There are few outlets in your home more important than the toilet, for reasons we’re sure are obvious. Problems with your toilet need to be corrected quickly, and by far the most common of these issues are clogs.
Why Does My Toilet Keep Clogging?
Often, if your toilet keeps clogging it is the result of improper use, such as flushing non-flushable items or using excessive amounts of toilet paper. It could also be the result of a blockage from a foreign object which has gotten stuck in the drain.
Other Causes of Frequent Toilet Clogs Include:
- A blocked toilet trap
- An obstructed toilet vent
- Hard water buildup
- A clog in the sewer line itself
- The toilet is older or is a low-flow toilet
If your toilet frequently clogs, you may want to consider having it professionally inspected by a plumber in order to determine the source of the problem and the necessary fix.
What Not to Flush Down the Toilet
- Q-tips and Cotton Balls. These are commonly used for beauty and hygiene purposes, and it can feel quite natural to just flush them down the toilet when you’re done. But they can expand when wet and are difficult to break up, resulting in clogs.
- Feminine Hygiene Products. Similarly, feminine hygiene products are often designed to absorb moisture rather than break up, making them a serious problem when flushed down the toilet.
- Children’s Toys. It sounds absurd, but we get a large number of calls from people whose kids have flushed plastic toys or other objects down the toilet as part of some innocent game and had them get stuck. Teach your kids to refrain from doing so, or put locks on your toilet seat to stop this practice.
- Kleenex and Paper Towels. Toilet paper is designed to gradually dissolve in water. Tissues and paper towels are not. If they get flushed down the toilet, they could cause you a lot of difficulties.
- Diapers. Diapers should always be disposed of in the trash, as tossing them down the toilet can lead to a blockage.
- Cat Litter. Cat litter should not be flushed down the toilet as it can absorb water and swell, causing it to obstruct the pipes. Additionally, cat litter is not biodegradable and will contribute to clogs and waste.
- “Flushable” Wipes. These types of wipes are a popular alternative to toilet paper and are often touted as being flushable. However, most of these wipes actually have issues disintegrating once flushed, leading to a clog.
- Dental Floss. Once flushed, dental floss isn’t able to break down easily which can lead to a buildup. Additionally, the floss can get caught or wrapped around other flushed items which can contribute to clogs.
- Hair. Similar to dental floss, when hair is flushed down the toilet it can become tangled and caught to the point of a blockage, which can eventually form into a solid mass within the pipe.
How to Fix a Toilet That Keeps Clogging Up
If you find yourself dealing with a toilet that keeps clogging, your first step should be to call in a plumber to assess the source of the problem. They will then be able to move forward with the best resolution.
- If the issue is the result of too much toilet paper being flushed or another item being flushed that has led to a buildup, then a plumber can perform a professional sewer cleaning or hydro jetting service to clear your pipes.
- If the issue is due to an item being stuck down the toilet, then a plumber should be able to come and remove the object which would otherwise remain lodged inside, causing continued issues.
While a plunger can be used in some cases, it’s best to hire a professional plumber if your toilet keeps clogging as there may be a more serious, underlying issue within your sewer and drain pipes.
The best way to avoid these kinds of clogs is to simply be mindful of what goes into your toilet. However, in the event that you do experience a toilet clog or another issue with your toilet, call the pros at Quick Action Plumbers at (770) 854-0755 to get it fixed!