Why Does My Toilet Keep Clogging? Causes and Fixes for King George Homeowners

One clog is annoying. A toilet that keeps clogging every week is telling you something. The cause is usually one of a handful of fixable problems, though a few point to trouble further down the line. Here's how King George homeowners can figure out which one they're dealing with.

Why Does My Toilet Keep Clogging? The Common Causes

Too much paper at once

Thick, plush toilet paper doesn't break down as fast as thinner kinds. Using a lot in one flush is the most common reason for an occasional clog. Flushing partway through can help.

"Flushable" wipes and other items

Wipes labeled flushable don't break apart like toilet paper. They snag in pipes and collect everything behind them. Paper towels, cotton swabs, floss, and feminine products cause the same problem. Kids' toys are a habitual offender too.

An older low-flow toilet

Some early low-flow toilets were designed with weak flushing power. Newer water-saving models flush much better. If your toilet is older and clogs often, it may simply be the toilet.

Mineral buildup

If your home has hard water, minerals can build up in the small holes under the rim and in the jet at the bottom of the bowl. That weakens the flush, so waste doesn't clear the drain as easily.

Something stuck in the trap

The trap is the curved channel built into the toilet. A small object lodged there can partly block it and catch paper again and again. A plunger won't always remove it.

A blocked vent or main line

Your plumbing has a vent pipe that runs through the roof. If leaves or a nest block it, flushes get weak and drains gurgle. If several drains are slow at once, the problem may be in the main sewer line. Learn the sewer line warning signs.

How to Plunge a Toilet the Right Way

Most simple clogs clear with a plunger if you use the right one and the right technique:

1. Use a flange plunger. It has a soft rubber sleeve that sticks out from the bottom of the cup. Flat cup plungers are made for sinks and don't seal well in a toilet.
2. Don't flush again. If the bowl is near the rim, a second flush can overflow it. If water keeps rising, lift the tank lid and press the flapper down to stop it.
3. Close the toilet's shutoff valve. It's the small valve on the wall behind the toilet. Turn it clockwise.
4. Get a tight seal. Fit the plunger over the drain opening. There should be enough water in the bowl to cover the cup.
5. Plunge with steady force. Push down gently first to let out air, then plunge firmly up and down about 15 to 20 times without breaking the seal.
6. Test it. If the water drains, open the shutoff valve and flush once to check.

Skip the Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners are a bad match for toilets. They can damage pipes and seals, and they can splash when you plunge afterward. They also rarely clear a solid blockage. If your home is on septic, harsh chemicals can disrupt the system as well.

Septic Homes in King George: What to Watch For

Many homes in King George County rely on septic systems instead of public sewer. The tips above apply to both. On septic, though, clogs throughout the house can mean the tank or drain field needs attention.

Watch for several slow drains at once, sewage odors in the yard, or soggy ground near the tank. Don't open the tank yourself. Our post on slow drains in King George homes covers more warning signs.

When to Call a Plumber

• The plunger doesn't clear it after a couple of tries
• The toilet clogs more than once in a while
• Other drains are slow or gurgling
• Water backs up into the tub or shower when you flush
• You think a solid object was flushed
• The toilet rocks or leaks at the base
• The flush is weak and you're thinking about a replacement

Our toilet repair and installation team handles stubborn clogs, worn parts, and new water-saving toilets. If the problem is further down the line, our drain cleaning service includes camera inspection to find exactly what's going on.