Why Some Toilets Just Keep Clogging - Wisler Plumbing & Air

Why is it that some toilets clog over and over again? Here are a few of the main reasons. (This brings all new meaning to the phrase ‘potty talk’.)

The Toilet Is Too Old

First of all, clogs could just be due to the fact that toilets do not last forever. Just like your refrigerator, washing machine, or microwave, a toilet has a life expectancy too. Its various components will be more likely to fail over time, and aged toilets also use much more water. Toilets have holes and water channels that can get clogged as they age, which weakens their performance.

Maintenance Gone Wrong

It’s common for homeowners to replace the flapper or adjust the float inside of the toilet. If someone doesn’t install the right flapper or they adjust the water level in the tank to be below what’s needed, it could cause the toilet not to flush properly.

Its Performance Rating Is Too Low

Most people think that a toilet’s a toilet—but not all toilets are made with the same quality, just like anything else you buy. Some toilets have a very low performance rating, and some are more capable of flushing a large amount. Maybe getting a $100 toilet from a big box store isn’t the best idea, because you’ll probably have problems with it flushing down toilet paper. You’ll also probably have to keep a plunger next to it (which leads to the next point).

Frequent Plunging

Keeping a plunger next to the toilet might seem harmless, but it’s another thing that can actually lead to problems. If you’re constantly plunging a toilet, you can compromise the seal underneath it and cause water to get into the subfloor (which is a much worse problem than a clog). It’s definitely not the best path to conclude that it’s no big deal to keep a plunger by the toilet and just use it every time it gets stopped up.

Stuck Objects

I’ve seen small, slender objects like pencils, hair combs, and bobby pins go down the toilet and get stuck in the trap. These kinds of objects can’t get around the turns in the toilet, so they inevitably end up getting stuck in there. The toilet might flush fine as long as you don’t use toilet paper (because whatever’s flushed can go right past the stuck object). However, toilet paper will quickly get caught and lead to sporadic stoppages.

Improper Installation

If the toilet isn’t centered properly on the pipe, or if the toilet has an offset flange that wasn’t installed properly, it can lead to problems flushing. This isn’t really an issue with the actual toilet itself, but you’ll end up with the same problem.

A lot of people don’t think about this, but if you ever have a guest over to your home and the toilet stops up while they’re using it, it’s incredibly embarrassing. When your main daily use toilet gets sluggish or stops up frequently (once a week or more), it’s time to get it checked out. Don’t procrastinate and get it taken care of sooner rather than later. Reach out to us by calling 540-483-9382 or requesting an appointment online.