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Your toilet keeps clogging and you want to know what to do. You've already used a plunger or even called a plumber, but it's back again.
A one-time clog is annoying. But a clog that keeps coming back is a serious problem.
You're in luck because we're going to tell you the most common reasons your toilet keeps clogging. We'll also tell you how to fix it. While some problems are easy to fix, such as when your toilet keeps running, a toilet that keeps clogging often requires calling a plumber.
It's time to roll up your sleeves and do a little more investigating
7 Reasons Your Toilet Keeps Clogging
If you're ready to tackle this problem, keep reading. We're sharing 7 reasons why your toilet keeps clogging and what you can do to stop it.
And to save you a little time, we put the most common problems first.
Flushing The Wrong Things Down The Toilet
As a parent of three young children, I know that things end up in the toilet that don't belong. But even adults flush things down that toilet that they shouldn't. These items include:
- Wet wipes
- Feminine hygiene products
- Tissues
- "Flushable" wipes
Remember that the only 2 things that should go down the toilet are toilet paper and human waste. Even though some products claim to be flushable, don't flush them down the toilet.
Using Too much Toilet Paper
I remember potty training my kids. They were often guilty of grabbing huge wads of toilet paper. These huge wads, if allowed in the toilet, would have resulted in a clog.
If someone in your household uses too much toilet paper, you'll have the same problem. Huge wads can get clogged. So if you don't find out who is doing it, your toilet will keep clogging.
Be a private toilet paper investigator and sniff out the culprit who is using too much toilet paper.
You Need To Fix Your Flapper
Flushing the toilet causes the flapper to lift. As the flapper lifts, water flows down the toilet. But, if the flapper does not lift enough, you'll have problems. There won't be enough water to push the waste and toilet paper down the pipes.
Good news! Fixing a flapper is easy and can be a simple DIY project. It's also easy to spot this problem. Just lift the lid of your toilet and flush. Observe the flapper and make sure it lifts all the way.
Something else you should know is that all flappers are not created equal. Toilets are designed to flush a specific amount of water. Make sure you get the right flapper. A plumber can also alter your flapper to help it flush more water.
To fix this problem, go to the store and buy a flapper. Install the flapper in your toilet. Then wait and see if your toilet keeps clogging or not.
Mineral Buildup In The Toilet
If you have replaced your flapper, it's time to consider the age of your toilet. If your toilet is old, the problem could be the build-up of mineral deposits.
When you flush your toilet, water has to move fast from your tank to your bowl. The water passes into your bowl in two places. First, it passes around the upper rim of your toilet. Then, it passes through a hole in the bottom of the bowl.
Mineral deposits can block the holes around the upper rim of the toilet bowl. This takes away power from your flush.
If you suspect that the problem is your old toilet, there is a quick test you can perform.
Grab a 2-3 gallon bucket of water. Dump it in your toilet bowl. If the toilet flushes with some gusto (like it should), then it is time for a new toilet. If it still has a weak flush, it's time to call a licensed plumber because the problem is with your drainage.
The Clog Is Relocating
It is common for a clog to start in one location and move its way down your pipes. And while the clog may appear to be gone after the initial repair, it can rear its ugly head again within a few days.
Many times you have to work harder to remove the clog as it moves further away from your toilet. While a plunger can work at first, you may need an auger next time. If the clog keeps showing up, you should consider calling a plumber.
A plumber will have the right tools for the job. He can use a plumbing snake or an auger to remove the clog. He can also put a camera in your pipes to make sure the clog is gone.
If your toilet keeps clogging, it may be time to call in the big guns.
Something Is Caught In the Toilet Trap
A plumbing trap creates a barrier between the gases in your plumbing pipes and the air in your home. But it's also possible for things to get stuck in the trap.
If something is stuck in your trap, your toilet will keep clogging.
Using a plunger might remove the clog. But because the underlying problem wasn't solved, new clogs will form.
The only way to know if something is stuck in the trap is to remove the toilet, turn it upside down and check the trap.
This isn't something you want to do by yourself. And you don't want to do it unless it's a last resort.
Your Toilet Keeps Clogging Due To Underlying Pipe Problems
Think of your pipes as arteries. Over time your arteries can develop plaque. Plaque buildup restricts the flow of your blood, which leads to health problems.
In the same way, your pipes can build up its own version of "plaque". Grease, calcium and household cleaning chemicals can build up in your pipes over time. This buildup restricts the flow of water, which also leads to more clogs.
If you live in an old house and your toilets keep clogging, your pipes may have buildup. To solve this problem, we recommend a hydro-jetting service.
Clogged Plumbing Vent Preventing Water From Draining
In very rare cases, a clogged plumbing venting is to blame. The plumbing vent allows air to flow into your pipes. This is very important for regulating water flow.
When a plumbing vent becomes clogged, it's like sticking your finger on the end of the straw. Blocked plumbing vents don't allow water to flow.
Your toilet may keep clogging due to blocked plumbing vents. Blocked plumbing vents will cause water to drain slow. Slow draining water will cause your toilets to keep clogging.
A plumber can check your vent pipes and unblock them. You can also try pouring water from a hose down the vent pipes.
Pro-Tech Can Help If your Toilet Keeps Clogging
If your toilet keeps clogging, one of the reasons we've listed above is likely to be the culprit.
Some of the solutions are easy. But sometimes you need a plumber. Pro-Tech has a team of friendly, professional plumbers.
One of your best options is to hire a plumber to use a camera. Once we put a camera in your pipes, we see what the real problem is. Once we discover the true reason your toilets keep clogging, we can fix it.
To get started, call our 24-hour service line at (877) 416-4727.