Common Causes of Clogged Toilets

Dealing with a clogged toilet can be a frustrating and often unpleasant experience for every homeowner at some point. Toilet clogs can occur for various reasons, ranging from excessive toilet paper use to objects accidentally flushed down the toilet drain. Understanding the common causes of toilet clogs, such as a clogged toilet trap or blocked pipes, is crucial in preventing these issues and dealing with them effectively.

A clogged toilet disrupts daily routines and can lead to potential water damage if left untreated. This article will discuss why toilets become clogged, how to identify these problems, and what steps to take to clear a blocked toilet drain. Gaining a better understanding of what contributes to clogs will save you time, money, and the stress of dealing with this common household nuisance.

Reasons Your Toilet Keeps Clogging

Toilets that clog repeatedly are an all-too-common household problem, and several potential culprits exist behind the issue. Understanding the causes of frequent toilet clogs can help you take appropriate action to prevent them and maintain an efficient plumbing system. Below are some main reasons your toilet bowl might continue to clog.

Excessive Use of Toilet Paper

Excessive toilet paper usage is among the most common reasons for frequent toilet clogs. Using too much toilet paper can easily obstruct the drain pipes, especially if the flushing power of your toilet isn’t strong enough. It’s essential to be mindful of how much toilet paper you use in one go. Older low-flow toilets can also struggle with excessive amounts of toilet paper. If you have a low-flow toilet, you may find that it doesn’t have the flushing capacity required to clear larger wads of paper, resulting in frequent clogs.

Use a reasonable amount of toilet paper each time to reduce the chance of a clog. If needed, flush twice to clear the toilet bowl completely. Educating your family members about how much toilet paper is appropriate can also help minimise clogs in the long run.

Flushing Non-Flushable Items

Another major cause of toilet clogs is flushing items that are not meant to be flushed. Many products, such as baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs, and even thicker toilet paper, are often mistakenly disposed of in the toilet. Unlike regular toilet paper, designed to break down quickly, these items do not disintegrate effectively and can lead to a clogged toilet.

Flushing non-flushable items can cause even more damage if you have a septic system. Non-degradable items can get stuck in the septic system, leading to blockages and potentially costly repairs. To avoid this, keep a bin next to your toilet for disposing of items that shouldn’t be flushed. This small step can make a big difference in preventing unnecessary toilet clogs.

Blocked Toilet Vent

Toilets have vents, often located on the roof, that provide fresh air to the plumbing system and help regulate pressure within the drain pipes. A blocked toilet vent can restrict this airflow, resulting in poor flushing performance and frequent clogs. Leaves, debris, or even small animals can obstruct these vents, reducing flush efficiency.

To determine if a blocked toilet vent might cause clogging issues, listen for gurgling sounds in your drain or notice if the water drains slowly. A professional plumber can help clear a blocked toilet vent to ensure airflow.

Related article: Never Put These 13 Things Down Your Drain

Tree Roots in Sewer Lines

Tree roots infiltrating sewer lines are a less obvious but common cause of toilet clogs, especially in older plumbing systems. Roots are naturally drawn to the moisture in sewer lines, and once they find a way in, they grow and spread, eventually causing a blockage. These blockages can restrict the flow of waste, leading to persistent clogs and slow-draining toilets.

If tree roots are causing your toilet troubles, you will need professional help. A plumber can use specialised equipment to remove the roots and may recommend solutions like installing a barrier or replacing damaged sections of your sewer lines to prevent future issues.

Low-Flow Toilets

Older low-flow toilets were designed to conserve water but often lacked the power to flush waste effectively through the drain pipes. If your home has an older low-flow toilet, it might struggle to clear larger loads, especially if combined with excessive toilet paper usage or non-flushable items. This can lead to frequent toilet clogs and an overall frustrating experience.

Consider upgrading to a more efficient low-flow toilet that combines water-saving benefits with better flushing power. Newer models are specifically engineered to improve flushing efficiency, making them less prone to clogging.

Sewer Line Issues

Problems in the main sewer line can significantly impact the plumbing throughout your home, including your toilet. A damaged or blocked sewer line can result in frequent toilet clogs, slow draining, and even backups. Common causes of sewer line blockages include tree roots, debris build-up, or old and deteriorating pipes.

If you suspect a sewer line issue, it’s best to consult a plumber immediately. They can conduct a camera inspection to identify the problem and determine the appropriate solution, whether clearing a blockage or repairing a damaged line section.

Inadequate Flushing Power

Sometimes, the issue is simply that your toilet doesn’t have enough flushing power to move waste effectively through the system. This can be due to a weak flush mechanism, an improperly adjusted water level in the tank, or even issues with the toilet’s design. Waste can get stuck in the drain pipes without sufficient force, leading to recurring clogs.

