Can a Clogged Toilet Cause a Pipe to Burst? Plumbing Tips

It’s no secret that severe toilet clogs can lead to serious plumbing issues. Toilet blockages can cause significant flooding, water damage, and more if you don’t eliminate them quickly. However, many Rockaway homeowners don’t understand how toilet clogs adversely affect their pipes and often ask, “Can a clogged toilet cause a pipe to burst?”

That’s why RDH Plumbing, Sewer, & Drain Specialist is here to explain how toilet clogs affect pipes and if they can cause them to burst.

RDH Plumbing, Sewer, & Drain Specialist is Rockaway’s emergency plumber. If you need professional plumbing services in Rockaway, New Jersey, contact RDH Plumbing, Sewer, & Drain Specialist.

What Causes Toilet Clogs?

Toilet clogs are extremely common and can cause several issues for your home and your plumbing system. Everything from excess waste to foreign objects can create a clog, leaving your toilet unusable for hours or longer.

Toilet clogs come in two primary varieties:

• Degradable clogs
• Non-degradable clogs

Degradable Clogs

Degradable clogs consist of decomposable materials that deteriorate in water over time. Professional plumbers classify human waste and toilet paper blockages as degradable since they can break down and resolve themselves over time without interference (although it’s best to eliminate toilet clogs as soon as possible).

Non-Degradable Clogs

Non-degradable clogs are more severe and occur when non-decomposable objects like jewelry, plastic, and diapers enter plumbing systems and create blockages within pipes. These clogs are much harder to eliminate with household supplies and typically require a professional plumber.

Can Toilet Clogs Burst Pipes?

So, can a clogged toilet cause a pipe to burst? Absolutely.

When you flush a severely clogged toilet, water pressure builds up within the pipe, causing it to crack or burst. Burst pipes are emergencies that can leave your home water-damaged while creating a significant safety hazard in certain situations.

Sewer line bursts can cause sewage to flood your property, leading to serious health problems and several other issues, including:

• Microbes and bacteria
• Pest infestations
• Mold and mildew
• Severe property damage
• Toxic gasses

Always eliminate clogs as soon as possible to avoid negatively impacting your home and plumbing system. If you can’t resolve the clog yourself, contact a professional plumber to eliminate it and restore your pipe assembly’s operations. Investing in professional clog removal is much cheaper than fixing burst pipes and other associated issues.

How To Prevent Toilet Clogs and Burst Pipes

Although some toilet blockages are unavoidable, you can take measures to diminish their frequency and preserve your piping system. Below are a few tips to help you prevent toilet clogs and other drain line blockages.

Only Flush Waste and Toilet Paper Down the Toilet

Treating your toilet like a trash can is a surefire way to create troublesome clogs and blockages, increasing the chances of a burst pipe. Homeowners must limit their toilets to human waste and toilet paper to preserve their piping systems and ensure optimal efficiency. Never flush any of the following down your toilet:

• Diapers
• Oils or grease
• Paint
• Makeup 
• House cleaners
• Over-the-counter and prescription medications
• Feminine hygiene products
• Rubber or plastic materials
• Flushable wipes

Keep Your Pipes Warm Throughout the Year

Frozen pipes are much more prone to bursting than warm piping. When winter temperatures set in, you must keep your pipes well insulated to prevent them from freezing and becoming damaged.

Keeping your home’s heating system well maintained and efficient will help your pipes stay warm during Rockaway’s chilly winter. Many home improvement stores sell pipe insulation products that give your plumbing system extra protection against freezing temperatures and burst pipes.

Keep in mind that other clogs can cause burst pipes as well, making it essential to be mindful of what you throw down your fixtures and garbage disposal.

Contact RDH Plumbing, Sewer, & Drain Specialist for Outstanding Plumbing Services in Rockaway, New Jersey

If your home experiences a clogged drain or toilet and leaves you wondering, “Can a clogged toilet cause a pipe to burst?” contact RDH Plumbing, Sewer, & Drain Specialist. Our professional plumbers can handle even the most severe toilet clogs quickly and without issue, ensuring you receive quality service every time you call our team. From toilet repair to residential pipe replacement, RDH Plumbing, Sewer, & Drain Specialist has you covered.

Don’t trust your Rockaway, New Jersey, home’s plumbing system with subpar plumbers that don’t put your best interest first. Give RDH Plumbing, Sewer, & Drain Specialist a call at (908) 774-8751 to see what our experienced plumbers can do for you today!