Top 5 Most Common Clogs in Clogged Toilets and How to Fix Them
A clogged toilet is a universal frustration. Whether it happens first thing in the morning or late at night, the panic of trying to get things back to normal can throw off your entire day. You might even dread the idea of calling a plumber for something that feels so basic. The good news is that most toilet clogs are easily preventable, and even more can be fixed with the right knowledge and tools. Understanding why toilets clog, what causes them, and how to fix common problems can save you time, money, and hassle.
1. Toilet Paper Blockage: The Most Common Culprit
When you think of clogged toilets, toilet paper is the first thing that comes to mind. It’s the most common cause of toilet clogs, and it occurs when too much toilet paper is used, leading to a backup. Despite being designed to dissolve in water, an excessive amount of toilet paper can overwhelm your toilet’s plumbing system, especially if it’s older or if there’s insufficient water pressure.
Why Toilet Paper Causes Clogs
Toilet paper is made to break down in water, but the more you use, the harder it is for it to dissolve completely. If you overload the toilet with a large quantity of toilet paper in a single flush, it can form a dense, soggy mass that blocks the pipes. If your home has older pipes or a low-flow toilet, this problem can be exacerbated.
In homes with low water pressure, toilets may not be able to generate enough force to clear the bowl, allowing paper to gather in the pipes. Over time, this leads to blockages that are harder to flush away. This can happen when you’re in a hurry or when the toilet has been subject to overuse.
How to Fix a Toilet Paper Blockage
Step-by-step solution:
- Plunge the Toilet: The first tool you should reach for is a plunger. It’s inexpensive and often does the trick. To use it effectively, ensure the plunger covers the drain hole completely, and use firm, even thrusts to dislodge the clog. After several plunges, flush the toilet to check if the water drains correctly.
- Use a Toilet Auger: If the plunger doesn’t work, a toilet auger (also known as a plumbing snake) is the next tool to try. A toilet auger is a long, flexible tool that can be inserted into the drain to break up clogs further down the pipe. Insert the auger into the toilet drain, and turn the handle to break through the blockage. Once it’s loose, flush the toilet to check if the water drains properly.
- Remove the Toilet (Last Resort): If all else fails, you may need to remove the toilet to access the pipes directly. This is generally a last resort, and it’s recommended to call a plumber if you are not familiar with toilet removal.
Pro Tip: When using toilet paper, avoid using excessive amounts. Stick to the recommended two or three squares per flush to minimize strain on your plumbing system.
2. Non-Flushable Items: The Hidden Menaces
Many people make the mistake of flushing items that aren’t meant to go down the toilet. While toilet paper is designed to break down in water, items like wipes, hygiene products, and even hair can lead to severe clogs. It’s easy to get into the habit of flushing seemingly harmless items, but these non-flushables can quickly accumulate and create an obstruction.
What Are Non-Flushable Items?
Toilet paper and human waste are the only items that should be flushed down the toilet. However, many people unknowingly flush items like:
- Baby Wipes or Wet Wipes: Even if they are marketed as “flushable,” wipes do not break down the same way toilet paper does. They can get caught in your pipes, causing major blockages.
- Feminine Hygiene Products: Pads, tampons, and even pantyliners should not be flushed, as they do not decompose and can cause blockages further down the line.
- Cotton Balls, Q-Tips, and Dental Floss: Items like cotton balls and Q-tips may seem small, but they do not break down in water and can create stubborn clogs.
- Tissues and Paper Towels: These are thicker and more fibrous than toilet paper, meaning they will not disintegrate in water as quickly, making them a common cause of blockages.
Even seemingly harmless items, like a small toy or a piece of soap, can end up in the toilet and cause clogs if flushed.
How to Fix It
Step-by-step solution:
- Manually Remove the Object: If the item is still visible and within reach, use rubber gloves to grab it and remove it from the toilet. You can also try using a pair of tongs or a small grabber tool to pull the object out.
- Use a Toilet Auger or Plumbing Snake: If the object is deeper in the pipes, you can use a toilet auger to break through the obstruction. Push the auger into the drain and rotate it to clear the blockage.
- Call a Plumber: In more extreme cases, if the item has passed further down the line and is causing a serious obstruction, you may need a plumber to remove the item using specialized equipment, such as a sewer camera to locate the clog.
Pro Tip: Always use a trash bin for the disposal of non-flushable items. For example, provide a wastebasket in the bathroom for hygiene products, and make sure all members of the household are aware of the importance of not flushing non-flushables.
3. Tree Roots Infiltration: When Your Pipes Are Compromised
Though not a typical clog, tree roots infiltrating your sewer lines can lead to severe blockages. Roots tend to grow toward sources of moisture, and if your pipes are cracked, broken, or compromised in any way, the roots can enter and obstruct the flow of wastewater. This type of clog can often go unnoticed until you start experiencing regular backups or slow drains.
How Tree Roots Cause Clogs
Tree roots are naturally drawn to water, and they can penetrate the smallest cracks in underground pipes. Once inside, roots can grow and expand, wrapping around or even breaking through your pipes. Over time, this can cause blockages in your plumbing system, leading to slow drainage or frequent toilet clogs.
