Why does my toilet keep clogging? That question is usually asked with a bit of frustration and often in a raised voice.
A clogged toilet is frustrating once. When the same toilet keeps backing up, it’s more than a frustration; it is usually a sign of a larger plumbing issue. In the Peoria area, we have unique plumbing challenges. Hard water minerals collect inside pipes. Older homes may drain systems that have worn out. So, if your toilet keeps clogging, you need to figure out if you’ve got a bigger plumbing problem on your hands.
Not Every Toilet Clog Is Caused by Too Much Toilet Paper
Sometimes, too much TP can cause a clog. But that’s not always the case. Older low-flow toilets sometimes struggle to fully clear waste through your rain system. If the toilet needs multiple flushes or leaves waste behind, the issue may be poor flushing performance rather than how much paper is being used.
“Flushable” wipes are one of the most common causes of recurring toilet clogs. Despite marketing claims, these wipes don’t break down quickly. Consumer Reports tested them and came to this conclusion: “Flushable wipes are great for plumbers—because they keep their phones ringing and the clog complaints piling up.”
Toilet Trap Obstructions
Every toilet has a curved internal trap that blocks sewer gases from entering the home. Unfortunately, this area can also collect debris over time. If it’s obstructed, you can see recurring clogs, high water levels, or slow flushing.
Hard Water Can Make Toilet Clogs Worse in Peoria Homes
Peoria has high-quality water, but it’s extremely hard. Throughout Arizona, the water typically has high lives of calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals collect inside plumbing pipes and narrow the drain opening. The more build up you have, the more you may ask why does my toilet keep clogging.
These minerals can also clog the small flush jets inside the toilet bowl. When this happens, the toilet loses flushing power.
Older Cast Iron or Galvanized Pipes
Older Peoria homes may still contain aging cast iron, galvanized drain pipes, or even clay pipes in some places. These materials break down over time, leaving a rough interior in your pipes and that traps waste. In some homes, when your toilet keeps clogging, it might be a warning sign that your drain lines are failing.
Sewer Line Problems Can Cause Repeated Toilet Backups
If multiple plumbing fixtures are affected, the issue may be located in the sewer line rather than the toilet itself. Grease buildup, damaged pipes, and things stuck in your main drain system can cause your toilets to backup as well as tree root intrusion.
Tree Roots in Sewer Lines
Tree roots seek out moisture, so when they find small cracks in underground sewer pipes, they’ll break in. Once inside, these roots can do serious damage. In the short term, they can catch toilet paper and waste, causing clogs. Long-term, they can cause your sewer system to bust open.
Common warnings signs:
- Multiple toilets clogging or gurgling
- Slow drains throughout the house
- Sewage odors
- Water backing up into tubs or showers
When to Call a Professional Plumber
Here’s the bottom line. A one-time toilet clog may be no big deal, but if your toilet keeps clogging, it’s often the sign of a deeper plumbing problem.
When should you call a plumber? If you’re seeing any one of these symptoms:
- Toilets clogs repeatedly
- Multiple drains are slow
- Toilets gurgle when other fixtures run
- You smell sewage odors
- Water also backs up into tubs or showers
- Plunging no longer works
- Your home has older plumbing
You don’t have to put up with toilets that keep clogging. Call George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical for professional plumbing service in the Peoria area. For more than 35 years, the experienced plumbers at George Brazil have been the area’s trusted drain cleaning experts. We can inspect your drain system using video cameras to find blockages, hydro jetting for serious clogs, and make sure your toilets are working properly.
We offer professional, same-day service with transparent, upfront pricing. Schedule service today.