One of the most common questions we get from clients is, ‘Why does my toilet keep clogging up?’ This isn’t just a small inconvenience—it can quickly become a frustrating, costly issue. We’ve seen it all, from the classic ‘too much toilet paper’ culprit to surprising objects flushed down by curious kids or visitors. Through these experiences, we’ve come to understand the main reasons toilets clog and the easy preventative steps you can take.
As expert plumbers Eagan residents trust, we just want to help you solve this common plumbing issue. If you’re tired of handling a plunger or calling for help, this guide is for you. Let’s break down what typically clogs a toilet and how you can prevent it from happening.
What Is a Clogged Toilet?
A clogged toilet occurs when something obstructs the flow of water and waste from the toilet bowl through the drainpipe. This blockage can cause water to back up into the bowl, making it unable to flush properly. Common causes of a clogged toilet include excessive toilet paper, non-flushable items (like wipes or hygiene products), or buildup over time that narrows the pipe’s pathway. Clogs can range from minor, which a plunger can usually handle, to severe blockages requiring professional help.
10 Causes of a Clogged Toilet
A clogged toilet can be a frustrating and inconvenient issue that most homeowners encounter at some point. Often, these clogs happen due to everyday habits or overlooked issues that could easily be avoided with a few changes. By understanding the main causes, you can take proactive steps to prevent them from happening and keep your bathroom running smoothly.
Here are 10 common reasons behind a clogged toilet and what you can do to avoid them:
1. Too Much Toilet Paper
Using a large amount of toilet paper can lead to a clogged toilet, especially in older plumbing systems or toilets with a weaker flush. Toilet paper, when packed tightly, can form a clump that doesn’t dissolve quickly enough to pass through the pipes smoothly. This can be very problematic if the paper is particularly thick or plush. A helpful habit is to use moderate amounts and flush gradually in between uses if necessary. This gives the paper time to break down and pass through without overwhelming the system.
2. Flushing Non-Flushable Items
Toilets are designed for just waste and toilet paper, yet many people unknowingly flush items that don’t dissolve properly. Wipes (even the so-called “flushable” kind), feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, paper towels, and even dental floss are all major culprits. These things don’t break down like toilet paper does; instead, they often get tangled or caught in the pipes, causing blockages over time. Remember, if it’s not toilet paper, it’s best to put it in the trash rather than risking a clog.
3. Hard Water Buildup
In areas with hard water, mineral deposits—like calcium and magnesium—can accumulate inside the toilet pipes over time. This buildup causes a layer of scaling, which makes the pipes narrower and reduces the water flow. As the pathway becomes more restricted, it’s much easier for clogs to form, especially if toilet paper or other debris gets caught on the rough surface of the mineral deposits. Regular use of de-scaling cleaners can help prevent buildup, keeping your pipes clear and reducing the chance of a clog.
4. Flushing Food Waste
While it might seem harmless to flush food waste down the toilet, this can actually lead to a clogged toilet. Unlike toilet paper, food items are often dense or fibrous, which means they don’t break down as easily in water. Items like pasta, rice, or greasy leftovers can congeal, stick to the pipes, and eventually lead to a clog. Not only that, but food can attract pests and create unpleasant odors if it lingers in the plumbing. For these reasons, it’s best to dispose of food waste in the trash or compost, rather than down the toilet.
5. Kids’ Toys and Other Small Objects
If you have young children, you may have encountered the dreaded toilet toy clog. Kids are naturally curious and might flush toys, jewelry, or other small household objects. These items are not only too large to pass through the pipes, but they’re also rigid, which means they can get firmly lodged and cause a significant blockage. In many cases, a professional plumber is needed to retrieve or dislodge these items. To avoid this, consider keeping the bathroom door closed or investing in a toilet lock if you have little ones at home.
6. Tree Roots in Pipes
Tree roots are surprisingly common culprits of plumbing issues, including a clogged toilet. As they grow, they seek out moisture and nutrients, which can lead them to infiltrate small cracks in underground pipes. Once inside, the roots can expand, creating a tangled network that obstructs water flow. This type of clog is particularly problematic, as it’s outside of your immediate plumbing system and usually requires professional intervention, such as pipe repair or root removal, to fully resolve.
