Unfortunately, toilet clogs can occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons your toilet could be clogging every other flush could be due to a blockage in the pipes, a problem with the water pressure, a clogged vent stack, or a misaligned or broken flapper valve.
It could also be an issue related to the age or quality of the toilet, such as a worn out flapper valve or a faulty fill valve. If your toilet has an older flapper valve, it could be sticking and causing a partial clog.
A clogged vent stack can cause a toilet to gurgle and back up, leading to blockages. If your water pressure is low, then you may need to adjust the water pressure regulator. Finally, if you recently replaced the flapper valve or the fill valve, it could be the case that the new parts were not properly aligned or installed.
In any of these cases, it’s best to call a local plumbing professional to diagnose and repair the issue.
How do you unclog a toilet that keeps clogging?
Unclogging a toilet that keeps clogging can be an intimidating task, but it is possible to do it on your own with some patience and the right tools. The first step is to remove the water from the toilet bowl by either using a plunger or a snake.
Depending on the severity of the clog, a plunger with a cup or flange may be necessary to suction out the water. The next step is to insert the snake into the toilet drain. Once the snake is fully inserted, twist it around and move it up and down until it reaches the clog.
Once the clog is located, the snake can be used to cut the clog into smaller chunks, allowing it to be more easily removed. Finally, use a bucket and hot water to flush the remaining clog out of the toilet.
If the toilet continues to clog often, you may need to call a professional to locate and remove a blockage deeper in the pipes.
What causes a toilet to repeatedly clog?
A toilet can repeatedly clog for a variety of reasons. The most common causes of repeated toilet clogs include an accumulation of foreign objects in the toilet such as too much toilet paper, diapers, and other debris.
Additionally, it is possible that the toilet is blocked where the drain connects to the sewer line. This could be due to tree roots that have grown into the line or buildup of debris such as hair and other waste.
Another possibility is that the bowl or flapper of the toilet is not operating correctly, causing water to accumulate and clog the system. In some cases, the clogging could even be due to a septic system that is over capacity, meaning it is not able to hold all the waste and needs to be serviced.
Finally, a toilet can continue to clog if all of the above issues are not the cause and it is suffering from a plumbing issue, such as a faulty flange, a broken pipe, or an old wax ring that needs to be replaced.
If none of these simple solutions resolve the issue, it is likely best to contact a licensed plumber to find the most reasonable solution.
Why do I have to plunge my toilet every time I use it?
Plunging your toilet is necessary because it forces water down the drain pipe, pushing out any blockages that may have been caused by a build up of materials like toilet paper, toys, and other items.
The force of the water helps push away the blockage, allowing the waste and water to flow down into the sewer system. Without the force of the plunger, the blockage may remain and can cause an overflow.
Additionally, clogs can form deep down the drainage pipes and while plunging the toilet won’t clear those, it can detach them and allow the water to flow more freely. Plunging your toilet regularly can help you to prevent future blockages, keeping your toilet clear and your drains functioning as they should.
Will flushing a toilet multiple times unclog it?
No, flushing a toilet multiple times will not generally unclog it. Normally, the first flush will push the blockage downward, but if it stays at the same level then you will need to take additional steps to alleviate the clog.
If the clog is out of reach for a plunger, you may reach into the toilet with a wire hanger or a toilet auger, both of which can reach blockages that are low in the pipe. You may also need to remove the toilet and inspect the plumbing behind it, or call a plumber if the blockage is deep in the pipes.
Should you plunge a toilet fast or slow?
The answer to this question will depend on the toilet in question and its specific plumbing setup. Generally, it is recommended that you plunge the toilet slowly, allowing the plunger to form an airtight seal before increasing the pressure.
Toilet plungers come in many different sizes so it is important to choose the correct size. A larger plunger can cover more surface area and form a better airtight seal. When plunging the toilet, it’s best to pump the plunger up and down quickly without too much force.
Remember to be patient and allow the plunger to work its magic before attempting more powerful plunges. If your toilet is severely clogged, it is sometimes better to leave the plunging to a professional plumber.
Can bleach unclog a toilet?
No, bleach (sodium hypochlorite) will not unclog a toilet by itself. As a liquid, it will not penetrate blockages in the same way that a plunger, auger, or plumber’s snake can. However, a diluted solution of bleach and water might help to sanitize and reduce the odors associated with a clogged toilet, but it will not dissolve a blockage.
If a plunger, auger, or plumber’s snake fail to open a blockage, it may be necessary to call a professional plumber.
Can a toilet clog go away on its own?
