Toilets: we might not want to think about what they’re used for, but we sure do notice them when they’re not working like they’re supposed to. A malfunctioning toilet can be frustrating, embarrassing, or just plain disgusting. Toilets are hardworking fixtures in every household, and it is important to keep them running as they should. If you have a toilet that frequently refuses to flush, it’s important to figure out what’s going on so you can fix the problem and keep your plumbing in tip-top shape. Here are 5 reasons that may explain why your toilet keeps getting clogged.
What Are Some Common Causes of a Clogged Toilet?
Dealing with a clogged toilet can be gross, and you probably don’t want to do it too often. If your toilet gets clogged infrequently, it’s probably normal. However, if you’ve got a toilet that seems chronically clogged, you might have a bigger issue on your hands. Here is a list of common problems that can cause your toilet to keep getting clogged.
1. Not enough water
Flushing requires water pressure that comes from water in your toilet’s tank. If there are problems with the incoming water line, your toilet may not be filling up the way it should and won’t have enough pressure to move waste. You’ll notice this in a weak flush or the inability to get the job done.
2. The wrong toilet paper
Luxury toilet paper looks and feels like a cloud, but it’s sometimes as tough to break down as newspaper--and you wouldn’t flush newspaper down the toilet, right? Toilet paper that is soft and thick might feel luxurious on your backside, but it can really wreak havoc on your plumbing. Since it doesn’t dissolve quickly, it can cause some serious clogs. If your toilet keeps getting clogged or is frequently struggling to flush well, think about switching to a different brand of TP. Or, if you just can’t part with the 3-ply stuff, flush before wiping to reduce the amount of waste going into the pipes at one time.
3. Poor design
A toilet’s a toilet, right? Not quite. There is much more variation in toilet design than you might realize. We’re not just talking about the difference between regular and low-flow units, either. The way a toilet works and how well it’s able to flush can depend on many factors, from the size of the water tank to the width of the openings. Many low-flow toilets are beautifully designed. If you’ve got a toilet that doesn’t flush no matter what you try, it might be time to replace it.
4. Hard water
Hard water is full of minerals, including calcium and iron. These minerals leave deposits on every surface they touch, including the inside of your pipes and water lines. Over time, the mineral buildup in your plumbing can cause issues with water flow and pressure. If you have hard water and a frequently clogged toilet, this mineral buildup could be the culprit.
Chlorinated water can also cause plumbing problems, especially in your toilet. Over time, chlorine can break down materials like rubber and plastic. It can erode the valves and seals in your toilet, making it more prone to leaks. This can have an impact on water pressure and the ability of your toilet to flush effectively.
5. Something is stuck
This may seem obvious, but we’re not just talking about bodily waste here. You might be surprised at the very long--and sometimes strange--list of items pulled from the plumbing connected to people’s toilets. Two of the most common culprits are feminine hygiene products and flushable wipes. Nothing should be flushed except for waste and toilet paper. Those flushable wipes are not your plumbing’s friend. Throw them and feminine care items in the garbage instead.
In addition to these common items, plumbers frequently find common household things, like towels, toys, and socks, in people’s pipes. If you’ve got very young kids, consider a toilet lock to prevent some of these items from being flushed.
Solutions to a Toilet That Keeps Getting Clogged
First, do a visual inspection of your toilet, including the parts in the tank. If you don’t feel confident about this, call your friendly professional plumber. Plumbers know exactly how to spot a variety of common plumbing issues, including leaks or weak valves. They can run some tests to check the water pressure and look for design issues or deep clogs that might be causing your toilet’s issues.
Use a plunger. This will help solve a shallow, simple clog. If it doesn’t do the trick or you have to pull out the plunger on a daily basis, you are probably not dealing with a simple clog. Call your plumber for a solution that will keep your toilet flushing smoothly for a long time.
Replace your toilet. Sometimes there is no long-lasting solution to a poorly-designed toilet with chronic flushing issues. A plumber can help you identify when it’s time to replace your old unit with one that will keep things flowing, and can help you find the toilet that meets your specific requirements.
Let Sam Jolley Plumbing Deal With Your Clogged Toilet
We know how frustrating it can be to deal with a toilet that keeps getting clogged. Trust your plumbing to the friendly professional plumbers at Sam Jolley Plumbing. We know everything there is to know about toilets and are ready to help you with any plumbing issue, big or small. Call today to get in touch with us.
