Why Are Both Toilets Clogged? (And How to Fix It)

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Two Clogged Toilets: A Guide to Finding and Fixing the Problem

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as coming home from a long day at work to find that both of your toilets are clogged. Not only is it a major inconvenience, but it can also be a health hazard. Clogged toilets can release harmful bacteria into the air, which can cause respiratory problems. If you’re dealing with two clogged toilets, don’t panic. With a little troubleshooting, you can usually fix the problem yourself.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of finding and fixing a clogged toilet. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent future clogs. So if you’re ready to get your toilets back in working order, read on!

Why Are Both Toilets Clogged?

| Cause | Symptoms | Solution |
|—|—|—|
| Clogged main sewer line | Both toilets are slow to drain or won’t drain at all. | Hire a plumber to snake or hydrojet the main sewer line. |
| Clogged toilet drain | One or both toilets are slow to drain or won’t drain at all. | Use a plunger to clear the clog. If the clog is stubborn, you may need to hire a plumber to snake the drain. |
| Toilet paper clog | One or both toilets are slow to drain or won’t drain at all. | Flush only toilet paper down the toilet. Do not flush anything else, such as feminine hygiene products, paper towels, or diapers. |

Causes of Clogged Toilets

There are many different things that can cause a toilet to become clogged. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Solid objects: The most common cause of a clogged toilet is the presence of a solid object, such as a toy, a piece of cloth, or a wad of toilet paper. These objects can get stuck in the drainpipe and prevent water from flowing through.
  • Toilet paper: While toilet paper is designed to dissolve in water, it can still cause a clog if it is used excessively or if it is not flushed properly. When toilet paper is not flushed completely, it can clump together and form a blockage in the drainpipe.
  • Grease and oil: Grease and oil can also cause a clog in a toilet. These substances are not water-soluble, so they can build up in the drainpipe and eventually cause a blockage.
  • Hair: Hair can also be a common cause of a clogged toilet. Hair can get caught in the drainpipe and prevent water from flowing through.
  • Other materials: Other materials, such as paper towels, baby wipes, and feminine hygiene products, can also cause a clog in a toilet. These materials are not designed to be flushed down the toilet, and they can build up in the drainpipe and cause a blockage.

Signs of a Clogged Toilet

There are a few different signs that can indicate that a toilet is clogged. These signs include:

  • Slow draining: One of the most obvious signs of a clogged toilet is slow draining. When a toilet is clogged, the water will take longer to drain than usual. In some cases, the water may not drain at all.
  • No draining: Another sign of a clogged toilet is no draining. If the water does not drain at all, it is likely that the toilet is completely clogged.
  • Overflowing: If a toilet is clogged, it may overflow. This is because the water has nowhere to go and it will eventually rise up and over the rim of the toilet bowl.
  • Smelly: A clogged toilet can also be smelly. This is because the water that is trapped in the toilet bowl will start to decompose and release foul odors.

If you suspect that your toilet is clogged, it is important to take action to clear the clog as soon as possible. A clogged toilet can be a major inconvenience, and it can also pose a health risk. If you are unable to clear the clog yourself, you should call a professional plumber to help you.

Why Are Both Toilets Clogged?

There are a few possible reasons why both of your toilets may be clogged. Here are some of the most common causes:

  • A blockage in the main sewer line. This is the most likely cause if both toilets are clogged and you have not flushed anything unusual down them. A blockage in the main sewer line can be caused by a variety of things, including tree roots, tree branches, or even a build-up of grease and sediment.
  • A blockage in the toilet bowl. This is less likely if both toilets are clogged, but it is still possible. A blockage in the toilet bowl can be caused by a variety of things, including a large object that has been flushed down the toilet, a build-up of toilet paper, or even a hairball.
  • A blockage in the toilet trap. The toilet trap is a U-shaped pipe that is located under the toilet bowl. It helps to prevent sewer gases from coming back up into the bathroom. A blockage in the toilet trap can be caused by a variety of things, including a build-up of hair, soap scum, or other debris.

If you think that the cause of your clogged toilets is a blockage in the main sewer line, you will need to call a plumber to have it cleared. If you think that the cause of your clogged toilets is a blockage in the toilet bowl or toilet trap, you can try to clear it yourself using one of the methods listed below.

How to Unclog a Toilet

There are a few different ways to unclog a toilet. Here are some of the most common methods:

  • Plunger

A plunger is one of the most effective ways to unclog a toilet. To use a plunger, first fill the toilet bowl with enough water to cover the plunger cup. Then, place the plunger over the drain hole and push down and pull up on the plunger handle several times. This should create a suction that will help to dislodge the clog.

  • Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar can also be effective at unclogging a toilet. To use this method, first pour a cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl. Then, pour a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. The baking soda and vinegar will react together and create a fizzy solution that will help to loosen the clog. After a few minutes, flush the toilet.

  • Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets can also be used to unclog a toilet. To use this method, first crumple up a dryer sheet and stuff it into the toilet bowl. Then, flush the toilet. The dryer sheet will help to absorb moisture and loosen the clog.

  • Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners can be effective at unclogging a toilet, but they should be used with caution. Chemical drain cleaners can be harmful if they are not used properly. To use a chemical drain cleaner, first read the instructions on the product label. Then, pour the chemical drain cleaner into the toilet bowl. Follow the instructions on the product label for how long to let the chemical drain cleaner sit before flushing the toilet.

  • Professional Plumber

If you have tried to unclog your toilet yourself and you have not been successful, you may need to call a professional plumber. A plumber will be able to use specialized tools and equipment to clear the clog.

Preventing Clogged Toilets

There are a few things you can do to prevent your toilets from becoming clogged:

  • Don’t flush solid objects. This includes things like paper towels, diapers, feminine hygiene products, and toys.
  • Use toilet paper in moderation. Flushing too much toilet paper can cause a clog.
  • Grease and oil down the drain. Grease and oil can solidify and cause a clog.
  • Don’t flush hair. Hair can wrap around the drain pipe and cause a clog.
  • Regularly clean your toilet. Cleaning your toilet regularly will help to prevent clogs from forming.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your toilets from becoming clogged.

Q: Why are both toilets clogged?

A: There are a few possible reasons why both toilets in your home may be clogged.

  • A common cause is a blockage in the main sewer line. This can be caused by a build-up of grease, hair, or other debris. If the blockage is located in the main sewer line, it can prevent both toilets from flushing properly.
  • Another possibility is that there is a blockage in the pipes leading to the toilets. This can be caused by a similar build-up of debris, or it could be caused by a foreign object, such as a toy or a piece of cloth, being flushed down the toilet.
  • It is also possible that the toilets are clogged due to a problem with the toilet valves. The valves in a toilet control the flow of water into and out of the toilet bowl. If the valves are not working properly, they can allow water to back up into the toilet bowl, causing it to overflow.

Q: What can I do to fix a clogged toilet?

A: If you only have one clogged toilet, you can usually fix it yourself by following these steps:

1. First, try using a plunger to clear the clog. If the plunger does not work, you can try using a toilet auger.
2. If you are unable to clear the clog yourself, you may need to call a plumber.

If both toilets in your home are clogged, you will likely need to call a plumber to fix the problem. A plumber will be able to identify the cause of the clog and clear it quickly and efficiently.

Q: How can I prevent my toilets from getting clogged?

A: There are a few things you can do to prevent your toilets from getting clogged:

  • Flush only toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Do not flush any other materials, such as diapers, feminine hygiene products, or food scraps.
  • Rinse out food scraps before placing them in the garbage disposal. This will help to prevent grease from building up in the pipes.
  • Regularly clean the traps under your sinks and toilets. This will help to remove any debris that may be blocking the pipes.
  • Inspect your toilets for any signs of damage or leaks. If you see any damage, have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your toilets clear and functioning properly.

In this article, we discussed the common causes of two toilets being clogged at the same time. We learned that the most likely culprit is a blockage in the main sewer line. Other possible causes include a clog in the toilet trap, a problem with the septic tank, or a tree root intrusion.

If you are experiencing a clogged toilet, it is important to first determine the cause of the clog. Once you have identified the cause, you can take steps to fix it. If you are unable to fix the clog yourself, you may need to call a plumber.

Here are some tips to help prevent two toilets from becoming clogged at the same time:

  • Flush only toilet paper and human waste. Do not flush anything else down the toilet, such as feminine hygiene products, paper towels, or food scraps.
  • Regularly clean the toilet trap. The toilet trap is a U-shaped pipe that traps solids and prevents them from entering the sewer line. To clean the trap, pour a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, flush the toilet.
  • Inspect the septic tank regularly. If you have a septic tank, it is important to have it inspected regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly. A clogged septic tank can cause sewage to back up into the toilets.
  • Avoid planting trees near the sewer line. Tree roots can grow into the sewer line and cause blockages. If you are planting a tree near the sewer line, make sure to keep the roots at least 10 feet away from the pipe.

By following these tips, you can help prevent two toilets from becoming clogged at the same time.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.