In some cases, yes, a toilet clog can go away on its own. This can happen if the clog is caused by a single item, like a toy or a piece of trash that has been flushed down the toilet. The item may be able to pass through the pipes on its own and the clog could be cleared.
If this is the case, it’s important to make sure the clog has cleared before trying to flush the toilet again. If the clog persists, it may need to be dealt with more aggressively, such as with a plunger or a drain snake.
Additionally, a clog can become more severe over time, so if you’re having issues, it’s always best to address the situation right away to avoid serious plumbing issues.
Why put dish soap in toilet overnight?
Putting dish soap in the toilet overnight is often recommended as an inexpensive and effective way to help with clogged toilets. It works because the soap helps to break down the materials that are causing the clog, like excess toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, and even large pieces of waste.
The added benefit of using dish soap is that it also helps to lubricate the pipes and flush away the clog. It is important to use a gentle, non-abrasive dishwashing liquid and to make sure not to put in an excessive amount, as too much can also lead to plumbing issues.
What is the drain cleaner to unclog a toilet?
The best drain cleaner to unclog a toilet is a enzyme-based product such as BioClean. Enzyme-based products are the most effective for removing organic wastes and breaking down oils, grease, and fats, which are common causes of clogged toilets.
BioClean contains a powerful, naturally-derived combination of enzymes, surfactants, and microbes which work together to digest and liquify organic debris and contaminants. These enzymes actually “eat” the debris causing the blockage, allowing the liquid to safely flow down the drain.
BioClean is safe to use on any type of plumbing, and will dissolve paper, hair, oils, and grease quickly and safely. When used in the appropriate amount, BioClean will effectively unclog your toilet and not cause any damage to the plumbing.
Can you plunge your toilet too much?
Yes, it is possible to plunge your toilet too much. An overly vigorous plunging session can cause serious damage to your toilet, such as cracking the porcelain bowl, dislodging the drain flange from the floor, or even breaking the wax seal between the bowl and the floor.
It is important to regulate the amount of force you are exerting with the plunger. If it appears that your plunging is not having an effect, it is best to stop and contact a professional plumber.
How long should you plunge a toilet?
A toilet should be plunged for up to two minutes at a time to ensure that the clog is successfully cleared out. If the clog isn’t cleared after two minutes, then the plunger should be removed and the attempt should be repeated.
It can sometimes take multiple attempts in order to clear out a clog. Begin by pushing the plunger down slowly and then increasing the pressure. After each plunge, it may be helpful to stand back and observe the toilet before repeating the plunging motion.
Additionally, adding some hot water to the toilet bowl beforehand can help to loosen up the clog and make it easier to remove.
Can plunging make a clog worse?
Yes, it can. Plunging a clogged drain can potentially make it worse if it is not done correctly or if the clog is too advanced. If you plunge a clogged drain, too much pressure or suction can collapse the clog, breaking it into smaller pieces that wedge into the piping and create a more difficult-to-remove obstruction.
Additionally, plunging can be insufficient to break up tough grease- or hair-based clogs which require removal by hand.
Why does my toilet keep clogging with nothing in it?
It is possible that your toilet keeps clogging with nothing in it due to a few different reasons. One reason could be that the clog is located further down the line, such as in the vent pipe, septic tank, or sewage main line, which can cause the toilet to fill up and then overflow.
Another reason could be a blockage of the toilet trap, the curved section of the drainpipe located beneath the toilet. This can be caused by an accumulation of hair, toilet paper, and other gunk that builds up in the pipe and can get stuck, resulting in clogs and backups.
In some cases, it can be caused by a larger object, such as a toy, that has become lodged in the pipe. A third issue that could be causing your toilet to clog with nothing in it may be an issue with the float valve, which is located in the back of the tank and is responsible for controlling the amount of water in the tank.
If the float valve is not properly adjusted, the tank could be retaining too much water, resulting in a clog. To check and see if this is the case, you can inspect the valve and make sure that it is adjusted correctly.
Why does my toilet keep getting clogged for no reason?
It’s possible that the plumbing vent that is located on the roof has become blocked, preventing the flushing away of waste. It could also be that the toilet trap has become blocked, preventing the flow of water.
Other possible causes include a lower-than-normal water pressure, a faulty flapper valve, or your toilet just not flushing properly. To troubleshoot the cause of your clogs it may be useful to first inspect the inside of your sewer pipe using a camera.
You can also troubleshoot the issue by checking your water pressure, making sure your flapper valve is functioning correctly, diversifying the flush pressure, and checking the toilet trap for any obstructions.