Can a Clogged Toilet Cause a Pipe to Burst in Powder Springs, GA?

No one wants to face a clogged toilet, but most homeowners have to deal with one at some point. Ideally, a few pumps of the plunger can take care of the issue and you can move on with your day.

However, a stubborn toilet clog most likely needs professional attention to prevent damage to your plumbing system. As certified plumbers in Powder Springs, GA, many homeowners ask us, “Can a clogged toilet cause a pipe to burst?” 

The short answer is “yes,” which is why you need to call a plumber for help when you can’t get rid of a blockage in your toilet pipes.

How a Clogged Toilet Affects Your Pipes

Although the most common reason for burst pipes is freezing weather, a clog is the most likely culprit behind a broken pipe in Powder Springs, GA. 

How does a clogged toilet cause a pipe to burst? When you flush, waste and water flow down the pipe to the main sewer line, which carries it to the municipal sewer system under the street and then to the local treatment facility.

However, if there’s an obstruction anywhere in the system, the waste can’t flow freely and will eventually start to back up. Not only does this lead to toilet overflow risks, but the waste accumulation in the pipes can create excess water pressure. That plumbing pressure buildup can lead to leaks, cracks, and, eventually, a burst pipe. 

How a Clogged Toilet Damages Powder Springs, GA Pipes

Although the answer to “Can a clogged toilet cause a pipe to burst?” is “yes,” the good news is that it typically takes time for the problem to reach that level. However, a toilet clog can result in additional pipe blockage damage that can mean a major mess and repair expenses. 

Some of the other issues that can arise from an unaddressed toilet clog include:

• Flooding. Water must go somewhere, and when it can’t flow down the drain pipe, it’s going to come back up into the toilet and potentially other drains in sinks and tubs, causing flooding. 
• Toxic gasses. A sewer line backup can cause smelly, toxic sewer gasses to back up into your Powder Springs, GA, home, which can make your family sick. Using chemical drain cleaners can also create toxic glasses when they combine with the built up wastewater. 
• Harmful bacteria. A toilet clog that leads to a backup and overflowing toilet is a major health hazard. The water that comes out of a clogged toilet is black water, meaning it’s contaminated with hazardous bacteria, microbes, viruses, and more that requires professional cleanup. 
• Mold growth. If the excessive water pressure in the pipes creates hairline cracks, water can leak out and contribute to mold growth in your Powder Springs home. 
• Structural damage. A burst pipe causes a flood of hundreds of gallons of water that can cause widespread structural damage to your home. However, even a slow leak over time can cause rot that leads to structural issues. 

In short, the potential problems that a clogged toilet can cause mean that your question shouldn’t be, “Can a clogged toilet cause a pipe to burst?” but rather, “How soon can I get a plumber to take care of this problem?”

Avoiding Toilet Clogs in Powder Springs

The most common reason for clogged toilets in Powder Springs is flushing things down the toilet that you shouldn’t. Some items that can cause problems include:

• Hygiene products
• Diapers
• Flushable wipes
• Excess toilet paper 
• Grease
• Kitty litter
• Paper towels 
• Other objects, like small toys and jewelry 

Sometimes, the problem has nothing to do with your habits, and everything to do with something wrong deeper within the system. For example, a sewer line backup due to a problem with the municipal sewer lines or tree roots that infiltrated the underground pipes can mimic a clogged toilet. 

That’s why it’s so important to get in touch with a plumber for help if you can’t clear a toilet clog with a plunger or drain snake. A professional can investigate further into the system to determine the location and size of the obstruction, and determine the best way to deal with it. 

Turn to Powder Springs’ Leading Plumbing Professionals

Homeowners in Powder Springs, GA, who need help with any kind of plumbing backup or blockage should get in touch with Absolute Plumbing Services for fast, reliable help that prevents the problem from getting worse. Whether you wonder, “Can a clogged toilet cause a pipe to burst?” or have any other concerns, contact us for fast and friendly service. 

Call (678) 499-2124