5 reasons why your toilet keeps clogging
By Jordana Weiss•Last updated Jan 19, 2024
Last updated Jan 19, 2024
There are many undesirable experiences homeowners face, but few rank higher in embarrassment than a clogged toilet. It’s unpleasant enough when you’re alone, but adding more people to the mix can be downright awkward. Fortunately, it's easy to answer the question, "Why does my toilet keep clogging?" Plus, you likely have the tools you need to handle many of the fixes.
However, the first step in dealing with any clogging issues is figuring out what’s causing them in the first place. Sometimes, it's easy to spot the material that's clogging the toilet. Other times, the cause of your clog is harder to find.
Below, we’ll dig into some of the most common reasons why your toilet keeps clogging. We'll help you understand if it’s an issue you can resolve with a simple toilet plunger — or if it’s time to call a plumber.
1. Foreign objects creating a blockage
Foreign objects are one of the most common causes of toilet clogs. And it’s not just parents with mischievous toddlers who run into this problem. Sure, a toy car will create a blockage. But things like "flushable" wipes, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels can clog your toilet, too.
You may be able to use a flange toilet plunger or toilet auger to remove the clog. If that doesn’t fix the issue after a few tries, consider hiring a plumbing service near you.
2. Excessive waste and toilet paper use
Another common source of clogs is excess toilet paper. When used in moderation, toilet paper dissolves into the water along with human waste and is harmlessly flushed away. However, if your household regularly uses too much toilet paper, it won’t break down effectively. This can cause a blockage.
3. Damaged sewer lines
When the main sewer line leaves your house, it typically links up with either the municipal sewer system or a septic tank on your property. While these underground pipes are protected from most types of property damage, hidden issues like tree roots can damage the sewer line.
If you have trees near your sewer line, a tree root intrusion might damage the line and cause a blockage. In this case, you’ll want a plumber to inspect your sewer lines. And if you think one of the trees on your property might damage your pipes, consult a professional tree removal company.
4. Blocked plumbing vents
Did you know airflow is critical for flushing a toilet? Plumbing systems require air vents, which penetrate your home’s roof and allow air to flow out of the drain pipe, preventing a vacuum that would stop essential drain flow. If you have a blocked toilet vent, water can stay trapped in your plumbing, creating a blockage that won’t allow your toilet to drain.
5. Blocked toilet trap
The toilet trap is a curved section of drainpipe located just below the bowl. It’s designed to hold water, creating a seal that prevents foul odors and toxic gasses from entering your bathroom.
When this trap becomes blocked — usually due to a buildup of toilet paper, sanitary products, or foreign objects — it impedes the smooth flow of water and waste through the drain. This can create a severe clog that may require a plumber’s expertise to fix.
How to unclog your toilet quickly
While there are many reasons your toilet may be clogged, getting it unclogged starts with the same initial steps:
- Assess the situation. Before taking any action, assess the severity of the clog.
- Put safety first. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from bacteria and germs.
- Stop flushing. If the toilet is at risk of overflowing, avoid flushing again. This prevents more water from entering the bowl and making the situation worse.
- Use a flange plunger, not a cup plunger. A cup plunger is designed to unclog sinks and bathtubs; a flange plunger is for toilets. Position the plunger over the drain hole, ensuring a tight seal. Then, apply firm but controlled pressure with an up-and-down motion. Repeat several times, then flush if the water begins to drain to check whether the clog has fully cleared.
- Try an auger or plumbing snake. If the clog persists, you can try a more advanced tool like a toilet auger or plumbing snake. Insert the tool into the drain, rotating and pushing until you feel resistance. Continue turning and pushing, then retract the tool.
- Use a chemical drain cleaner. You can use a chemical drain cleaner as a last resort. However, it’s not recommended to use these products too often, as they can be harmful and damage your plumbing. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and ensure good ventilation throughout.
- Call in a professional. If the toilet remains clogged, it’s time to consider professional help. A plumber can reach a variety of serious and deep clogs. They can also do sewer line repairs, which often require tools you may not already have at home.
While these steps may get you through the most basic clogs, there’s always more to learn. Read our in-depth guide on unclogging a toilet for more information.
Tips to prevent toilet clogs in the future
The best way to deal with clogs in your plumbing fixtures is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to help prevent toilet clogs:
- Use a reasonable amount of toilet paper per flush to prevent excess buildup in your pipes.
- Avoid flushing non-flushable items like facial tissue, cotton balls, paper towels, and hair. These can all cause blockages.
- Regularly clean and disinfect your toilet bowl and tank to prevent mineral buildup and the accumulation of debris.
- Address any plumbing issues promptly to prevent minor problems from becoming major clogs in your drain line.
- Schedule professional plumbing inspections and maintenance regularly to address potential issues before they become serious problems.
Hire a plumber to troubleshoot your toilet
Sometimes, the skills of even the most DIY-savvy homeowner can’t resolve persistent or severe toilet clogs. Often, there are issues lower in the drain or sewer line that are far out of sight. In those situations, it’s best to call in the experts.
Download the Thumbtack app and browse your local listings to find plumbers in your area today. Read their reviews, ask for price quotes, and schedule an appointment before they’re all booked up.
FAQs
Why is my toilet clogged with nothing in it?
A toilet may appear clogged with nothing in it due to an obstruction further down the drain line beyond what you can see. These unseen blockages can include things like accumulated mineral deposits, hardened sediment, or a foreign object lodged in the plumbing.
Additionally, venting issues, improper toilet installation, or problems within the sewer line could contribute to apparent clogs.
If you can’t figure out why your toilet is clogged, consult a professional plumber near you.
How do you unclog a toilet without a plunger?
There may be a few ways you can unclog a toilet without a plunger. Some home improvement experts recommend trying the following:
- Hot water. Pour hot (not boiling) water down the drain, let it sit for a few minutes, and flush. Avoid using boiling water to protect your porcelain toilet from cracking.
- Dish soap. Pour 1/2 cup of dish soap into the toilet and flush.
- Baking soda and vinegar. Pour 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda. Thirty minutes later, pour hot water down the drain.
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