Why Is My Toilet Clogged? How to Fix a Clogged Toilet and Prevent Future Clogs

AvatarByLiana Farrell Toilet Queries

Clogged toilets are a common problem that can be both frustrating and embarrassing. But what causes them, and how can you prevent them from happening in the first place?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the causes of clogged toilets, and we’ll provide some tips on how to prevent them from happening. We’ll also discuss what to do if your toilet does become clogged, and how to clear it quickly and easily.

So if you’re tired of dealing with clogged toilets, read on for all the information you need to know!

Cause Symptoms Solution
Too much toilet paper The toilet bowl overflows or doesn’t flush completely. Use less toilet paper.
Plunging too hard The toilet bowl overflows or doesn’t flush completely. Plunge gently.
Foreign objects in the toilet The toilet bowl overflows or doesn’t flush completely. Remove the foreign object.
Clogged drainpipe The toilet bowl overflows or doesn’t flush completely. Call a plumber to snake the drainpipe.

Causes of Toilet Clogging

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

  • Solid objects, such as toys, wipes, or feminine hygiene products, can get stuck in the toilet bowl or drain and prevent water from flowing through.
  • Too much toilet paper can also cause a clog, as it can clump together and block the drain.
  • Hair can wrap around the drain and prevent water from flowing through.
  • Grease and oil can solidify and build up in the pipes, causing a clog.
  • Buildup of mineral deposits can also cause a clog, as the minerals can collect and form a barrier that blocks the drain.
  • Incorrectly installed toilet can also cause a clog, as the toilet may not be properly aligned with the drain, which can prevent water from flowing through properly.

Symptoms of a Clogged Toilet

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

  • Water does not drain quickly. If the water in your toilet bowl is not draining quickly, it is a sign that there may be a clog.
  • Toilet bowl overflows. If the water in your toilet bowl overflows, it is a sign that the clog is severe and needs to be cleared as soon as possible.
  • Toilet makes gurgling or bubbling noises. If you hear gurgling or bubbling noises coming from your toilet, it is a sign that there is a clog in the pipes.
  • Toilet bowl smells bad. If your toilet bowl smells bad, it is a sign that there is a build-up of bacteria and other waste in the toilet.

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How to Fix a Clogged Toilet

There are a few different ways to fix a clogged toilet. The best way to fix a clog will depend on the severity of the clog.

  • For minor clogs, you can try using a plunger to clear the clog. To do this, fill the toilet bowl with water until it is about halfway full. Then, place the plunger over the drain and push and pull it up and down several times. The suction from the plunger should help to break up the clog and clear the drain.
  • For more severe clogs, you may need to use a drain snake or a plumber’s friend to clear the clog. A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that is inserted into the drain to break up the clog. A plumber’s friend is a tool that is used to apply pressure to the drain to help clear the clog.
  • If you are unable to clear the clog yourself, you may need to call a plumber to help you. A plumber will be able to use specialized tools and equipment to clear the clog.

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Preventing Toilet Clogs

The best way to prevent toilet clogs is to take steps to avoid them. Here are a few tips:

  • Do not flush solid objects, such as toys, wipes, or feminine hygiene products, down the toilet.
  • Do not flush too much toilet paper at once.
  • Rinse hair down the drain before washing it in the sink.
  • Do not pour grease or oil down the drain.
  • Clean your toilet regularly to prevent the buildup of mineral deposits.
  • Install a toilet auger to help clear minor clogs.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent toilet clogs and keep your toilet working properly.

A clogged toilet can be a frustrating problem, but it is usually a simple fix. By following the tips in this article, you can learn how to fix a clogged toilet and prevent them from happening in the future.

Why Do I Keep Clogging The Toilet?

There are a few reasons why you might keep clogging your toilet. Here are some of the most common causes:

  • Flushing too much toilet paper. The most common cause of toilet clogs is flushing too much toilet paper. When you flush too much toilet paper, it can create a blockage in the pipes. This can cause the toilet to overflow or not flush properly.
  • Flushing non-flushable items. Another common cause of toilet clogs is flushing non-flushable items, such as wipes, feminine hygiene products, or paper towels. These items can’t be broken down by the water and sewage system, so they can build up and cause a blockage.
  • Hair in the toilet. Hair can also cause toilet clogs. When hair gets caught in the toilet bowl or in the pipes, it can create a blockage.
  • Grease and oil in the toilet. Grease and oil can also cause toilet clogs. When these substances cool down, they can solidify and form a blockage.
  • Toilet bowl cleaners. Some toilet bowl cleaners can actually cause clogs. These cleaners can leave a residue behind that can build up and cause a blockage.

