Living in beautiful Lindsay, Ontario, means enjoying the quiet charm of a small town—but that doesn’t mean you're immune to plumbing headaches. And few things are more frustrating than a clogged toilet. Whether you live in a newer home or a century-old property, toilet clogs are a common (and preventable!) issue.
Let’s look at the top 5 reasons toilets get clogged in Lindsay homes—and what you can do to stop it from happening again.
🚽 1. Too Much Toilet Paper
We’ve all done it—used a little more TP than we probably needed. But using large wads of toilet paper, especially thicker or quilted brands, can cause serious backups.
Prevention tips:
- Use moderate amounts of toilet paper per flush.
- Consider switching to a thinner, septic-safe brand.
- Remind young kids about proper toilet paper use.
🚱 2. Low-Flow Toilets (That Don’t Work Like They Should)
Older low-flow toilets (especially models from the 1990s) are known for not having enough flushing power. If your toilet takes multiple flushes or struggles to clear the bowl, it might be contributing to clogs.
Prevention tips:
- Avoid flushing too much at once—break it up if needed.
- Have a plumber inspect your toilet’s internal parts (you may benefit from an upgrade).
- Consider a newer high-efficiency model that balances power and water savings.
🧸 3. Flushing the Wrong Things
This one’s big. Even products labeled “flushable” (like wipes) can cause buildup in your pipes over time. And we’ve seen it all—from paper towels to Q-tips to... Barbie doll shoes.
Things you should NEVER flush:
- Wipes (yes, even the “flushable” ones)
- Feminine hygiene products
- Paper towels or napkins
- Dental floss, cotton swabs, or hair
Prevention tips:
- Place a small waste bin beside your toilet for non-flushables.
- Post a “Do Not Flush” sign in guest bathrooms—especially helpful if you’re hosting visitors.
🏚️ 4. Aging Plumbing
Many homes in Lindsay—especially in older neighborhoods—still rely on outdated plumbing like cast iron or clay pipes. Over time, these materials can corrode, crack, or narrow from buildup, making clogs more frequent.
Prevention tips:
- Schedule a plumbing inspection if your toilet clogs regularly.
- A video camera inspection can show what’s happening inside your drain lines.
- Upgrading older plumbing may save you from bigger problems down the road.
🌳 5. Tree Roots in Sewer Lines
If your clogs are becoming more frequent, especially in conjunction with slow drains elsewhere, it might be a sewer issue—caused by nearby tree roots. Tree roots naturally seek out moisture and can sneak into your main sewer line through tiny cracks.
Prevention tips:
- Watch for signs like gurgling sounds, slow drains, or occasional backups.
- A camera inspection can confirm root intrusion.
- Root-cutting services or pipe replacements can resolve the issue before it gets worse.
💧 Jetflo Can Help
At Jetflo, we’ve seen just about every kind of toilet clog you can imagine—especially in Lindsay and the surrounding Kawartha Lakes region. We know how frustrating it can be, and we’re here to help with:
✅ Drain inspections
✅ Toilet repair and replacement
✅ Pipe upgrades
✅ Emergency clog removal
If you’re dealing with recurring toilet clogs or slow flushing, don’t wait for it to turn into a full-blown plumbing emergency.
🛠️ Bonus Resource:
Still not sure what’s behind your drain issues? Be sure to check out our recent post:
👉 Why Sump Pumps Fail in Durham Region, Kawarthas & Peterborough — And What You Can Do About It
Lindsay Locals, We’ve Got Your Back!
From the historic homes near Kent Street to newer subdivisions on the outskirts of town, Jetflo is proud to serve the Lindsay community. If your toilet’s giving you trouble, give us a call—we’ll get things flowing again in no time.