What to Do If Your Commercial Toilets Frequently Clog or Back Up

Frequent toilet clogs and backups in commercial settings can be more than just a nuisance—they can disrupt your business, create unpleasant conditions for employees and customers, and lead to costly repairs. Commercial restrooms, especially in high-traffic businesses such as restaurants, office buildings, and retail stores, experience significant use, which can make them more prone to clogs. If you’re facing frequent toilet clogs in your business, it’s crucial to address the underlying causes to avoid further problems.

In this post, we’ll explore common reasons for commercial toilet clogs, how to prevent them, and the importance of solutions like sewer camera inspections to identify hidden issues.

Common Causes of Frequent Toilet Clogs in Commercial Buildings

1. Excessive Paper Product Use: In commercial restrooms, overuse of toilet paper and flushing of non-flushable items such as paper towels or sanitary products can lead to frequent clogs. Unlike home restrooms, which are used by fewer people, public restrooms in businesses are prone to these issues because users often flush improper items without consideration.
2. Non-Flushable Items: One of the biggest causes of clogs is the improper disposal of items that shouldn’t be flushed. These can include wipes (even those labeled as "flushable"), feminine hygiene products, and paper towels. These materials do not break down easily and can quickly cause blockages in your pipes.
3. Aging Plumbing Infrastructure: Many commercial properties, especially older buildings, have plumbing systems that may not be equipped to handle modern usage levels. Old pipes can suffer from corrosion, mineral buildup, or narrow passages that make it difficult for water and waste to flow properly, leading to frequent blockages.
4. Low-Flow Toilets: While low-flow toilets help conserve water, they sometimes lack the flushing power needed in high-use commercial settings. If your low-flow toilets frequently clog, you may need to upgrade to commercial-grade models that balance water conservation with flushing efficiency.
5. Sewer Line Problems: Issues in your main sewer line, such as blockages, cracks, or tree root intrusion, can lead to frequent backups in multiple toilets. Sewer line problems can be more complex and costly to address, but they often go undetected without the right diagnostic tools.

Preventing Commercial Toilet Clogs and Backups

1. Install High-Quality Commercial Toilets: In high-traffic restrooms, upgrading to commercial-grade toilets can make a significant difference. These models are designed to handle heavier usage and offer stronger flushing power while remaining water-efficient.
2. Post Clear Signage: Placing clear signage in restrooms can help reduce improper disposal of non-flushable items. Signs reminding employees and customers to only flush toilet paper and to use waste bins for other items can prevent many clogs before they happen.
3. Provide Ample Waste Bins: Ensure that each stall and sink area has easily accessible waste bins for non-flushable items like paper towels and sanitary products. This reduces the temptation for users to flush items that could clog your plumbing.
4. Regular Drain Cleaning: Regularly cleaning your drains can prevent clogs from building up over time. Services like hydro jetting—which uses high-pressure water to clean out pipes—are especially effective for commercial properties. Scheduling routine drain cleaning can help keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly.
5. Sewer Camera Inspection: If frequent clogs and backups continue to occur despite preventive efforts, it may be time for a sewer camera inspection. This involves inserting a small camera into your plumbing system to visually inspect the pipes and locate the exact cause of the problem. Sewer camera inspections can identify blockages, cracks, tree root intrusion, or other issues deep within your sewer line that would otherwise go unnoticed. By pinpointing the issue, you can address the root cause and avoid unnecessary and costly repairs.
6. Upgrade Plumbing Infrastructure: If your building has an older plumbing system that isn’t handling the demands of modern use, consider upgrading the pipes. Replacing old, corroded, or narrow pipes can improve water flow and reduce the risk of recurring clogs.
7. Install Automatic or Flush-Valve Toilets: Auto-flush or flush-valve systems provide a powerful flush that ensures the toilet is properly cleared after each use. These systems are particularly useful in high-traffic areas and can significantly reduce the chances of blockages due to incomplete flushes.

What to Do When a Toilet Backup Occurs

If you experience a toilet backup in your business, here’s what you can do:

1. Turn Off the Water Supply: Locate the shut-off valve behind the toilet and turn off the water supply to prevent further overflow. This helps contain the issue while you address the clog.
2. Attempt to Plunge the Toilet: Using a heavy-duty plunger, try to dislodge the blockage. Many minor clogs can be resolved with a few firm plunges.
3. Call a Professional Plumber: If plunging doesn’t work or if the clog affects multiple toilets or drains, contact a professional plumber. They can assess the situation and use specialized tools, such as augers or hydro jetting, to clear the blockage.
4. Request a Sewer Camera Inspection: If backups persist, it’s time for a sewer camera inspection. This service allows a plumber to diagnose hidden issues within your pipes, helping you avoid repeated clogs and more serious plumbing problems down the road.

Conclusion

Frequent toilet clogs and backups can cause major disruptions in your business, but with the right preventive measures and professional assistance, you can minimize these issues. Upgrading to high-capacity toilets, educating users about proper disposal, performing regular drain cleaning, and using a sewer camera inspection to diagnose deeper issues are all effective strategies for maintaining a functional and efficient plumbing system.

If your business is experiencing frequent clogs, contact Bates Plumbing today. Our team of experts provides comprehensive commercial plumbing services, including sewer camera inspections and hydro jetting, to ensure your plumbing system runs smoothly and efficiently.

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