Nothing is worse as a homeowner than a toilet that won’t flush. A toilet that won’t stop clogging is both frustrating and gross at the same time. Several reasons could cause your toilet to clog excessively. Learn more about the most common reasons for clogged toilets below.
Excessive Toilet Paper
You can put too much toilet paper (TP) in the toilet when you go to the bathroom. Too much paper in the toilet makes it difficult to dissolve, and your toilet will clog. A pretty simple fix is to reduce the amount of toilet paper you use and teach your children the proper amount of paper to wipe with.
Another tip is to fold the TP instead of bunching it up in a ball. Folded TP goes down the toilet a lot easier. Thicker, 2-ply TP is more difficult to flush, and it can lead to clogs. You could also use wipes and discard them in the garbage instead of flushing them down the toilet.
Low Flow Toilet
Older toilets are generally low-flow toilets, and they lack the necessary pressure to push waste and paper down. These types of toilets were created in the 1990s, and they are prone to clogging. You do not need to replace your toilet if it’s older, but be careful with the amount of toilet paper you use. A newer toilet will have increased pressure and flush a lot easier. A plumber can help you identify the right toilet for your household.
You Flushed a Foreign Object
Some items are not meant to be flushed down the toilet. Only flush waste and toilet paper down. Teach young children how to flush the toilet properly and which items should not be flushed. Some items that should not be flushed down the toilet include:
- Cotton Balls
- Paper Towels
- Wipes
- Feminine Products
- Condoms
- Dental Floss
Clogged Trap
The S-shaped trap stops your drain from becoming clogged, and it has a similar function to the trap in your kitchen sink. The trap can become backed up with toilet paper or other items. A plunger can generally take care of clogs within the trap, but, again, be cautious of the amount of toilet paper you use when you flush.
Obstructed Plumbing Vent
Newer toilets have roof vents to flush air into the plumbing system and increase pressure when you flush. Vents can eventually become blocked over time or obstructed by debris such as leaves or sticks. Reduced pressure will lead to the toilet clogging more often. A professional plumber can clear the vents and return the toilet to normal.
Clogged Sewer Line
A blocked sewer line will cause your toilet to keep clogging. Plunging will only provide a temporary solution, and the line will need to be cleared. Tree roots, debris, or other foreign objects could be the source of the blockage. Clogs in the sewer line are difficult to fix, and a plumber must address the issue. Leaving a clogged sewer line can cause more damage to your home’s plumbing system.
A clogged toilet can be a disturbance in your household. Follow these easy tips above to help prevent a clogged toilet, but for major plumbing problems, call Ford’s Plumbing and Heating.
