Toilets are more than a convenience – they’re a necessity for hygiene and comfort. We tend to take our toilets for granted, but you never realize how much you rely on them until it breaks.

When the toilet has problems, you must determine the underlying cause and get it repaired ASAP. Chronic plumbing problems can lead to a constantly clogged toilet, and it may be caused by anything from children flushing things they shouldn’t to regular overuse of toilet paper.

When this happens, it may not be enough to simply plunge into the toilet bowl. There could be a bigger issue in play that requires drain clearing or other repairs.

Here are some common reasons your toilet keeps clogging and what you can do to fix it.

You Keep Flushing the Wrong Things

A lot of products are advertised as “flushable” when, in truth, they aren’t. These things, mostly pre-moistened wipes, can wreak havoc on your plumbing. Only toilet paper and human waste should be flushed down the toilet, but many people tend to flush other materials like menstrual products, tissues, ear swabs, and wet wipes.

Children may also get into mischief and try to flush other things, such as toys or your car keys.

Even if a product says it’s flushable, that doesn’t mean it’s toilet-friendly. Oftentimes, “flushable” means when flushed, a product can clear the bowl, not your plumbing system.

To make things easier, keep a trash can with a lid near the toilet for non-flushable products, and have a family meeting to discuss what’s flushable and what’s not. This is especially important for children.

When you do have a clog from a non-flushable product, use a toilet plunger to dislodge it. If you can’t, call a professional plumber to bust through the clogged material.

You Have a Damaged Main Sewer Line

The main sewer line leaves your home and runs underground to a municipal sewer system or septic tank. Because the sewer line is under the ground, it’s protected from inclement weather. However, this doesn’t protect it from such things as tree roots that can cause extensive damage.

If the main sewer line is punctured or otherwise damaged, the flow to the municipal sewer system or septic tank is blocked. Rocks, dirt, and debris can also enter the line through punctures or breaks, leading to drainage issues.
With this situation, more drains will likely be affected than just your toilet. It’s important to call a professional plumber to correct the problem. You may need to have the main sewer line dug up and replaced, which isn’t a job you want to take on yourself.

You’re Using Too Much Toilet Paper

Toilet paper is flushable, but too much can quickly lead to repeated clogs in your toilet. You only need a few squares, but most people go overboard with their toilet paper to feel fresh and clean.

Just remember that everything you put in your toilet must come out, and when there’s too much in your toilet, there will be a clog coming out.

Also, we have more toilet paper options than ever. Extra-soft or multi-ply toilet paper creates even more problems since they don’t dissolve as well as “simpler” toilet paper.

If you think your toilet is clogged because of excessive toilet paper, it’s time for another family meeting. Remind family members that they can dispose of excess toilet paper in the trash can instead of flushing it as well.

One of our favorite solutions is to invest in a bidet. This simple toilet add-on will help keep you as clean as can be without using any excess toilet paper.

Your S-Trap Is Clogged

The S-trap is the S-shaped pipe that comes up from the ground and attaches to the toilet bowl. This is responsible for keeping odorous sewer gasses at bay, preventing them from wafting out into your home.

It’s important to keep in mind that most toilets have a P-trap. S-traps are used on older toilets, they have recently been phased out. For those homeowners with an S-trap, the next paragraph is for you.

If your S-trap is clogged, it’s easy to identify. Your toilet won’t work again until the clog is cleared. With a partial blockage, however, it may not be obvious that the S-trap is clogged. Partial blockages allow the toilet to function as normal, but over time, clogs will become more frequent.
You can address S-trap clogs by using a toilet auger to pull out or break up the partial clog and allow it to move. If that doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to enlist the help of a professional plumber for drain clearing or repair.

Call the Experts at JW Plumbing, Heating and Air

A clogged toilet can be inconvenient, but when it happens repeatedly, it can lead to major disruptions in your home. If you need help with your frequent toilet clogs, drain clearing, or plumbing maintenance, book an appointment with the pros at JW Plumbing, Heating and Air.

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