Why Does My Upstairs Toilet Keep Clogging? (And How to Fix It)

AvatarByLiana Farrell Toilet Queries

Why Does My Upstairs Toilet Keep Clogging?

There are many possible reasons why your upstairs toilet keeps clogging. It could be something as simple as a hairball or a toy blocking the drain, or it could be a more serious problem like a broken toilet flapper or a clogged sewer line.

In this article, we’ll discuss the most common causes of clogged toilets, and we’ll provide some tips on how to fix them. We’ll also talk about how to prevent future clogs from happening.

So if you’re tired of dealing with a clogged toilet, read on for some helpful information!

| Cause | Symptoms | Solution |
|—|—|—|
| Trapped Root | Toilet won’t flush or flushes slowly, water backs up into the bowl, toilet makes gurgling noises | Use a plunger to clear the clog, snake the drain, or call a plumber to remove the root |
| Foreign Object | Toilet won’t flush or flushes slowly, water backs up into the bowl, toilet makes gurgling noises | Remove the object from the toilet bowl, snake the drain, or call a plumber to remove the object |
| Clogged Pipe | Toilet won’t flush or flushes slowly, water backs up into the bowl, toilet makes gurgling noises | Snake the drain, or call a plumber to remove the clog |

Common Causes of Clogged Upstairs Toilets

There are a number of reasons why your upstairs toilet might be clogged. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Toilet paper. The most common cause of a clogged toilet is simply too much toilet paper. When you flush the toilet, the toilet paper should break down and dissolve in the water. However, if you use too much toilet paper, it can clump together and form a blockage in the toilet drain.
  • Fecal matter. Another common cause of a clogged toilet is fecal matter. When you flush the toilet, the fecal matter should be carried away by the water. However, if there is too much fecal matter, it can also form a blockage in the toilet drain.
  • Foreign objects. Foreign objects, such as toys, paper towels, or feminine hygiene products, can also get stuck in the toilet drain and cause a clog.
  • Build-up of mineral deposits. Over time, mineral deposits can build up in the toilet drain and cause a clog. This is more common in areas with hard water.

How to Tell if Your Toilet Is Clogged

There are a few ways to tell if your toilet is clogged.

  • Slow draining. One of the most obvious signs of a clogged toilet is slow draining. If the water in the toilet bowl is taking a long time to drain, or if it is only draining a little bit at a time, it is likely that there is a clog.
  • Overflowing. If the toilet is overflowing, it is a sure sign that there is a major clog. The water from the toilet bowl will overflow onto the floor, and it may even back up into the sink or bathtub.
  • Squeaking or gurgling. If you hear a squeaking or gurgling noise coming from the toilet, it is another sign that there is a clog. This noise is caused by the water trying to push through the clog.
  • Bad smells. If you notice a bad smell coming from the toilet, it is likely that there is a clog. The smell is caused by the bacteria that is growing in the stagnant water.

**

How to Unclog a Clogged Upstairs Toilet

If your upstairs toilet is clogged, there are a few different ways to try to unclog it.

  • 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. The suction from the plunger should help to break up the clog and push it through the drain.
  • Use a drain snake. A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that can be used to reach into the toilet drain and dislodge the clog. To use a drain snake, insert the snake into the drain and slowly turn it clockwise. The snake should catch on the clog and help to pull it out of the drain.
  • Use a chemical drain cleaner. A chemical drain cleaner is a product that can be used to dissolve the clog. To use a chemical drain cleaner, follow the directions on the product label. Chemical drain cleaners can be dangerous, so it is important to read and follow the directions carefully.
  • Call a plumber. If you have tried to unclog the toilet yourself and it is still clogged, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber will have the tools and experience to properly unclog the toilet.

A clogged toilet can be a frustrating problem, but there are a few different ways to try to unclog it. If you have tried to unclog the toilet yourself and it is still clogged, you may need to call a plumber.

Why Does My Upstairs Toilet Keep Clogging?

There are a few reasons why your upstairs toilet might keep clogging.

  • The toilet is not properly installed. If the toilet is not installed correctly, it may not be able to drain properly, which can lead to clogs. Make sure that the toilet is level and that the drain line is not kinked or blocked.
  • The toilet is too old. Older toilets are more likely to clog than newer toilets. This is because the older toilets have smaller pipes that can easily become clogged. If you have an older toilet, you may want to consider replacing it with a newer, more efficient model.
  • The toilet is not being used properly. Flushing too much toilet paper, flushing foreign objects, or not flushing enough water can all lead to clogs. Make sure that you are only flushing toilet paper and that you are not flushing any foreign objects down the toilet. You should also make sure that you are flushing the toilet with enough water.
  • The sewer line is clogged. If the sewer line is clogged, it can prevent the toilet from draining properly. This can lead to clogs in the toilet itself. If you think that the sewer line is clogged, you should call a plumber to have it cleared.

How to Clear a Clogged Upstairs Toilet

If your upstairs toilet is clogged, there are a few things you can do to try to clear it.

