Prevent Toilet Clogs: Causes and Solutions
Dealing with a clogged toilet is never fun. It can be messy, frustrating, and even costly if it leads to bigger plumbing problems. Fortunately, most clogs can be prevented by understanding their common causes and taking simple steps to keep your toilet functioning properly. If your toilet clogs often, here’s what could be causing it and how to fix it.
Flushing Non-Flushable Items
Your toilet is designed to handle only two things: human waste and toilet paper. Flushing anything else increases the risk of clogging. Some of the most common culprits include:
- Wipes (even those labeled as “flushable”)
- Q-tips and cotton balls
- Tissues and paper towels
- Feminine hygiene products
- Dental floss
- Hair
- Food scraps and grease
These items don’t break down like toilet paper does and can accumulate in your pipes, leading to blockages. The best way to avoid this is to keep a trash bin near the toilet. This makes it easy to dispose of non-flushable items properly instead of sending them down the drain.
Old or Low-Flow Toilets
Older toilets, particularly those designed as low-flow models from the early 1990s, may not generate enough force to push waste through the pipes effectively. As a result, waste and paper can build up in the plumbing system, leading to frequent clogs.
If you have an older toilet and are experiencing frequent clogs, consider upgrading to a newer, high-efficiency model. Modern toilets are designed to use less water while still providing powerful flushing performance. If replacing your toilet isn’t an option, try using less toilet paper and flushing more frequently to prevent buildup.
Clogged Toilet Trap
The toilet trap is the curved section of pipe between the bowl and the drain line. It helps prevent sewer gases from coming up through the toilet but can also become clogged with excess toilet paper or flushed objects.
Signs of a clogged trap include slow drainage, gurgling noises, and water backing up. A plunger is usually enough to clear a minor clog in the trap. If plunging doesn’t work, a toilet auger (also called a closet auger) can help break up the blockage. In more severe cases, a plumber may need to remove the toilet to clear the trap.
Sewer Line Issues
Sometimes, frequent toilet clogs are a sign of a bigger problem in your home’s sewer line. Blockages in the main sewer line can cause multiple fixtures in your home to back up, including sinks, showers, and other toilets.
Common causes of sewer line blockages include:
- Tree roots growing into pipes
- Pipe corrosion and deterioration
- Grease buildup
- Foreign objects flushed down the drain
If multiple drains in your home are slow or backing up, it’s best to call a professional plumber. Sewer line issues require specialized equipment, such as hydro jetting or video camera inspections, to properly diagnose and fix the problem.
Insufficient Water in the Tank
If your toilet doesn’t have enough water in the tank, it won’t generate enough force to push waste through the pipes effectively. This can lead to clogs, especially if you use a lot of toilet paper.
To check the water level, remove the tank lid and look at the fill line. If it’s too low, adjust the fill valve to allow more water into the tank. If you’re unsure how to do this, a plumber can help make the adjustment.
Blocked Plumbing Vent
Modern plumbing systems have vents that help regulate air pressure and ensure smooth water flow. These vents usually extend through the roof of your home. If they become blocked by leaves, bird nests, or debris, they can cause poor flushing and frequent clogs.
Clearing a blocked vent usually requires going onto the roof and using a plumber’s snake to remove the obstruction. Because this can be dangerous, it’s best to leave it to a professional.
Hard Water Buildup
If you live in an area with hard water, mineral deposits can build up inside your toilet’s pipes, reducing water flow and increasing the likelihood of clogs. Over time, this buildup can become severe enough to require professional descaling.
To prevent mineral buildup, consider installing a water softener. Regularly cleaning your toilet with vinegar can also help dissolve minor deposits before they become a problem.
How to Prevent Future Clogs
To avoid dealing with a clogged toilet, follow these simple tips:
- Only flush human waste and toilet paper.
- Use toilet paper sparingly, especially with older toilets.
- Keep a trash bin next to the toilet for non-flushable items.
- Regularly check and adjust the water level in the tank.
- Have your plumbing system inspected for signs of sewer line issues or vent blockages.
- Consider upgrading to a newer, high-efficiency toilet if yours is outdated.
When to Call a Plumber
Some toilet clogs can be fixed with a plunger or auger, but others require professional help. If you experience any of the following, it’s time to call a plumber:
- Frequent clogs that don’t seem to have an obvious cause
- Water backing up into other drains in your home
- Gurgling sounds coming from your toilet or other plumbing fixtures
- Slow drainage even after using a plunger
- Signs of a sewer line issue, such as foul odors or multiple drain backups
Get Expert Plumbing Help in Strongsville & Northeast Ohio
Don’t let frequent toilet clogs disrupt your home or business. Ohio Buckeye Plumbing provides expert plumbing services in Strongsville and throughout Northeast Ohio. Whether you need a simple repair or a full sewer line inspection, our experienced team is here to help. Call us today at (440) 283-9377 to schedule your service!