Reasons Your Toilet Keeps Clogging

The reasons behind your toilet’s stubborn clog are as diverse as they are perplexing. From innocent oversights to underlying pipe issues, the culprits are many. Understanding them is the key to restoring harmony to your bathroom routine.

If you find yourself reaching for the plunger more often than you’d like, fear not — you’re not alone. Our team of plumbers at Barker’s Heating & Cooling will delve into some of the many reasons why your commode keeps clogging.

Why Does My Toilet Keep Clogging?

Drains block for a lot of different reasons. At first, it might be hard to know why it keeps happening. It’s good to look into some of these reasons to see if any might apply to you and your throne.

Flushing Non-Flushable Items

One of the most common reasons for toilet blockages is disposing of non-flushable items. While the toilet is designed for waste and toilet paper, many individuals unwittingly flush items not meant for flushing. These include sanitary products, diapers, paper towels, Q-tips and even supposedly “flushable” wipes.

If you’re not the culprit, maybe your family might be. Kids may inadvertently introduce toys or objects into the plumbing system. Make sure what you and your family are throwing in your toilet bowl is flushable.

Excessive Use Of Toilet Paper

Can toilet paper clog a toilet? Absolutely! If you use an excessive amount of toilet paper when you use the bathroom, you might inadvertently be contributing to clogs. While toilet paper is designed to break down, using an excess amount can lead to blockages.

Thick ply and poor-quality paper can make the problem worse. Simple solutions like reducing paper usage, experimenting with different brands or even using a bidet can alleviate the problem.

Low-Flow Pressure Challenges

The introduction of low-flow toilets in the 1990s was aimed at conserving water. But it brought about flushing pressure limitations. Even with paper usage reduction, persistent clogs may continue until you replace your toilet with a model that has increased flushing pressure.

Clogged Toilet Trap

Positioned between the toilet bowl and the drain line, the S-shaped trap is meant to catch objects. This aids in preventing more severe blockages.

However, items frequently get trapped here. Plunging might dislodge them without removing them completely, leading to potential complications. In such cases, a toilet auger or professional plumbing assistance becomes crucial for extracting the trapped items.

Blocked Toilet Vent

Keeping your toilet vents in good shape is crucial for maintaining the flushing pressure. It’s a good idea to give them regular checks and clean them out if needed. If you notice blockages during a water hose check or hear gurgling sounds coming from the toilet, it might be time to bring in a trusty toilet auger.

Clogged Sewer Line

Items flushed down the toilet might get stuck in the main sewer line. Also, tree roots can infiltrate your pipes and cause blockages. In such instances, drainage issues extend beyond the toilet, necessitating professional assistance for sewer line repair to prevent further damage.

Water Supply Issues

Ever noticed your toilet not flushing as it should? Well, sometimes it’s just a case of the water supply valve not fully open or the fill valve in the tank acting up. No worries, though! Give your toilet a little TLC by making sure the valves are wide open and the fill valve is at the right height. A bit of regular maintenance, like adjusting the fill valve and giving things a good clean, goes a long way in keeping your flush game strong.

Overly Hard Water

Hard water — which contains a high concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium — can contribute to the build-up of deposits in drainpipes and toilet traps over time. The mineral deposits can lead to reduced water flow and more frequent clogs.

Periodically flushing the drainpipes and toilet trap with hot water can help dissolve and mitigate the accumulation of mineral deposits, reducing the risk of blockages. However, for more severe cases, other methods and cleaning agents specifically designed for removing mineral deposits may be necessary.

Poor Toilet Design

The design of your toilet can influence its susceptibility to clogs. Factors such as narrow drain openings or oddly angled bowls may impact flush effectiveness. When considering a new toilet, opting for one with a high MaP score — a measure of solid waste removal in a single flush. This ensures a more efficient and clog-resistant choice.

Toilet Plumbing Services In College Station Texas

Avoiding a clogged toilet comes down to good flushing habits and pipe system maintenance. If you tried out some of these tips, but find that your toilet keeps clogging, call the professionals! At Barker’s Heating & Cooling we have the skills needed to help you unclog your toilets and get them up and running again!