  • Use a plunger. A plunger is a simple but effective way to clear a clogged toilet. To use a plunger, first fill the toilet bowl with about 1 inch of water. Then, place the plunger over the drain hole and push down and up several times. The suction created by the plunger should help to break up the clog and clear the toilet.
  • Use a toilet auger. A toilet auger is a long, flexible tool that is used to clear clogs in the toilet drain. To use a toilet auger, first insert the auger into the drain hole. Then, turn the auger clockwise while slowly pulling it out. The auger should help to break up the clog and clear the toilet.
  • Use a chemical drain cleaner. A chemical drain cleaner is a liquid that is used to dissolve clogs in the toilet drain. To use a chemical drain cleaner, first pour the cleaner into the toilet bowl. Then, wait for the cleaner to work its way into the clog. After a few minutes, flush the toilet. The chemical drain cleaner should help to dissolve the clog and clear the toilet.
  • Call a plumber. If you have tried all of the above methods and the toilet is still clogged, you should call a plumber. A plumber will be able to clear the clog and fix any underlying problems.

Preventing Clogged Upstairs Toilets

There are a few things you can do to prevent your upstairs toilet from clogging.

  • Don’t flush foreign objects. This includes things like paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and baby wipes. These objects can clog the toilet and make it difficult to clear.
  • Use the right amount of toilet paper. Too much toilet paper can also clog the toilet. Only use as much toilet paper as you need to clean yourself.
  • Rinse out food waste before flushing. Food waste can decompose and clog the toilet. If you have to flush food waste, make sure to rinse it out first.
  • Regularly clean your toilet. A dirty toilet is more likely to clog than a clean toilet. Make sure to clean your toilet regularly to prevent clogs.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent your upstairs toilet from clogging.

A clogged toilet can be a major inconvenience, but it is usually something that can be easily fixed. By following the tips in this article, you can learn how to clear a clogged toilet and prevent future clogs.

Why Does My Upstairs Toilet Keep Clogging?

There are a few possible reasons why your upstairs toilet keeps clogging. Here are some of the most common causes and solutions:

  • The toilet is not properly installed. If the toilet is not installed correctly, it may not be able to drain properly, which can lead to clogs. Make sure that the toilet is level and that the drainpipe is connected properly.
  • The toilet is too old. Older toilets are more likely to clog than newer models. If your toilet is more than 20 years old, it may be time to replace it.
  • The toilet is not being flushed properly. If you are not flushing the toilet enough or if you are flushing too much toilet paper, it can cause clogs. Make sure to flush the toilet every time you use it and only flush toilet paper.
  • There is a blockage in the drainpipe. A blockage in the drainpipe can prevent the toilet from draining properly, which can lead to clogs. If you think there may be a blockage in the drainpipe, you can try to clear it yourself using a plunger or a drain snake. If you are unable to clear the blockage yourself, you may need to call a plumber.

Here are some additional tips to help prevent clogs in your upstairs toilet:

  • Use a toilet brush to clean the toilet bowl regularly. This will help to remove any build-up of dirt and grime that could clog the drain.
  • Don’t flush anything other than toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. This includes things like feminine hygiene products, paper towels, and food scraps.
  • If you have a septic tank, avoid flushing large amounts of water down the toilet at once. This can overload the septic tank and cause it to overflow.

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

Additional Resources:

  • [How to Fix a Clogged Toilet](https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-fix-a-clogged-toilet-4172656)
  • [How to Prevent Toilet Clogs](https://www.hunker.com/13421437/how-to-prevent-toilet-clogs)
  • [What Not to Flush Down the Toilet](https://www.epa.gov/water-pollution/what-not-flush-toilet)

there are a number of reasons why your upstairs toilet might keep clogging. The most common causes are:

  • A blockage in the toilet bowl or drainpipe. This can be caused by a build-up of hair, soap scum, or other debris.
  • A problem with the toilet flapper. The flapper is a rubber seal that controls the flow of water into the toilet bowl. If the flapper is not sealing properly, it can allow water to flow into the bowl too quickly, which can cause the toilet to overflow and clog.
  • A problem with the toilet’s drain line. The drain line is the pipe that carries wastewater away from the toilet. If the drain line is blocked, it can prevent wastewater from flowing away properly, which can cause the toilet to overflow and clog.

If you’re having trouble figuring out why your upstairs toilet keeps clogging, it’s best to call a plumber. A plumber can inspect your toilet and identify the problem. They can then fix the problem quickly and efficiently, so you can get back to using your toilet without any problems.

Here are some key takeaways to remember:

  • If your toilet is clogged, don’t try to fix it yourself. Call a plumber.
  • The most common causes of toilet clogs are blockages in the toilet bowl or drainpipe, a problem with the toilet flapper, or a problem with the toilet’s drain line.
  • You can prevent toilet clogs by flushing only toilet paper and human waste, not flushing anything else down the toilet.
  • You can also prevent toilet clogs by regularly cleaning your toilet and inspecting the drain line for blockages.

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.