Why Does My Toilet Keep Getting Clogged?

Toilet clogs can happen anytime. Some may be more reoccurring than others. This might be because of the way you use your toilet, the toilet itself, or even the plumbing system that your home has. 

Whether you’re able to take on the task yourself to resolve the problem, or you need a professional, know that toilet clogs are common and can be taken care of. 

So why is your toilet frequently clogged? Let’s find out. 

Why Does My Toilet Keep Getting Clogged?

Your toilet getting clogged can be a variety of reasons. If any of these apply to you, you might have to change a few things when it comes to your toilet. Some of the most common problems include:

• Non-flushable items are being flushed (including “flushable” wipes)
• Too much toilet paper at once down the toilet
• You have a low flow toilet model
• Sewer line clogs
• Toilet trap clogs
• Toilet vent blockage

Flushing Non-Flushable Items

There are many items that are non-flushable. Some of these items include tampons, facial tissue, paper towels, and cotton swabs. Toilet paper and human waste are the only things that are need to go down the toilet. Believe it or not, even “flushable” wipes are not flushable and can clog your entire sewer line. Anything else that is going down the toilet will cause clogs. 

Solution

A great tip is to use 1-ply toilet paper instead of multi-ply toilet paper. 1-ply toilet paper is the best for your sewer line because it isn’t thick like several other brands of toilet paper tend to be. 

It also would be a good idea to make it known to other family members in your household what is acceptable to flush down the toilet and what is not. This will also help prevent clogs from happening with different items that should be going down into the toilet.

Too Much Toilet Paper

Putting too much toilet paper down your toilet can cause clogs more often than not. Toilet paper can have trouble dissolving in the sewer line if you are using too much. The amount of different brands says a lot about how much the concept of toilet paper has changed over the years. 

Solution

Being conscious of how much you are using can help the issue of frequent clogs in your toilet. Although toilet paper is one of the only things that should be going down your toilet, you still need to watch out for how much is going down at once. If not, this can cause a problem almost every time you go to flush. Also, switching to 1-ply toilet paper instead of multi-ply can help this issue as well. 

The Problem With Low Flow Toilets

While low flow toilets are made for water conservation, the pressure they provide is not good. The right amount of water pressure is necessary when flushing a toilet in order to completely clear the toilet and the sewer line, otherwise waste will become stuck and clog the line. 

Solution

The best solution to fixing frequent clogs in a low flow toilet is to use less toilet paper. If you are using less toilet paper, that means less material has to flow through the sewer line. This will prevent future clogs and buildup. You’ll notice how you will reduce the amount of clogs you run into with your toilet once you reduce the amount of toilet paper you are putting down. 

Sewer Line Clog

A sewer line clog can be the result of what you are sending down the toilet. You will know you have one if your toilet is unable to flush completely. This can be common if the material that is going down the toilet is clogging up in the sewer line. If the exit of the line blocks different material, the toilet can no longer flush completely. 

Another way of noticing that your sewer line has a clog is if you are also having problems with the drains in your home. 

Solution

The only solution to this problem is calling a plumber. A plumber will have the right equipment and tools in order to assess the issue and properly fix it. A camera inspection is done so a plumber knows exactly what is causing the clog and where it is in the sewer line. 

Toilet Trap Clogs

This is another reason why your toilet keeps becoming clogged. A sink has a P-trap, similarly a toilet has an S-trap, but is harder to see because of it being behind the toilet. The S-trap plays the same role as a P-trap and catches items and different material before they have the chance to get too deep into your sewer line and cause an even bigger issue. 

Solution 

There are two solutions that both work well for this toilet clog. You can use a plunger to try and get rid of the clog. For the most part, this should work. If the clog is more stubborn than you thought and the plunger isn’t working like it should, you can use a toilet auger.

Toilet Vent Blockage

If you are unaware of what a plumbing vent is, it is an outdoor vent that allows air to flow through the plumbing system in your home. Plumbing vents are what keep sewer smells out of your home. 

Toilet vents clogging can cause several issues with the plumbing including improper draining, gurgling sounds from your toilet, and sewer smells throughout the home. 

Solution

If you do run into this problem and feel as if it is the vent causing the issue, you can inspect the vent that is on the roof of your home yourself to see if you can see any blockage or debris in it. If you do, you could dry running a hose through the vent or using a toilet auger to try and clear it. The next best option is to call a professional plumber to take care of this for you. 

How to Properly Plunge Your Toilet

Final Thoughts

If your toilet seems to be constantly clogging, it would be best to try and diagnose the issue so you know where the issue might be coming from. If you have tried to address it but your toilet keeps clogging, it is always best to call a professional and have them resolve the issue for you. 

Call 1-Tom-Plumber 

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need any plumbing, drain cleaning, or excavation service. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.