As a homeowner, a clogged toilet is one of the most annoying plumbing problems you may deal with. There’s nothing more discouraging than clearing out your toilet and dealing with the same problem just a few days later. Below, we’ll discuss some of the most common causes for recurring toilet clogs and when you should hire a local plumber.
Why Do Toilets Clog in the First Place?
Manufacturers design toilets to handle toilet paper alongside human waste. When they’re functioning properly, your toilet uses water pressure and gravity to flush the waste through its curved trapway and into your drain line. The water can’t fully pass through whenever anything disrupts the flow, like a blockage or a buildup. This can lead to issues like weak flushing, backups, and complete clogs.
Common Causes of Recurring Clogs
It’s perfectly normal to experience toilet trouble from time to time. However, if you’re dealing with recurring blockages, it could be related to how family members use it. Issues can also result from problems with your plumbing or the fixture itself.
Flushing Non-Flushable Items
One of the most common reasons you may be experiencing recurring toilet clogs is due to flushing non-flushable items. Most adult wipes and hygiene products don’t break down in water like toilet paper. Even though the box may say flushable, most of these items typically aren’t.
It’s best to avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste. Instead, keep a small trash can near your toilet for easy disposal of items like cotton balls, dental floss, paper towels, and facial tissues.
Using an Excessive Amount of Toilet Paper
Another reason you may be experiencing frequent toilet clogs is that family members may use too much toilet paper. This is especially true for the multi-layer varieties.
Older Toilets
While modern-day low-flow toilets are a great addition for homeowners looking to lower water consumption, first-generation models weren’t the best. Many of these early fixtures in homes in the 1990s and early 2000s simply lack the power to flush waste effectively. Unfortunately, the only way to resolve this issue is to upgrade to a modern low-flow toilet with better technology and stronger flushing performance.
Mineral Buildup
Hard water can create many problems with your plumbing system. It has a higher amount of minerals, like magnesium and calcium. These minerals accumulate inside the toilet’s jet holes, drain pipe, and trapway. Over time, as these mineral deposits build up, they’ll start restricting water flow through your toilet.
This can lead to reduced flushing power and more clogs. You can use a descaling cleaner to remove the mineral buildup and improve your toilet’s performance. A long-term solution is to invest in a water softener system for your home. They are installed where fresh water enters your house and will protect your entire plumbing system from issues caused by hard water.
Blocked Toilet Trap
Your toilet’s trapway is the curved section that sits below the bowl. Its main task is to prevent sewer gases from entering your home. However, this trapway can be a common spot for waste and debris to accumulate. If you frequently experience toilet clogs, you may have a partial blockage in the trapway.
If you suspect you have this problem, it’s best to call a professional. It is unlikely you will be able to solve the issue with DIY methods like plunging. Our plumbers can use an auger to break up and dislodge the blockage without damaging your toilet or pipes.
Weak Flushing
If you’re noticing that your toilet doesn’t seem to be flushing like it used to, it’s an indication that there’s an underlying issue causing your recurring clogs. Without a full-force flush, all the waste and toilet paper can’t be completely pushed through the trapway and drain line. Some of it will linger behind and build up over time.
Weak flushing can be due to one of several different issues. There could be a low water level in your tank due to a faulty fill valve. Alternatively, you could have a misadjusted or worn flapper. The issue could even be due to a clogged supply line. One of our plumbers can thoroughly evaluate your toilet to determine the root cause of weak flushing.
Venting Malfunction
Every plumbing fixture in your home, including your toilet, relies on proper venting to regulate air pressure and ensure smooth water flow. Over time, the vent pipe, usually located on the roof, can become blocked by debris, snow, or pest nests. When this happens, your toilet may flush slowly, make gurgling noises, or clog frequently. If you suspect a blockage, one of our plumbers can inspect the vent pipe and remove any obstructions to restore proper airflow.
Partially Blocked Drain Line
Sometimes, recurring toilet clogs have less to do with the toilet itself and more to do with the plumbing connected to it. A partial blockage in the branch drain line can restrict water flow, causing slow drainage or repeated clogs even after plunging. These blockages often result from built-up debris, grease, food waste, or even small tree roots infiltrating the line. Because the issue can occur far away from the toilet, pinpointing the problem is not always easy. If you suspect a partial blockage in your drain line, contact us. Our plumbers can perform a camera inspection to find the obstruction and clear the drain it before it leads to a complete blockage and a messy sewer backup.
When to Call a Professional
In many cases, a single toilet clog is something you can handle yourself. Just be sure to use a flange-style plunger designed specifically for toilets. A standard sink plunger won’t create the airtight seal necessary to clear the blockage effectively. In addition, stop plunging after several unsuccessful attempts. You may push debris deeper into your plumbing rather than solve the problem.
If the same toilet continues to clog or you notice issues affecting multiple fixtures, it’s time to call in a professional plumber. Other warning signs include persistent gurgling sounds, foul sewage odors, or clogs that return shortly after plunging. These symptoms often point to a deeper issue within your plumbing system rather than a localized blockage.
While it might seem easier to keep unclogging the toilet, that only treats the symptom, not the cause. The longer the underlying problem goes unaddressed, the more likely it is to spiral out of control and require an expensive repair. A professional inspection and repair will ensure a lasting solution and restore your home’s plumbing to proper working order.
Contact Your Local Plumbing Experts
At Gene’s Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical, we have been serving the residents of Medina, OH and the surrounding areas since 1985. As a family-owned business, we focus on building long-term relationships, which means you can count on us for quality work at affordable prices. In addition to solving toilet problems, we can assist with all your plumbing installation, repair, and maintenance needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