The problem often becomes more noticeable during rainy seasons when the roots thrive and absorb more moisture. You may hear gurgling noises when flushing or notice that water is draining very slowly.
How to Fix It
Step-by-step solution:
- Use a Rooter or Auger: For minor blockages caused by roots, a rooter machine (a powerful plumbing snake) can be used to cut through the roots. You can rent one from a hardware store or hire a plumber to do the job.
- Consider Pipe Replacement: If the roots have caused significant damage to the pipes or if they have completely blocked your plumbing system, you may need to replace the affected section of pipe. This may involve digging up your yard, which is why it’s crucial to address root infiltration as soon as possible.
- Tree Removal: In extreme cases, removing the tree or shrub causing the root infiltration may be necessary to prevent further damage to your plumbing system.
Pro Tip: Prevent tree roots from infiltrating your plumbing by scheduling regular pipe inspections and using root barriers when planting trees near your home. Plumbers can also use chemical treatments to prevent roots from entering your pipes.
4. Low-Flow Toilets and Inadequate Water Pressure
Low-flow toilets have become a common choice for homeowners who want to conserve water. These toilets use less water per flush compared to older, traditional models. While they are environmentally friendly and help reduce water consumption, low-flow toilets can sometimes struggle to clear waste efficiently, especially in homes with low water pressure.
Why Low-Flow Toilets Clog
Low-flow toilets use only about 1.6 gallons of water per flush, compared to older toilets that use 3 to 5 gallons. This means that if the toilet is not powerful enough, it may not provide enough water to fully flush waste down the drain. Additionally, homes with low water pressure may struggle to generate the necessary force for a complete flush, leading to waste and toilet paper accumulating in the pipes.
These toilets are more prone to clogging if not properly maintained or if the flush valve is faulty.
How to Fix It
Step-by-step solution:
- Check the Water Pressure: If your toilet is clogging frequently, it could be a sign of low water pressure. Ensure that your home’s water pressure is within the ideal range (usually between 40 and 60 psi). If necessary, contact a plumber to adjust your water pressure.
- Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Toilet: If your low-flow toilet is still clogging despite adequate water pressure, consider upgrading to a modern, high-efficiency toilet with a stronger flush. Many newer models are designed to use less water while still providing an effective flush.
- Check for Blocked or Faulty Flush Valve: The flush valve controls the release of water into the toilet bowl. If it’s clogged or malfunctioning, it can lead to poor flushing performance. Make sure to inspect and clean the flush valve or have it replaced if necessary.
Pro Tip: When shopping for a new toilet, look for models with the WaterSense label. These toilets have been tested to ensure they meet high water efficiency standards without sacrificing performance.
5. Foreign Objects: The Cause of Unexpected Clogs
Foreign objects flushed down the toilet may seem like a rare issue, but it happens more often than you might think, especially in homes with children or large households. Toys, jewelry, cleaning tools, and other small objects can accidentally fall into the toilet, resulting in unexpected clogs.
Why Foreign Objects Clog Toilets
Foreign objects, regardless of their size, do not break down in water the way toilet paper does. Even small toys, pieces of jewelry, or personal items can obstruct the flow of waste and cause a clog. Depending on where the object becomes lodged, the blockage can range from a minor inconvenience to a serious plumbing emergency.
How to Fix It
Step-by-step solution:
- Retrieve the Object Manually: If the object is still visible and easily accessible, carefully reach into the toilet to grab it. Use rubber gloves to protect your hands.
- Use a Toilet Auger: For items that have already passed into the plumbing, a toilet auger may be able to dislodge the object. Insert the auger into the drain and carefully rotate it to either break up the clog or retrieve the object.
- Call a Professional: If the object is lodged too deep in the pipes or if the clog is particularly stubborn, a professional plumber can help. They may use specialized equipment, such as a camera to locate the item and a high-pressure jet to clear the pipes.
Pro Tip: If you have young children in your home, consider installing a toilet lock or lid to prevent them from flushing toys or other items.
How to Prevent Toilet Clogs in the Future
Now that you’ve tackled common toilet clogs, it’s important to focus on prevention to keep things running smoothly:
- Educate Your Family: Make sure everyone in your household knows what can and cannot be flushed.
- Use Toilet Paper Sparingly: Avoid overloading the toilet with too much toilet paper at once. Stick to just a few squares per flush.
- Regular Maintenance: Schedule periodic plumbing inspections to prevent serious issues like root infiltration or pipe corrosion.
- Flush Often: If there’s a lot of waste in the toilet, flush twice to avoid overloading the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Educate your household about flushing only human waste and toilet paper. Use toilet paper sparingly, and make sure your pipes are regularly maintained to prevent build-ups.
Occasional clogs can happen, especially in large households. However, frequent clogs may indicate a more serious issue.
Yes, tree roots can infiltrate sewer lines and cause significant blockages in your plumbing system. Regular inspections can help you catch this issue early.
Take proactive steps to prevent future clogs by educating your household on what to flush and by staying on top of regular maintenance. When in doubt, remember that a plumber is always a phone call away to help you with more serious issues. With a little knowledge and care, you’ll keep your toilet in great shape for years to come.