There is nothing worse than the dreaded return of rising water when a toilet keeps clogging. You may think, “why is this happening again?”, especially if it is a recurring issue. Unfortunately, it may be a sign that something is wrong.
This article will explain the most common reasons your toilet keeps clogging. It will also provide practical steps to prevent future blockages and keep your plumbing flowing smoothly.
5 Reasons Why Your Toilet Keeps Clogging
If you want your toilet to ‘go with the flow’ then it’s important to understand what causes a clog. Here are the main culprits behind recurring toilet troubles.
1. Too Much Toilet Paper
Using too much toilet paper is one of the most frequent causes of blockages. A large wad of paper can struggle to pass through the toilet’s trap or the main drain line, leading to a backup.
2. Flushing Non-Flushable Items
Your toilet is designed to handle only human waste and toilet paper. Items like wet wipes (even “flushable” ones), cotton pads, and hygiene products don’t break down easily and can become trapped in the narrower parts of the drain line.
3. Low-Flow or Older Toilet Models
An older, low-flow toilet doesn’t have the same flushing power as a new model. This means it can have difficulty completely clearing the bowl. While designed to save water, this can also cause frequent clogging, especially if you’re not careful about what you flush.
4. A Blocked Toilet Trap
The toilet trap is the S-shaped pipe at the base of your toilet. Its job is to hold water and block sewer gases from entering your home. Unfortunately, its curved design can also easily catch debris and be the reason your toilet keeps clogging.
5. Issues Deeper in the Drain Line
The drain line that connects your toilet can also be the source of the issue. Build-ups of grease or scale, foreign objects, or even tree root intrusion can create partial blockages that cause frequent toilet backups.
How to Prevent Frequent Toilet Clogs
Now that you’ve found the reasons that your toilet keeps clogging, you can take precautions to prevent clogs from happening again.
Flush Smarter
A simple but effective solution is to only use as much toilet paper as you need. If a large amount is necessary, consider flushing in stages. Don’t forget, only flush human waste and toilet paper—nothing else.
Upgrade Your Toilet
If you have an older, inefficient toilet, upgrading to a modern model can make a difference. Newer designs offer powerful flush systems that are also water-efficient, giving you better performance, while saving on water bills and plumbing repair costs.
Keep an Eye on Drain Health
Listen out for signs of drain trouble in advance. Slow drains, gurgling sounds, or if a toilet keeps clogging are warning signs that a bigger problem might be brewing in your drain lines. Scheduling regular drain inspections can catch these issues early.
Use Preventive Maintenance Tools
Using drain-safe cleaning solutions can help prevent the buildup of materials that lead to clogs. For small clogs that do occur, learn safe plunging or augering techniques to clear them without damaging your pipes.
When Should I Call a Drain Specialist?
While many minor clogs can be handled on your own, some situations require professional help. It’s time to call an expert if:
- Clogs are happening weekly or even daily.
- Multiple drains in your home are backing up simultaneously.
- You notice a sewage smell, overflow, or water backing up elsewhere.
Recognize any of the above? Then it’s time to dial in a drain specialist.
Flush Your Plumbing Problems Down the Drain
Take your plumbing problems from a frequent headache to a fast flush. If your toilet keeps clogging, don’t just ignore it. By understanding what causes clogs and taking preventative steps, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your plumbing system flowing smoothly.
At Drain Tech, we can diagnose your drain dilemmas. Contact a member of our team to clear your clogging concerns for good.