To address this, you can check that the water level in the toilet tank is set correctly—ideally, it should be about an inch below the overflow tube. Properly operating the toilet flapper can also help provide a more powerful flush.

Foreign Objects in the Toilet Trap

The toilet trap, the curved part of the pipe inside the toilet bowl, is designed to hold water and prevent sewer gases from entering your home. However, it can also become a point where items get stuck. If foreign objects like toys, wipes, or even excessive toilet paper become lodged in the toilet trap, you will experience clogs and poor flushing performance.

If a clog occurs in the toilet trap, you may be able to remove it using a plunger or a plumbing snake. Professional assistance may be required for more stubborn clogs.

Frequent toilet clogs can be caused by various issues, from excessive toilet paper use and flushing of non-flushable items to blocked toilet vents and issues with the sewer line. Addressing these problems effectively often involves careful toilet use, routine maintenance, and, in some cases, the help of a professional plumber. Keeping these potential causes in mind can help you prevent clogs and maintain a smoothly functioning plumbing system.

What To Do

Addressing Minor Clogs

Minor clogs in your plumbing system are often manageable without professional help. For instance, a plunger can be an effective tool for dealing with blocked toilets or clogged drains. Ensuring a good seal is crucial; a firm pumping motion can help clear the blockage in the toilet trap once a tight seal is achieved. The toilet vent also plays a role in maintaining proper drainage flow and should be in good working order to prevent clogs. Keeping an eye on minor issues like these is important to maintaining your home’s plumbing system.

Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

While chemical drain cleaners might seem like a quick fix for clogged toilets, it’s better to avoid them. These chemicals can damage your drainage system and your home’s main sewer line

. They also contribute to further plumbing problems, particularly if your home is connected to a septic tank rather than a municipal sewer system. Many of these cleaners are not designed to deal with clogs caused by paper towels, cotton balls, or even flushable wipes, which can easily lead to blocked toilets.

It is better to use mechanical means, such as plungers or drain cleaning tools, to clear these clogs, as they do not harm the pipes or the overall drainage system.

Call a Professional

For persistent or severe clogs, it is always advisable to call a professional plumber. Sometimes, the issue is not just a simple clog but may involve the home’s main sewer line or a more complex part of the drainage system.

A professional plumber will have the tools and expertise to diagnose the problem accurately. This prevents further damage from improperly using DIY drain cleaning techniques. In severe cases, sewer gases can enter your home if a significant clog compromises the drainage flow. The skills of a professional plumber help prevent such risks and ensure the clog is dealt with safely.

Preventive Measures

Preventing clogs in your plumbing system is often easier than dealing with a blockage once it occurs. Regular maintenance, being mindful of what goes down your toilet, and using your plumbing properly are all excellent ways to prevent toilet clogs. Many do not realise that paper towels, cotton balls, and flushable wipes should not be flushed. These items can quickly become trapped in the toilet trap and contribute to blocked toilets. Similarly, using too much toilet paper is a frequent cause of clogging, particularly in low-flush toilets, which do not have the same pressure as standard models to clear large amounts of waste.

Maintaining a properly functioning toilet vent is also critical. The vent prevents sewer gases from entering the home and helps maintain good pressure within the drainage system, facilitating smooth flushing. Regular inspections of your toilet tank and vent can also help identify potential issues before they become full-blown plumbing problems. For example, homes connected to a septic tank require specific attention to prevent clogs and ensure the system operates efficiently.

Understanding Your Plumbing System

Another essential aspect of maintaining your plumbing is understanding your home’s plumbing system, including knowing where your septic tank or home’s main sewer line is located. It is also a good idea to avoid flushing items that do not break down quickly, such as paper towels, excessive human waste, and anything else that does not dissolve readily in water. If a clog does occur, acting swiftly with a plunger and preventing the situation from worsening is critical to avoiding long-term plumbing issues.

To keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly, simple practices like not flushing non-dissolvable items, performing regular drain cleaning, and paying attention to any unusual signs can go a long way in preventing blockages. While taking these precautions may seem minor, they are significant steps to avoid the inconvenience and potential damage a severe clog can cause.

Say Goodbye to Toilet Troubles – We’re Just a Call Away!

Clogged toilets are a common household problem, ranging from simple blockages to more complicated issues. Knowing the typical causes and how to respond effectively helps prevent and manage these situations. Consistent maintenance and thoughtful use are crucial for maintaining your toilet.

At The Plumbing Life Saver, we understand how disruptive blocked toilets can be. That’s why we provide 24/7 plumbing services to address emergencies promptly and get your toilet running smoothly again.

Our expertise includes tree root removal and foreign object extraction. We use advanced equipment to deliver efficient and cost-effective solutions.

If you need dependable, round-the-clock toilet drain clearing services in Newcastle, call us on 1300 206 311 or complete our online form. We’re dedicated to keeping your plumbing in shape with quick, effective, and affordable solutions.

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