A frequently clogging toilet is a big nuisance that likely frequently tops your to-do list to fix. Unfortunately, the cause of this isn’t always so easy to figure out. However, equipped with some knowledge, you may be able to figure out what is causing your toilet to clog and prevent it from happening again.
Old Model of Toilet
Starting in the early 90’s up throughout the middle of the decade, many models of low-flow toilets were incapable of creating the pressure required to dependably flush materials out of the trap and clear the pipes. This weak pressure would leave materials behind every time you would flush, causing constant clogging.
There are several things a plumber can do to upgrade the pressure throughout your home to help solve this issue. However, the biggest thing you can do to solve this issue is to replace your old low-flow model with a newer one with higher pressure.
Ensure No One is Flushing Non-Flushable Items
The most common cause of all toilet clogs is when someone flushes non-flushable items. This includes tissue paper or supposedly flushable moist wipes. The only things that should be going in your toilets are human waste products and toilet paper; anything else should go in a waste bin.
So, if your toilet is frequently clogging, make sure to talk to anyone else in your household to make sure they are not flushing other bathroom items such as Q-tips, tampons, or anything else down the drain. When this happens often, it builds up into a difficult-to-handle clog that will require a plumber to remove.
Too Much Toilet Paper
Toilet paper is designed to break down in the water and easily flush without causing clogs. But, this only applies in moderation. If someone in your house is going excessive on the toilet paper usage, then this can easily cause constant clogging.
This is also easier with some varieties of toilet paper than others. Many modern toilet paper brands come in 2-ply with particularly thick and absorbent layers. These can cause clogging with much less usage than thinner varieties.
So, if you suspect excessive toilet paper use may be your problem, then consider talking with everyone else in your household and switching to a thinner variety of toilet paper.
A Blockage in the Trap
Inside every toilet, there is a trap curved into an “S” shape that holds water in the bowl and prevents sewer gases from entering your home. Normally, when this becomes clogged with toilet paper or other material, it can be removed with a toilet plunger and some elbow grease.
But, if an item becomes stuck partway through the trap, this can cause the material to continue to build up and clog in a short time. This can lead to excessive and frequent clogs and may need to be solved by a plumber.
Clogged Plumbing Vent
Residential plumbing needs vents to introduce fresh air into the plumbing system. This fills the low-pressure area created every time you flush and releases the high-pressure area created by the rushing water. Without this water, waste would have a difficult time moving through your system.
When these vents become blocked, it reduces the flushing pressure and can cause your toilet to easily become clogged. If you think this is your problem, then this is something that will need to be solved by a plumber.
Water Supply Issues
This is a less common cause of clogging; however, if the toilet bowl is not receiving enough water to perform an appropriate flush, it can cause clogs. It is generally easy to check if this is the case.
Remove the lid to the tank and ensure that the water is filling up with enough water. If not, then you will likely need to adjust or replace the fill valve.
Final Thoughts
There are several reasons why your toilet may keep clogging, but most of them are preventable or relatively easily solved. So, don’t fret, and try to diagnose why it may be happening. Just don’t put it off because some problems are only going to get worse to solve with time, and if you can’t figure out how to solve the issue, don’t hesitate to call a licensed plumber to help.
Contact Us
If you need help dealing with a toilet that just keeps becoming clogged, then contact J Griffin Heating & Plumbing. Our licensed plumbing team has more than 30 years of experience handling residential and commercial plumbing needs. Call us at 781-520-1212 and connect with us on Facebook.
