Why Does My Toilet Keep Clogging?

Toilets are finicky appliances. Even small obstructions can cause them to become clogged. While a clog here and there is nothing to be concerned about, frequent clogs are another story. Frequent clogging is a sign of a problem that may have a pretty serious root cause. You can attempt to solve this problem yourself or you can call for a plumber.For high quality Flower Mound plumbers, call Strittmatter Plumbing, Heating and AC at 940-246-2075. To learn more about why your toilet keeps clogging, read on. 

Larger Clog in the Piping

Sometimes clogs aren’t bad enough for a toilet to completely back up. Clogs may let enough water and waste through to keep flushing, but eventually even that won’t get through. Large clogs may be caused by toys, feminine products, paper products and more. First, and seriously listen to this: only flush waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Here is what to avoid flushing down the toilet:

• Baby wipes
• Feminine products
• Q-tips and cotton balls
• Diapers
• Floss
• Paper towels and tissues
• Cat litter
• Medication
• Hair
• Food

Keeping these items out of your toilet will benefit you in the long run. Unfortunately, to remove a clog deep in the piping you will need to call for plumbing drain services. 

Using the Wrong Toilet Paper

Did you know that it’s possible to use the wrong toilet paper? Or to use too much toilet paper? Although 2-ply toilet paper is more comfortable, sometimes it doesn’t dissolve quickly enough and turns into a big clog. You may also be using too much toilet paper. It may seem silly to try to limit the amount of toilet paper you use, but it could help to reduce or eliminate frequent clogging. Try to limit your toilet paper use to three to four squares. This will keep clogs to a minimum and make your plumbing system more efficient. 

Clogged Toilet Trap

You’ve probably heard of the P-trap underneath your sink, but have you heard of a toilet trap? It’s shaped like an ‘S’ and keeps anything that may cause clogs away from the rest of the piping. The toilet trap is located between the toilet bowl and drain line. If items become lodged in the bottom of the ‘S’ trap, a clog can occur. In this situation, the best thing that you can do is plunge your toilet. Remember to create a seal with the lip of the plunger and push straight into the toilet. If the plunger doesn’t do the trick, you’ll have to call for a plumber. 

Water Is Too Hard

Hard water is extremely frustrating to deal with. It can taste bad, cause hard water deposits and—this one may surprise you—can clog toilets. The minerals in hard water can create deposits on jets that are meant to flush water down the drain. As the deposits build, the jets become weaker and weaker. Low flush power can result in frequent clogs. To fix this problem, you’ll have to call a plumber for water softening products. You can also attempt to soften the water yourself, however professionals will know exactly what needs to be done.

Old Low Flow Toilet

Older, low flow toilets may save on water expenses, but are not as great for preventing clogs. These toilets use lower pressure for moving waste through the piping. If the pressure is too low, it won’t have enough power to move waste buildup or small clogs. The best thing that you can do to fix this problem is to replace your toilet. You can replace your old toilet with another low flow toilet, but ideally you upgrade to one with higher power. This way, you can avoid a similar problem. 

Blocked Toilet Vent

Did you know that toilets are connected to a vent that allows fresh air in to increase flushing pressure? If the vent becomes blocked, your toilet will become clogged. These can become clogged from birds nests, animal carcasses, branches, debris and other foreign objects. There are a few ways to tell if your vent is clogged:

• Toilet flushes on its own
• Frequent clogs
• Strong smells of sewage
• Gurgling toilet
• Slow draining sink and bathtub

Not only does your toilet vent supply fresh air to your plumbing system, it also helps to release odors and gases that come from waste. A clogged plumbing vent means a smelly bathroom and a backed up toilet.To fix this problem, you’ll have to schedule professional plumbing service. A qualified pro can complete bathroom plumbing service to get your vent and toilet back to its proper function. 

Clogged Sewer Line

Your toilet isn’t the only thing keeping your plumbing efficiently running – the sewer line is just as important. The sewer line in your home keeps waste moving from the toilet to the municipal sewer system or a septic tank. If the sewer line becomes clogged, the toilet will become backed up. Not only does this make for a smelly mess, but also for an expensive repair. Unfortunately, to fix a clogged sewer line, plumbers will have to dig into the yard to repair the line. Don’t worry just yet – many plumbing companies use cameras that they insert into the pipes to help them locate clogs. This makes for a less invasive and faster repair.

Trustworthy Flower Mound Plumbers

Does your toilet keep clogging and you don’t know what to do? It’s important that you act fast to avoid any further issues that could become expensive repairs. Leave it to the toilet plumbing experts that Flower Mound residents know and trust: Strittmatter Plumbing, Heating and AC. Our team of professional and qualified plumbers can take care of any problem. From clogging toilets to sewer line repair, we do our best to complete plumbing service quickly that gets you back up and running (pun intended). If you’re ready to schedule plumbing service with the best in the business, give us a call at 940-246-2075 or contact us online.