Why Does My Toilet Keep Clogging? Expert Tips on What Might be Happening

When your toilet keeps clogging it can become a nuisance. There can be a number of causes for this annoying issue. There could be a problem with the toilet, the lines that drain from it, or what is being flushed down the toilet. The experts at Plumbing Outfitters know how to pinpoint the issue and solve your clogging toilet problem. Let’s talk about some of the possible causes and solutions for toilet clogs to help keep your toilets flushing properly.

Common Causes of Toilet Clogging

When your toilet keeps backing up more and more often, there could be a problem. There are several factors that could be affecting the way the toilet is flushing. There could be something going on with the toilet itself or the plumbing system that drains the waste. Someone flushing non-flushable items could be the culprit as well. Some common reasons a toilet might clog repeatedly are:

Excessive toilet paper being flushed
Non-flushable items being flushed (doll clothes, toy cars, cleaning sponges)
Clogged sewer pipe
Blockage in toilet trap or vent
Low flow toilet; not enough force

The experienced professionals at Plumbing Outfitters can thoroughly check your system and figure out exactly what’s causing the clogging and remedy the problem.

Toilet Paper Usage

Some thicker types of toilet paper aren’t suitable for all systems. It may feel luxurious but could cause major clogs to form in the lines. Toilet paper can be flushed without causing clogs. When it’s used in moderate amounts it shouldn’t cause a problem. If someone is using way too much toilet paper, it doesn’t have a chance to break down properly in the sewer lines. It can stick to the walls of the pipes and cause the toilet to become clogged. Encourage younger children to use only as much as they need. Try to use less toilet paper in your household to help prevent further clogs.

Non-Flushable Items Clogging the System

The toilet is only meant for flushing our body waste and toilet paper out, nothing else. Keep an eye on little ones that like to flush the toilet. They could be flushing small toys or papers down when you aren’t looking. If someone is putting hygiene products or thick paper towels down the toilet, clogs are likely to occur. Things that don’t break down easily and dissolve like human waste and thin bath tissue can build up in the lines. These barriers build up like a dam inside your pipes. Some wipes that are advertised as flushable can cause clogs as well.

Low-flow Toilet

If you have an older toilet or a low flow model, it may not be flushing enough water down to force the waste through the lines properly. Some toilets don’t produce enough pressure to push the waste past the trap and through the drain pipe. What’s left behind can cause clogs. When your toilet keeps clogging repeatedly, it’s time to call in the pros. Ask the experts at Plumbing Outfitters to help you find a better fit for your needs and install a newer model.