No one likes to deal with a clogged toilet. But if your toilet keeps getting clogged, then it’s time to put down the plunger and get to the bottom of it. Plunging is only a temporary fix, so it’s important to get to the source cause of the clogs. There are a few reasons why your toilet could be clogging, and we’re here to help you uncover your plumbing problem.
5 Possible Reasons Your Toilet Keeps Getting Clogged
1. You’re flushing stuff you shouldn’t
Toilets are meant to flush down two things: human waste and toilet paper. If you’re flushing down anything else, that could be why you’re running into some problems. Here are some common items people flush that could cause clogs:
- Facial Tissues
- Tampons
- Cotton swabs/Q-tips
- Dental floss
- Hair
- Baby wipes
Those things don’t break down in the water the same way toilet paper does. The solution? Stick a trash can right next to your toilet so you’re not tempted to flush anything you’re not supposed to.
2. Old, low flow toilet
If your toilet is older, it may be low flow, meaning it can’t handle all that flushing. Many low flow toilets will lack the pressure needed to clear their drain and trap, meaning your toilet gets easily clogged.
Unsure if your toilet is old? Look at the back of the toilet for a stamped date. Purchasing a newer toilet with some more power may be worth it to you to prevent more clogs in the future.
3. Blocked plumbing vents
If your plumbing vent gets blocked this could cause your toilet to keep getting clogged. The plumbing vent removes gas from the plumbing system and helps the pipes keep up the proper pressure.
If the vent gets blocked by debris like leaves or a bird’s nest, this could be causing your toilet to flush poorly. Clearing those vents will help get your toilet back in working order.
4. Hard water buildup
It’s just a fact of living in Arizona – we have hard water. You’ll notice the buildup on your sinks and bathtubs, but did you know it can affect your toilet too?
You might not notice, but you can get scale deposit buildup in your toilet which could clog your plumbing. Getting rid of them will help your toilet flush more effectively and help stop clogs. You can use a mixture of 1 part muriatic acid, 10 parts water, to clear the buildup by pouring it down your toilet’s overflow tube. Or, if you’d like to be rid of hard water, a whole house water filtration system and water softener installation should do the trick.
5. Clogged Sewer Line
If there’s a blockage in the sewer line, your toilet may be getting clogged regularly. If this is the case, no amount of plunging will clear the blockage.
There are lots of reasons why there might be a problem with the sewer line. Tree roots growing into the line, broken pipes, or a blockage are all common problems. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you as a homeowner can do to fix this issue. You’ll need to call in a professional to clear your sewer lines.
Wyman Plumbing & Mechanical is Here to Help
No matter why your toilet keeps getting clogged, Wyman Plumbing & Mechanical can help. From clogged toilet repairs to a total toilet rebuild, we’re here to assist you. While headquartered in North Phoenix, we proudly service the entire North Valley area and are ready to help you with your plumbing needs!