Causes and Fixes for Toilets That Clog Repeatedly
When yourtoiletkeeps clogging, you’ll want torepair itimmediately.
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Item Clogs
Flushable wipescan clog home plumbing.
Paper towels are another item made to resist tearing, so it is to break down in a toilet.
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
If that doesn’t work, use a toilet auger (toilet snake) to pull the clog out.
Only water-soluble, biodegradable materials should be flushed down the toilet.
To reduce the temptation to use the toilet as a garbage can, provide wastebaskets in each bathroom.
Need more help?
Sometimes, the toilet trap is partially blocked.
The toilet may still flush, but the water drains out more slowly than usual.
Partial clogs usually lead to complete clogs, which can causetoilet bowl overflows.
If this doesn’t work, call a plumber toclear the blockage.
An extension of the drain pipes, the vents run up the attic and stick out of the roof.
They also allow fresh air from outside to enter the system.
This air creates suction and pressure within the line, which increases the toilet’s flushing power.
If no suction is felt, the vent is blocked and must be cleared with a plumber’s snake.
Leaves or other debris may fall into a roof vent, which is usually easy to clear.
Alternatively, the vent could be blocked at the outlet and must be cleaned by hand.
Rocks, dirt, and other debris can enter the line through the punctures.
If this is the case, then more than one toilet or drain should be experiencing issues.
Call an emergency plumber to have the lines cleared.
Low-Flow Toilet
Low-flow toiletsreduce unnecessary water usage and lower water bills but are prone to clogging.
The problem is more pronounced with older, less efficient, low-flush toilets than with recent designs.
Upgrade to a new low-flow toilet.
These toilets don’t cost much more than standard toilets but will use more water in the long run.
However, too much toilet paper can clog a toilet.
The wad can obscure the drain, hinder the flush, or prevent new water from entering the basin.
It’s estimated that seven sheets of toilet paper are needed per wipe.
Installing a bidet seatwill reduce toilet paper use.
A bidet is not a toilet paper substitute but you will use less toilet tissue while keeping clean.
Additionally, ensure all the water supply valves controlling water flow into your home are operational.
Check with your water company to determine if the municipal water supply is the problem.
Check the water supply valves controlling the water coming into the house and, more specifically, the bathrooms.
The knob controlling the water supply should be fully open.
Should You Call a Pro?
Working on the roof to clear vents is dangerous.
If you have any concerns about your ability to perform this work, call a plumber for help.
If the sewer line is damaged, have a plumber or sewer contractor replace the damaged sections.
Sometimes, the entire line will need to be replaced.
How Much Toilet Paper Should a Person Use?
Get the Most Out of Your Roll.
Cottonelle / Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
