Why Does My Toilet Keep Clogging?
Why Does My Toilet Keep Clogging?
We all have that annoying moment when right after bombing the bowl, your toilet just clogs.
But what if I tell you there’s a way to fix that problem.
You heard that right!
And to solve it, we must go down the root cause, which would be… the drain lines.
But to elaborate further, let me answer the frequently asked questions.
So pay attention!
And indeed, you won’t have to worry about clogging problems in the future!
What’s to Blame When Your Toilet Keeps Clogging?
Well, upon noticing that your toilet does not drain,
There’s only one indication!
The clogging problem is due to the plumbing malfunction underneath your bowl. But the following factors could also be the reasons for your drainage issues:
- Materials obstructed in the toilet vent.
- The toilet trap was blocked.
- There is too much toilet paper in the plumbing pipes.
- Large items were flushed and got stuck like feminine hygiene products.
- Sewer line problems.
- You have to update the model of your flow toilet.
5 POSSIBLE REASONS WHY YOUR TOILET KEEPS CLOGGING
If we have a clogging problem, what we immediately resort to is through plunging. It sometimes resolves the issue. However, it wasn’t always the case.
Truth is,
It won’t fix the problem in the long run. But with these case-by-case scenarios, you’ll surely be able to assess your toilet issue and put an end to your misery!
1. Older Low Flow Toilets
The thing about early models of toilets is that they also have a less upgraded flow function and have a weaker fixture than the latest models. In return, your toilet can’t push the feces materials, and this causes clogging.
So, in short,
Less pressure means lessened drainage capacity.
What to do:
One way to solve this immediately is to have your toilet’s low system replaced. It will not only solve your clogging issue in the long-run but also make flushing easier for you.
Once you upgraded it, there will be stronger flushing pressure, and it will require lesser water to wash away the materials in your bowl. So you can save money as well!
A little trivia
These low-level toilets are those bowls produced in the 1990s which have a lesser draining capacity. To ensure that you bought the upgraded version, search for the flow fixtures and ask the person in charge about their latest models.
Then, your plumber will help you with the installation.
But if you still haven’t spared enough money for that,
There’s still one option for you.
You should try reducing the number of flushed toilet papers. This is the leading cause of clogging so far.
2. Flushing Non-Flushable Items
Put this in mind,
You should only flush feces and toilet papers. Other than that, you’ll make your toilet susceptible to clogging problems. It wasn’t designed to drain hard, non-biodegradable products like sachets from hygiene products.
And do you know?
Household’s leading cause of clogging is usually due to flushing of non-flushable items. Even wipes labeled as flushable doesn’t seem like it. People tend to drain this along with cotton balls, thinking that these materials wouldn’t affect their toilet much.
But this is a no-no!
It might not cause any problems right away, but once it cramped up on the pipes, it’s a pain in the neck!
Also, get the children away from the toilet since their curiosity might cause them to throw things in the bowl.
What to do:
If you are sure that your drain problem is due to the clogging of ramped up materials,
Here’s your friend,
A flanged plunger. It helps dislodge clogs.
A toilet auger is also an option since it helps break up the clogged materials clearing the drain in the process. And a simple reminder to your family members will do, of course.
Make sure to inform the household members on the effect of throwing non-flushable materials on the toilet.
3. Excessive TP Use
Supposedly, toilet papers are disposable and biodegradable items that you could just flush immediately in the toilet.
But there must be a regulated use.
Because here’s what happens
Too much toilet paper means your toilet will have difficulty dissolving it. When wet, it also tends to stick on your pipes, and the result will be clogging. There are also varieties of tissue papers that are hard enough to obstruct the filter pipes.
Putting more of it will indeed cause you trouble!
What to do:
The average of toilet paper consumed per wipe ranges between 8 to 9 squares.
But here’s what you do not know,
Three to four squares will suffice if you utilize them well. And, of course, you cannot just practice this alone. The problem will continue to persist if other household members would still use too much toilet paper. So you must convince your family as well.
It will also save you additional expenses.
And I’ve got another trick up to my sleeve.
When using a square of toilet paper, fold it to make it thicker. Not only that it will be easier to wipe, but it will also be easier to flush it without cramping it up on your filter pipes. This simple step will save you from a much bigger problem in the future.
4. Clogged Toilet Trap
If you built your home from scratch, you must’ve heard about P-traps. You put it in sinks. But actually, a toilet also has one. It takes an S-like shape to bridge the gap between the toilet bowl and the draining tube.
And why am I telling you this?
Well, if you have a clogging problem, this is the first thing you must examine. It functions as a filter to catch larger flushed materials before reaching the drain line.
So, obviously, this part of the fixture is prone to the lodging of human waste, toilet paper, and other materials.
What to do:
Since the toilet trap wasn’t as deep as the filter line, the best thing to do is to plunge all the way to remove the clog.
A flanged toilet plunger will do the trick, and it will forcefully push water to the trap. The pressure will either break or dissolve the materials. It is the easier option. However, it doesn’t always guarantee success.
But here’s another option you could do.
The auger will be your weapon. By moving it towards the drain line, you can hit the spot beyond the toilet bowl’s drain. What appears to be hard when pushed is the area where the materials clog.
Simply twist the auger swiftly to break those materials and reach to pull it out. If it won’t budge, well, it’s time to level up your game by calling the plumber.
5. Blocked Toilet Vent
An essential component of toilets is the toilet vents. It is a tube that connects to the exits of your home, usually towards the roof.
And its purpose?
An enclosed space is prone to foul odor, especially that we’re talking about toilets. So it needs ventilation to allow fresh air to enter your toilet’s systems and create pressure on your plumbing pipes.
When there’s enough tension, flushing will be easy for you.
But if it is blocked,
A problem will arise.
Aside from the sewer odor, there will be lesser flushing pressure. So, your toilet will not be able to flush, resulting in a clogging problem. There are also these gurgling noises when draining.
And believe me, it wasn’t pleasant to hear.
What to do:
The usual blocking of toilet vents occurs at the entrance of the pipe connected near the roof. Leaves or twigs may clog it since this part of the tube is exposed outside.
So the first step?
Check the roof. A ladder will make it easier and safer for you to climb. If your vent has a cap, remove it and get the clogged debris if there’s any.
You may also use your garden hose to make sure that you clear all potential obstructions. If it appears clogged and the water won’t get down, you can use an auger and insert it into the toilet vent. Rotate it to break down the materials.
Again, spray some water in it, and it should be fine by now.
Still not budging?
Then its time to dial your plumber’s number and let him deal with it.
Conclusion: Why Does My Toilet Keep Clogging
If you’re the neat type, you can agree that the toilet issues are a real pain in the neck.
Human waste, after all, is unsanitary and vomit-inducing.
However, here’s what you should know,
We can’t always rely on our plumbers. Whether we like it or not, we will have to deal with this in the future one way or another.
But you needn’t worry,
Because upon reading this article, I guarantee you’re prepared and ready!
And you can flush your future toilet problem away!