Why does my toilet keep clogging?

A clogged toilet can result in a costly plumbing bill.

If you frequently reach for the plunger, it’s time to perform routine maintenance on your toilet to find the cause and prevent future malfunctions.

Toilet paper is the most common reason for a clogged toilet. Flushing too much toilet paper can prevent the material from passing through the trap.

To prevent excess toilet paper from clogging the toilet, flush the waste first before the toilet paper. Avoid rolling the toilet paper into a ball and instead fold it to allow it to more easily fit through the trap.

Low flow toilets reduce the amount of water being used to flush the waste, however older first generation low flow toilets may not be powerful enough. Consider upgrading your toilet to a newer model that saves water and keeps your toilet fully functioning.

Be sure there is enough water in the tank. If the toilet tank is not completely full when the toilet is flushed, there won’t be enough pressure to clear the bowl.

Random objects like small toys or a misplaced toothbrush can also lead to a clogged toilet. Avoid placing objects on the back of the toilet or on the edge of a sink where they may fall in accidentally.

Damaged or old piles can also lead to reoccurring toilet clots. Damaged pipes decrease the flow of the drain and should be repaired by a plumber. If left unrepaired, damaged pipes can lead to bigger issues than a clogged toilet.

Check for hard water build up, which can narrow the gap that water and waste can pass through as minerals collect in your plumbing system.

Clogged toilets can turn into a major problem. While many toilets can be unclogged with a plunger or snake, a broken pipe or clogged toilet vent will require a call to a local plumber. Omega Plumbing in Joliet can help with your plumbing issues.

Omega Plumbing: 521 Oak Leaf Court Unit A, Joliet, IL 60436, 815-773-0808, www.omegaplumbing.com