A clogged toilet is a hassle. A toilet that clogs over and over again could be a sign of a problem. Here are a few reasons why your toilet might be repeatedly clogging—and what you can do about it. Call in a great local plumber for help. Search for the best plumber in Chicago, or wherever you live, to find highly qualified professionals with great reviews.
Not enough water
Many low-flush toilets are notoriously bad at flushing. As it turns out, there’s a fine line between using far too much water (which is wasteful) and using just not enough. The less water that is in the tank, the less water that gets used with every flush. This can contribute to clogs—and make them harder to clear out.
This is one of the reasons why dual-flush toilets are an increasingly popular option. These toilets offer both a low-flush option and a full-flush option, giving homeowners options without wasting water with regular use. If you’re looking to have a plumber install a new toilet in your home, you might want to consider a dual-flush toilet over a high-efficiency or low-flush model.
In the meantime, what can you do to ensure your toilet flushes properly? Many toilets have an adjustable float. This is the mechanism that controls how much water is stored in the tank ahead of a flush. If you’re able to move the float higher, this means more water will enter the tank. Short of that, you can always use a pitcher to pour more water into the tank as a one-time solution.
Hard water buildup
Many of us live in areas with hard water. This means that the mineral content of our water is relatively high. While hard water is safe to drink and shower in, it can do a number on your home. The biggest potential issue is scaling. As hard water passes through pipes, drains, fixtures, and—yes—your toilet, it leaves behind some of its mineral content. With enough time, these minerals accumulate into a hard substance known as scale.
Scaling can start to partially block pipes and drains, constricting the flow of water through them. In regards to your toilet, this means it blocks the drainage of waste. If your toilet is regularly and easily clogging, it might be a good idea to call in a local plumber to diagnose the problem. If it is scaling, your plumber can apply a scale remover to clear out the buildup and get your toilet back to working condition.
Sewer or septic line blockage
A clogged toilet is a nuisance. If the underlying problem is a sewer or septic line problem, however, you’re in more trouble than you might think. Your sewer or septic line carries all the wastewater away from your home to either the municipal sewer (under the street) or the septic field (typically in your yard). If this line becomes obstructed, wastewater has nowhere to go but back up. This is known as a sewer backup, and it’s a disaster no homeowner wants to ever face.
Ahead of a sewer line blockage, you’ll notice that your toilet isn’t the only thing clogging in your home. In fact, all of your drains—sink, shower, other toilets—will also be clogged. This is your warning sign to immediately shut off the water and call a plumbing professional.
Sewer and septic line blockages are typically caused by a physical obstruction, such as trapped, inorganic trash or an intruding tree root. Your plumber will need to diagnose the cause of the obstruction to figure out how to safely clear it and repair your line.