How to Unclog a Toilet

If your toilet is clogged, there are a few things you can try to unclog it. Here are some of the most common methods:

  • Use a plunger. A plunger is one of the most effective ways to unclog a toilet. To use a plunger, place the cup of the plunger over the drain and push down and up several times. This will create a suction that will help to break up the clog and push it through the pipes.
  • Use a drain snake. A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that can be used to reach into the pipes and dislodge the clog. To use a drain snake, insert the snake into the drain and slowly work it back and forth until you feel the clog give way.
  • Use a chemical toilet cleaner. Chemical toilet cleaners can be used to dissolve the clog. To use a chemical toilet cleaner, follow the directions on the product label.
  • Call a plumber. If you have tried all of the above methods and the toilet is still clogged, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber will be able to use specialized tools and equipment to remove the clog.

How to Prevent Toilet Clogging

There are a few things you can do to prevent toilet clogs:

  • Don’t flush solid objects down the toilet. This includes things like paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and baby wipes.
  • Use only toilet paper designed for flushing. Some types of toilet paper are not designed to be flushed, and they can cause clogs.
  • Keep hair out of the toilet. Hair can easily get caught in the toilet bowl or in the pipes, and it can cause a blockage.
  • Avoid pouring grease and oil down the drain. Grease and oil can solidify and form a blockage.
  • Clean the toilet regularly. Cleaning the toilet regularly can help to prevent clogs from forming.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent toilet clogs and keep your toilet running smoothly.

Clogged toilets can be a nuisance, but they can be easily prevented and unclogged. By following the tips in this article, you can keep your toilet running smoothly and avoid the hassle of a clogged toilet.

Additional Tips

  • If you are not sure how to unclog a toilet, you can find many helpful videos and tutorials online.
  • If you are unable to unclog the toilet yourself, you can call a plumber to help you.
  • You can also prevent toilet clogs by using a toilet bowl cleaner on a regular basis.
  • If you have a septic tank, you should avoid flushing large amounts of toilet paper or other solids down the toilet.
  • You should also avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain, as this can damage your septic tank.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your toilet running smoothly and avoid the hassle of a clogged toilet.

Why Do I Keep Clogging The Toilet?

There are a few reasons why you might be clogging your toilet. Here are some of the most common causes and solutions:

  • Too much toilet paper. The most common cause of a clogged toilet is simply using too much toilet paper. Try to use only as much toilet paper as you need to clean yourself, and avoid flushing anything else that could contribute to a clog, such as paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or diapers.
  • Foreign objects. Other objects that are flushed down the toilet can also cause clogs, such as toys, hair, or food. If you think something other than toilet paper might be causing your clog, try to remove it with a plunger or a toilet auger before calling a plumber.
  • Build-up of sediment. Over time, sediment can build up in the pipes of your toilet, causing them to become clogged. You can help prevent this by flushing a cup of vinegar down the toilet every few weeks.
  • Old or damaged pipes. If your pipes are old or damaged, they may be more likely to clog. If you’ve tried the other solutions and you’re still having trouble with clogs, it may be time to call a plumber to inspect your pipes and replace any that are damaged.

Here are some tips to help prevent future clogs:

  • Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet.
  • Don’t flush anything that is too big or too thick, such as paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or diapers.
  • Rinse out food scraps before putting them in the garbage disposal.
  • Flush a cup of vinegar down the toilet every few weeks to help prevent sediment build-up.
  • Call a plumber to inspect your pipes and replace any that are damaged.

If you’re still having trouble with clogged toilets, even after you’ve tried these tips, it’s best to call a plumber to help you get the problem fixed.

there are many reasons why you might be clogging your toilet. Some of the most common causes include flushing too much toilet paper, flushing non-flushable items, and not cleaning your toilet regularly. By following the tips in this article, you can help to prevent clogs and keep your toilet running smoothly.

Here are some key takeaways:

  • Flush only toilet paper and human waste.
  • Never flush anything that is not flushable, such as wipes, paper towels, or feminine hygiene products.
  • Clean your toilet regularly with a toilet brush and a cleaning solution.
  • If you have a clog, try using a plunger or a drain snake before calling a plumber.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your toilet clog-free and avoid the hassle and expense of a plumber.

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.