Why Are My Toilets Frequently Clogging?
When your toilet doesn’t stop clogging, there are many potential culprits for this problem. It could be something you flushed down, issues with the sewer lines, or issues with the toilet itself. Whatever it is, identifying the cause of the problem will help you fix it. So, here are some toilet-clogging culprits to help you fix a backed-up toilet.
Reasons why your toilet keeps clogging
The toilet is a frequently-used fixture in every home and as such should always be in good shape. A clogged commode that requires unpleasant cleanup can be very frustrating. Once you know why your toilet backs up, you’ll be able to prevent blockages in the future. Your plunger will stay stored away because you’ll not need it.
If your toilet is clogged, it may be due to a few reasons:
1. Someone tried to flush clog-prone or non-flushable items
Toilets are designed in a way that allows the disposal of only certain materials. Materials like toilet tissues dissolve quickly in water, which is why they rarely cause clogs. On the other hand, paper towels and disposable tissues are not supposed to be flushed down the toilet. Other clog-prone items that you must not flush in your toilet include Q-Tips, wet wipes, cotton balls, and dental floss. Such items can cause constant backups due to restricted drainage in the toilet.
It’s important to talk to your family members about what items are safe or unsafe to flush down the toilet. If your kids are still very young, you should consider keeping a list of non-flushable items near your toilet. You can also keep a big trash can in the bathroom where you can dispose of non-flushable items. This way, it will become a lot easier to get rid of such items.
However, drain cleaning from time to time is a great way to prevent clogging. You could search for plumbers in Vancouver and contract the best one in your location whenever you encounter serious toilet problems.
2. You’re using a first-generation, low-flow toilet.
Low-flow designs used in modern toilets are aimed at conserving water. Earlier designs may not be very efficient in clearing the internal drain and trap. They may lack the required pressure to adequately flush the toilets, which may lead to clogs. If your toilet is clogged, you should check the toilet’s back for a stamped date.
Any toilet made in the mid-90s is probably one of the first-generation low-flow designs. If that’s the case with your toilet, don’t rush into getting a replacement. First of all, try reducing clogs in your low-flow toilet by avoiding clog-prone items and minimizing your toilet paper use. If after doing that the problem persists, you should install a modern toilet.
You can contact professional plumbers to help you install a more up-to-date toilet. They can also help with water heater installation and perimeter drain tile installation.
3. The toilet trap is blocked.
The porcelain fixture in your toilet has a curved segment built into the lower unit. This segment is known as the trap and is designed to prevent sewer gases from coming into your home. It’s the curved part of your toilet that holds water. If you flush clog-prone items like paper towels down your toilet, it can cause a backed-up toilet by clogging the trap.
It’s not good to take non-flushable items like pocket combs into your toilet because when lodged in the internal trap, such items can clog your toilet. Loosening the blockage and removing the clog with a plunger should take a few minutes. You can use a toilet auger to get rid of more stubborn clogs. To keep your toilet trap clear, you should limit toilet paper use and keep non-flushable items out.
4. There are major sewer line problems.
If multiple drains and toilets and toilets regularly clog in your home, it may be symbolic of more serious sewer line problems. This issue is often caused by a buildup of toilet paper, waste material, and non-flushable items inside the sewer lines and the main drain. You may also encounter this problem due to sediments and other blockage-causing debris that come in through sewer lines punctured by tree roots.
Sewer line issues may result in more serious problems inside and outside your house and can even be a health hazard to you and your family. The best solution is to hire a professional to fix any sewer-related problems you may have. Many plumbing contractors in Vancouver can help you fix whatever toilet issues you’re facing.
A plumbing contractor can help you with:
- Drain repair
- Drain Cleaning
- Drain tile repair
- Plumbing repipe
- Perimeter drain tile installation
- Water heater replacement
- Hot Water Heater installation
5. The plumbing vent is blocked
Like other plumbing fixtures, toilets come with roof vents to prevent air-pressure vacuums from hindering drain flow. These vents funnel fresh air into the plumbing system and become clogged with sticks, leaves, and animal nests. When this happens, your toilet’s drain flow can reduce and lead to regular clogs.
Blockages are not easy to spot, so the best solution is to hire a professional to look at your vents and clear them with special tools.
Contact a Drain Cleaning Specialist Today
The toilet is a very important part of the home, and issues like clogging can be frustrating. Clogging may occur due to something you flushed down, issues with the sewer lines, or issues with the toilet itself. The first step to tackling the issue is identifying the culprit. Once you know the cause of the problem, the tips above should help you deal with it. If you cannot prevent or fix it yourself, give Miller Plumbing & Drainage Ltd. a call at 604-837-2507 or contact us we’d be happy to provide a free quote.
