There are many reasons why a toilet can clog. Some problems can be fixed by changing your habits. Others require professional plumbing troubleshooting. Thomas & Galbraith, Cincinnati plumbers, discuss why toilets clog and how to fix them.
Why Toilets Keep Clogging
There are many reasons why toilet clogs can recur. There are many possible causes of toilet clogs. These include problems with your toilet’s use, the toilet itself, and the plumbing system in your home. Here are some of the most common reasons why a toilet clogs:
- This toilet is an older, low-flow model.
- Items that are not flushable can be flushed
- Toilet trap clogged
Older toilet problems
Cincinnati homeowners who have low flow toilets of an earlier model often experience problems with clogging. Clogs can form repeatedly because of the toilet. Although low-flow toilets in early models were an important step towards home water conservation, they lack the pressure required to clear the drain completely. Without the proper pressure, materials can stick to the toilet and sewer lines, which can lead to repeated clogs.
Solution
To fix a low-flow toilet that is clogging, you can reduce the amount of toilet tissue used. You can reduce the amount that is sent down the toilet, which will reduce the potential for clogs. You will see a decrease in toilet clogs if you limit your use of toilet paper.
To eliminate constant toilet clogs, you can replace your older toilets with the best no clog toilet. Your low-flow toilets are most likely the first-ever made. You can increase water conservation in your home by installing low-flow toilets.
Flushing non-flushable materials
Toilet paper and human waste should only be flushed down the drain. However, it is not uncommon for other items to make their way down the drain. These items can get stuck in the plumbing or cause a toilet to clog.
Many factors contribute to the problem with non-flushable materials going down the toilet. Many products are advertised as being flushable, but they should not be flushed down the toilet. This can lead to clogging of your toilet. If you have a history of putting bathroom products in the toilet, such as ear swabs or facial tissue, it could be a reason your toilet keeps clogging. Toys and other objects can go down the drain because children are naturally curious about what happens to things when the toilet flushes.
Solution
Remind your family members at your next family gathering which items should be placed in the toilet. For non-flushable items, keep small trashcans in the bathroom. To reduce the chance of clogs from foreign objects, teach your children how the toilet works and what it is for.
Toilet plungers can be used to clear clogs caused by non-flushable materials. If the plunger fails to clear the blockage, you can use a toilet auger to remove it.
Toilet Trap Clogs
To prevent items from getting into the sewer line, plumbing fixtures include a trap. The sink’s P trap is obvious as it can be seen in the cabinet. However, the S-trap for the toilet is hidden by the bowl. The same function is served by the toilet trap: trapping items before they reach too deep into your plumbing lines.
Your toilet may be clogging because of materials getting caught in the trap. This can be caused by excessive toilet paper usage and the flushing of foreign materials.
Solution
To remove material stuck to the S-trap of your toilet, use a toilet plunger. If the flanged plunger is not able to clear the material and the toilet continues to clog, you can power flush toilet.
If none of these DIY solutions work and the toilet trap is still clogged, contact your plumber to have the drain cleared.