn’t flush correctly in your Winnipeg home. When the water in the bowl starts rising and threatens to overflow or, even worse, the water spills over onto the floor, and you’re scrambling to stop it,  there’s clearly a plumbing problem that needs attention.

Multiple issues within your plumbing system can lead to a toilet backing up. Get help from a top-rated plumber in Winnipeg to get everything flowing properly and stop any further damage. 

The Most Common Causes of Backed-Up Toilets in Winnipeg 

Sometimes, the reason for a toilet backing up is something simple, like someone trying to flush more waste than the pipes could handle. In most cases, a few pumps of a plunger can easily clear these clogs without any fuss. At worst, the incident serves as a reminder to avoid trying to flush too much at once. 

But if the toilet bowl starts overflowing, or it backs up every time you flush and a plunger doesn’t solve the problem, then you have one of the following issues that require professional attention. 

Clogged Plumbing 

Clogged pipes are one of the most common reasons for a toilet backing up in Winnipeg. Any blockage in the system can prevent waste from flowing out to the sewer or septic system, eventually causing the toilet to back up. In most cases, the clog is due to an accumulation of debris like toilet paper or hair in the toilet’s P or S-trap, but sometimes the issue is deeper within the plumbing system. 

Faulty Ventilation 

Residential plumbing systems in Winnipeg have a vent pipe or vent stack, usually on the home’s roof, to help regulate the air pressure within the pipes. Without this vent, the plumbing could release harmful gasses into your home. 

Ventilation also ensures that toilet waste flows out into the sewer lines, not back into your home. If anything obstructs the vent, like leaves and other debris, your plumbing can develop issues, including toilet and plumbing backups. 

Damaged Sewer Lines 

The sewer lines that run from your home to the street are durable, but they can sustain damage and deterioration over the years that results in plumbing issues inside. One of the most common problems in Winnipeg is tree root infiltration. Over time, the roots from nearby trees can burst through the pipe, eventually causing a sewer line blockage. 

Other sewer system issues can also lead to clogs. Deterioration, corrosion, and shifting soil can cause cracks or other damage that eventually cause the pipe to rupture and collapse. When this happens, you’ll have issues with every drain, not just the toilet. 

Septic Tank Issues 

If you have a private septic system, an overloaded septic tank could be the reason for your toilet issues. If you don’t pump and clean the tank on the proper schedule, it can eventually fill up and create a backup. However, using the tank inappropriately (e.g., flushing food waste or wipes) or excessively can cause it to fill up quickly and create problems. 

Inadequate Water Tank Levels 

When the toilet tank doesn’t have enough water, it lacks the pressure necessary to flush, which can cause a backup. While sometimes the problem stems from the toilet design, especially on low-flow models, it’s more likely that the backup is related to low water levels caused by a damaged water supply line or broken seal. Fixing the problem will allow the toilet to flush normally. 

Troubleshooting Toilet Backups in Winnipeg 

If you discover your toilet backing up, don’t panic. Most toilets have a built-in overflow prevention system to stop water from spilling over onto the floor. This might include holes on the underside of the rim that direct water to a secondary drain system and an internal overflow system in the flush valve. 

When the water rises in the bowl after you flush, try plunging the toilet first. In many cases, this will loosen the blockage and allow the toilet to drain properly. Use a plunger with a flange at the bottom for the best results. 

If the plunger doesn’t work, an auger or drain snake may be necessary to clear the clog. In this case, it’s best to leave the work to a professional, as using this tool improperly can cause more damage. 

Do You Have a Problem Deep Within the Plumbing?

Toilet problems can be a symptom of clogged pipes or sewer system issues deep within the system, or it can be an issue with just one toilet. One way to tell whether you have a more substantial problem than just a wad of toilet paper in the trap is to check your other drains. If other toilets, sinks, and appliances are working fine, then the issue is with that one toilet. 

When you have problems with the main sewer line, every drain shows symptoms. For example, when you flush the toilet on the second floor, a main line clog will cause bubbling, gurgling, or backups on the first floor or in the basement. At this point, you need to call a plumber to inspect the system and find a solution. 

How to Prevent Toilet Backups 

Taking care of your plumbing system is the best way to prevent toilet backups and protect your home against damage. This includes not flushing inappropriate objects, like hygiene products, kitty litter, or diapers, and scheduling professional drain cleaning every year. An annual plumbing inspection can also help you catch small problems in the system before they become major concerns requiring emergency repairs.

Trust Winnipeg’s Best Plumbers to Take Care of Toilet Problems 

If you have a toilet backing up or must plunge the toilet frequently in your Winnipeg home, get in touch with King’s Services at 431-244-4966 for help. Our experts can solve any plumbing problem, from a simple clog to reconfiguring pipes to reduce the distance between the toilet and septic tank. Let us help you keep everything working perfectly and prevent damage and health risks to your family.