Why Does Your Toilet Keep Clogging? Causes, Fixes, and When to Call a Pro
Don’t let a clogged toilet ruin your day—or your finances. Learn the common causes of toilet clogs, DIY fixes, and how to unclog a persistent toilet issue when it needs extra attention.
Common Causes of Persistent Toilet Clogs
Plumbing issues can be a real drain for homeowners, and a frequently clogged toilet is no exception. It’s frustrating, costly, and dare we say uncomfortable, especially if it persists over time. Understanding why your toilet always clogs can help you avoid damage to your plumbing and maintain a hassle-free bathroom. So, what is the number one cause of clogged toilets? It’s typically not just one issue—in fact, there are many.
1. Non-Flushable Items
One of the more common reasons a toilet always clogs is due to items that don’t belong down there. These non-flushable items include wipes (even “flushable” ones), paper towels, and feminine hygiene products, which can easily get caught in pipes and lead to repeated blockages.
2. Low-Flow Toilets
Older low-flow toilets are often culprits behind why your toilet keeps clogging; they simply don’t have the power needed to move waste through the pipes efficiently. If you have an early-model low-flow toilet, this could explain why your toilet clogs often.
3. Hard Water Buildup
Mineral deposits from hard water can accumulate in pipes over time, narrowing the passage and contributing to a frequently clogged toilet. Hard water buildup reduces water pressure, causing inefficient flushes and sluggish waste removal.
4. Blocked Vent Pipes
Vent pipes provide airflow that aids in efficient flushing by balancing pressure in the plumbing system. If these pipes become blocked by debris, leaves, or nests, you may experience clogged toilet issues, along with poor flushing and potential backups in other areas of your plumbing.
How to Fix a Toilet that Keeps Clogging Up: DIY Solutions
When it comes to how to unclog a persistent toilet issue DIY options are your first line of defense. These solutions can often help with smaller, more manageable issues:
1. Plunge the Toilet
A trusty, old plunger can usually handle minor blockages. Use a flange plunger specifically designed for toilets to create a strong seal over the drain, pumping several times before testing to see if the clog clears up.
2. Drain Cleaning Solutions
An enzyme-based cleaner can break down organic buildup in your pipes. This solution is often effective when the problem involves hard water buildup rather than a physical blockage. Be cautious with chemical drain cleaners, as they can erode pipes over time and are best avoided if your toilet clogs often.
3. Snake the Drain
If a clog doesn’t respond to plunging or drain cleaners, you may need a plumbing snake (also called an auger) to reach deeper clogs. Carefully insert the snake into the toilet drain and rotate it to clear the blockage.
When to Call a Professional
When DIY fixes aren’t enough, you may need professional assistance to tackle a persistent toilet issue. Here’s when to bring in a plumber:
- Frequent or Persistent Clogs: If you’ve tried multiple solutions and find your toilet keeps clogging, there may be a deeper plumbing problem.
- Recurring Odors or Slow Drains: Unpleasant smells or backed-up water in other drains suggest that vent pipes or the main sewer line may be the issue.
- Multiple Drains Affected: If you experience clogs in several drains, it’s likely a problem with the main sewer line, which will need professional equipment to clear.
Preventing Clogs and Maintaining Your Toilet
To reduce the chances that your toilet always clogs, take a few preventative steps:
- Avoid Flushing Non-Flushables: Stick to toilet paper only.
- Consider Upgrading to a Modern Low-Flow Toilet: Newer models offer both water efficiency and better flushing power.
- Schedule Regular Plumbing Inspections: Inspections help detect minor issues before they become major clogs.
Keep Your Home Humming Along
When a toilet is clogged, the sound of the “flush!” never sounded so good. But with a little maintenance and preventive action, you can avoid clogged toilets altogether—keeping your bathroom and your household running smoothly. For added peace of mind, HSA℠ provides home warranties and expert resources to ensure your home systems work year-round.