7. A Weak Flush
Not all toilets flush with the same force. Older toilets or those with low water pressure may struggle to fully clear the contents of the bowl, leading to partial flushes that don’t push everything through. This can cause materials to build up in the pipes, eventually leading to a clog. If you find that your toilet often requires multiple flushes to work properly, it might be worth considering an upgrade to a high-efficiency toilet, which uses more force to clear waste and keep your pipes clog-free.
8. Aging or Narrow Pipes
Older homes often come with older plumbing systems, which means the pipes may be narrower or made from materials that corrode over time. Narrower pipes are more likely to get clogged because they allow less room for waste to pass through. Additionally, aged pipes may have rough or uneven surfaces where debris can easily get caught. In some cases, a partial or full pipe replacement might be necessary to prevent recurring clogs, although regular maintenance can also help to keep them clear.
9. Accidental Flushing of Rolls, Soap, or Cleaning Products
Every so often, an accidental flush of items like a full roll of toilet paper, a bar of soap, or even cleaning sponges can cause a major blockage. These items are solid and not meant to dissolve in water, meaning they can quickly lodge in the pipes and completely block the flow. Keeping the toilet lid down when not in use and placing small bathroom items out of reach of the toilet can help avoid these unexpected mishaps. If something large is flushed by mistake, it’s often best to call a professional to avoid pushing the item further down the pipes.
10. Excessive Hair in the Toilet
Although we usually think of hair as something that clogs shower drains, flushing it down the toilet can cause issues as well. Hair tends to tangle and doesn’t dissolve in water, so it can easily snag on rough spots inside the pipes. Over time, this tangled mass of hair can trap other debris, forming a bigger clog that becomes difficult to remove. It’s a good habit to dispose of hair in the trash rather than flushing it, especially if you’re dealing with longer or thicker strands that can quickly accumulate.
How to Prevent Your Toilet from Clogging
Keeping your toilet from clogging doesn’t have to be difficult. By practicing a few smart habits and making small adjustments, you can actually reduce the risk of frustrating blockages. Here are some simple yet effective tips to help prevent toilet clogs and keep your plumbing in good shape:
- Only flush human waste and toilet paper.
- Use moderate amounts of toilet paper per flush.
- Avoid flushing food, grease, or any type of oil.
- Keep small objects, including toys, away from the toilet.
- Clean the toilet regularly to prevent mineral buildup.
- Upgrade to a high-efficiency toilet if flushing power is weak.
- Dispose of hair, wipes, and hygiene products in a trash can.
- Install a child-proof toilet lock if you have young kids at home.
- Run warm water down the pipes periodically to keep them clear.
- Keep a garbage bin near the toilet to encourage proper disposal.
- Avoid using thick or multi-ply toilet paper that clogs more easily.
- Check water pressure to ensure the toilet is flushing with full force.
- Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage pipes.
- Regularly inspect for leaks or drips around the toilet base.
- Have a licensed plumber inspect your pipes if you notice frequent clogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my toilet has a partial clog?
A partial clog usually means the toilet drains slower than usual after flushing, or it might take two or more flushes to clear the bowl completely. You may also hear gurgling sounds or notice water rising higher in the bowl.
Are there any natural solutions for keeping pipes clear?
Yes, you can occasionally pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the toilet to help clear minor buildup. Follow with hot (but not boiling) water to rinse the pipes, which can help reduce minor clogs and keep pipes clear.
How often should I schedule a professional plumbing inspection?
It’s a good idea to have a plumbing inspection once a year, especially in older homes. Regular inspections can catch issues early, like tree roots in pipes or narrowing pipes due to mineral buildup.
Can flushing hot water help prevent clogs?
Running warm (not boiling) water down the toilet once in a while can help dissolve minor residue and reduce buildup. This can be especially helpful if you live in a hard water area where mineral deposits are common.
Does toilet paper type really matter?
Yes, thicker or multi-ply toilet papers can be harder to break down, which might lead to clogs, especially in older plumbing systems. Look for septic-safe or quick-dissolving toilet paper if you experience frequent clogs.
Need Help with Toilet Clogs in Eagan, MN? Call True Plumbing Solutions Today!
Dealing with a clogged toilet can be a real hassle, but a few simple changes can make a big difference in keeping your plumbing clear and functional. By being mindful of what you flush, staying on top of regular maintenance, and knowing when to call in a professional, you can avoid the frustration and cost of frequent clogs. If you’re facing a tough clog or suspect a larger plumbing issue, True Plumbing Solutions is here to help. Contact us today for expert plumbing services in Eagan, MN—let’s keep your pipes flowing smoothly!
