The Causes of Most Toilet Clogs and How to Prevent Them

The average modern home has three toilets – but that doesn’t mean they’re always functioning properly.

Toilet clogs are a common plumbing problem that can lead to significant headaches for homeowners.

Not only can they be messy and unpleasant to deal with, but they can also result in costly repairs if not addressed promptly. Understanding the causes of most toilet clogs and how to prevent them can help homeowners avoid these issues altogether.

What do you need to know about toilet troubleshooting? How can you resolve a clogged pipe? Read on and we’ll walk you through what you need to know.

Causes of Toilet Clogs

The toilet won’t flush? In order to get things back flowing as they should, you’ll need to find the problem. Every situation is different, but there are a few common causes of toilet clogs that can be helpful to get familiar with.

If you can trace the issue back to one of these common causes, a solution shouldn’t be too far behind.

Flushing Non-Flushable Items

One of the most common causes of toilet clogs is flushing non-flushable items down the toilet.

Items such as baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels should never be flushed down the toilet, as they can easily cause clogs.

These items do not dissolve like toilet paper, and can quickly accumulate in the pipes, leading to blockages.

Have too much trash in the bathroom? Consider installing a wastebasket next to the toilet for non-flushable items.

Using Too Much Toilet Paper

Using too much toilet paper can also lead to clogs or even an overflowing toilet.

While toilet paper is designed to dissolve quickly in water, using an excessive amount at once can overwhelm the plumbing system and create a blockage.

If you often use a lot of toilet paper, consider upgrading to a more efficient model of toilet. This can help to better manage the quantity.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can also cause toilet clogs.

When water pressure is too low, the flushing action may not be strong enough to clear the waste and toilet paper from the pipes, leading to clogs.

See if you can upgrade the water pressure of your toilet if this becomes a reoccurring issue.

Faulty Toilet Design

Faulty toilet design can also contribute to clogs.

Some older toilets may not be designed to handle the same amount of waste and toilet paper as newer models, which can result in clogs.

If you find yourself in this position, the best move might be to call a professional and have your toilet replaced.

How to Prevent Toilet Clogs

Once you get your toilet working again, you’ll want to avoid ending up back in the same situation. Taking into account a few tips and tricks to prevent toilet clogs can help keep things working properly.

Use Only Flushable Items

To prevent toilet clogs, it’s essential to use only flushable items.

This means sticking to toilet paper and avoiding items like baby wipes and paper towels, which can cause blockages.

Use the Right Amount of Toilet Paper

Using the right amount of toilet paper can also help prevent clogs.

Rather than using a large amount at once, it’s best to use a smaller amount and flush several times, if necessary.

Check for Low Water Pressure

If you’re experiencing frequent toilet clogs, it may be worth checking your water pressure. Low water pressure can make it more difficult for waste and toilet paper to be flushed away, leading to clogs.

If you suspect that low water pressure is causing your toilet clogs, consider installing a pressure booster or contacting a plumber to check your system.

Upgrade to a Newer Toilet

If you have an older toilet that is prone to clogs, upgrading to a newer model can help prevent future issues.

Modern toilets are designed to be more efficient and effective at flushing waste and toilet paper, making them less likely to clog.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is also essential for preventing toilet clogs.

This includes cleaning the toilet bowl and trap regularly to prevent buildup. It also means using a plunger or snake to remove any minor blockages before they become more significant issues.

Practicing this kind of regular maintenance can greatly reduce the chances of a clog occurring in the future.

Unclogging a Toilet

If your toilet is clogged, there are a few things you can do to try to unclog it yourself:

• Use a plunger. A plunger is the most common way to unclog a toilet.
• Use a toilet auger. A toilet auger is a long, flexible tool that can be used to reach down into the toilet and break up the clog.
• Call a plumber. If you’ve tried to unclog the toilet yourself and it’s still clogged, you may need to call a plumber.

Understanding Common Toilet Clogs

There’s nothing more frustrating than finishing up in the bathroom only to be presented with a toilet that won’t do it’s share of the work. Toilet clogs are a part of life, but you can face them much less if you take the time to get familiar with the common causes.

The above are a few of the more common reasons why a toilet might become clogged. If you have a toilet overflowing in your home, learning from these reasons and solutions can help you to prevent this from happening again in the future.

Need immediate assistance with your toilet problems? Give us a call anytime for additional aid.