Does your toilet seem to always be clogged? Maybe it’s something that you do, or maybe it’s your toilet. Maybe it’s something that you can fix yourself. Whatever the case, there are some things that you can do to fix a toilet that keeps clogging. Let’s check what is going on.
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You are using too much toilet paper
Many people flush too much toilet paper every time they use the toilet. Try to flush more often or use less toilet paper. It is also possible to consider alternatives such as a bidet that makes it easier to manage how much toilet paper you use as water is used instead.
When in doubt, you should flush when you see that the bowl is starting to fill up. It is better to flush too often than not enough.
It is also possible that you are using toilet paper that doesn’t dissolve. You can test this by dipping it in water 3 times and if you notice that it doesn’t break down, you might consider getting another brand.
Your toilet doesn’t use enough water to flush properly
If your toilet only uses less than 1.6 gallons per flush, then you are not using enough water. When you flush, then the entire toilet tank refills with water. This water has to push everything out of the toilet bowl and take it with it in your drains.
Make sure that you press the flush button completely until the end.
You can adjust how much water your toilet flushes with by adjusting the chain on the flapper and by adjusting the valve in the toilet.
You are using wet wipes
Wet wipes are especially bad for causing toilet clogging as they don’t break down in your drains. Although, other types of wipes can cause similar problems as well. A lot of plumbers had issues with wet wipes and most recommend that you throw them in the bin instead of flushing them.
They can clog together with other items that your flush and create a big ball in your drain. This stops the water and creates issues.
The clog is not completely removed
When you try to unclog your toilet, then there is a chance that you will only remove part of the clog. However, the toilet will still continue to clog up. Eventually, the toilet will clog up completely.
If you only remove part of the clog, then it is likely that the toilet will get clogged again. This can be especially frustrating if you are on vacation and need to use the restroom often.
You should always completely remove the clog. Instead of unclogging the toilet with chemicals, you should get a plunger and completely remove the clog. A plumber can also run a camera in your drains to see what is going on. We have discussed this in more detail HERE.
The clog can also be further down the drains than you expect. Often tree roots grow in drains in your garden and this can block the drains completely. If you are having issues in multiple locations in your home, there is a big chance that there is a problem with the main sewer line. A plumber will have to fix this. Often they can use a water jet to blast the clog away. If the drain is broken, they might have to dig it up to fix it. This is an expensive job.
The joints in the supply pipes need to be realigned
If your toilet is always clogging up, then there is a good chance that the pipes are not being installed properly.
It is possible that the connections between the drains are not properly done and this can make them stick out. This can latch on to items that you flush and keep creating clogs. A plumber will have to come out and fix this for you as the problem won’t go away on its own.
The drains are too narrow
When people flush their toilets, then the water goes down the drain. The water and waste go down the drain, and then it goes into the city sewer.
If your drains are too narrow, there is not enough force to push the water and waste away. Plumbers have to calculate based on the amount and type of toilet how big the drain has to be. They also have to take the type of material of the drain into account. It is possible that they installed a drain that is too narrow and this causes problems.
The angle of the drains is not correct
If your toilet is always clogging, then there is a good chance that the angle of the drain is not correct.
The drain pipe needs to be angled slightly so that water can easily flow into the toilet. This is to prevent sewage from back-flushing into your toilet.
The plumber will have to come and fix this. This can be as easy as adding a piece but could be quite challenging if the installation is completely wrong.
There is a problem with the city sewer
Sometimes, there is a problem with the city sewer. If this is the case, then you should call your local city hall. They will be able to help you figure out what is going on. They may even be able to fix the problem for you. This often needs to happen in the street, where the drain runs to their installation.
If you live in a rural area and have a septic system, it is possible that it needs to be pumped if your toilet keeps clogging up. This should happen every year so doesn’t indicate a big problem. Just call a company that can pump the tank for you.
There is no drain vent
Another common cause of toilet clogging is the lack of a drain vent.
When you install a toilet, then you will need to install a drain vent on the vertical drain line. A drain vent allows the oxygen in the drains. This oxygen then pushes the water so that it can flow downwards.
This vent is commonly installed in the attic and can go through the roof. It is important that the vent isn’t blocked so that it can work correctly.
Conclusion
These are some of the possible reasons why your toilet is always clogging. However, there are also some steps that you can take to fix the problem. Here are some helpful tips.
- Flush often enough – Flush every time you feel the urge – Don’t use wet wipes or paper towels – Adjust the drain angle – Make sure there is a drain vent – Make sure the city sewer is not clogged – Make sure there is no drain vent
These are some of the common ways that toilets become clogged. There are many other reasons that could cause your toilet to get clogged up, so don’t ignore it. If you have any questions, then contact us for help.
