4 Culprits Behind Repetitive Clogging in Your Toilet

Toilets are a necessity in every home. So when this necessity breaks down or is unusable, it’s a big problem. If your toilet is constantly facing problems like clogged drains, it’s time to get to the root cause of the problem and address it once and for all. 

Here are four possible reasons why your toilet constantly clogs and how to address them:

1. Non-Flushable Items Like Wipes and Paper Towels

It’s a common misconception that some toiletry products can be flushed down the toilet and won’t cause any problems. However, that could not be further from the truth. For instance, even when labeled flushable, wipes can cause significant issues to your home plumbing system. Sometimes, this issue could even lead to a municipal-wide sewage system problem.

Paper towels are another product that might seem flushable, but the truth is that most paper towels are resistant to tearing, even when saturated. That physical resistance means they don’t break down as they pass through the drain pipe.

Moreover, you should also avoid flushing down disposable clothes, feminine products, hair, and ear swabs. It’s important to know that your toilet is not a garbage can and is not designed to dispose of these materials. 

2. Obstructions in the Plumbing Vents

A home plumbing system is made of water pipes and ventilation pipes that release sewer gases safely through the roof of the home, instead of letting gas pressure build up inside the drain pipes. These lines also allow clean air to enter the system and create suction, increasing the toilet’s flushing power.

So if the plumbing vent is sealed, clogged, or obstructed, your toilet’s flushing power will be negatively affected. You can verify whether this is what causes your clogged toilet by having one person climb up onto the roof to assess the plumbing vent as another person checks the toilet. 

3. A Partially Blocked S-Trap

The S-shaped pipe that comes up from the ground and makes its way into the toilet bowl is called the S-trap drain. It is responsible for containing the odorous sewer gases in the drain pipes and ensuring that they don’t pass through the toilet bowl and into your home. 

A fully clogged S-trap, or in other designs a P-trap, can be determined easily. But if it is only a partially obstructed S-trap or P-trap, it’s less noticeable, causing frequent clogs than usual. You can use a toilet auger to pull out or break up the partial clog and move it through the drain. If this still doesn’t work, it’s best to call a plumber instead.

4. Punctured, Damaged, or Restricted Main Sewer Lines

The main sewer line that connects your lines to the municipal sewer system or the septic tank could be the cause of your problem, too. While this line is relatively safe from rain, snow, or sleet, it is still vulnerable to tree roots that can wrap around and puncture it. 

If the main sewer line is punctured or compressed, the outlet to the septic tank or the municipal sewer system becomes constricted. Moreover, rocks, dirt, and debris can enter the lines through punctures, worsening your drainage issues. If this is the issue, you need to call a plumber. 

Conclusion

If you’re constantly burdened with a clogged toilet, the problem is likely caused by something more significant, which is why you need to have it resolved promptly. Clogged toilets might seem like a minor problem of a frequent occurrence, but it could mean a problem in your sewer lines that only a plumber can resolve. 

Candu Plumbing and Rooter is a 24/7 professional plumbing service in Canoga Park and other areas in California. Here, we suggest the best solutions, such as if your hardware needs a repair to perform well or if a replacement will be better for you. From standard maintenance to serious malfunctioned activities, we can fix any toilet repair and handle any issue. If you need an emergency plumber in Canoga Park, CA, call us at 855-522-2638 now.