Why Your Toilet Keeps Clogging
An occasional clog is normal. A toilet that clogs every week is telling you something. The cause is usually one of a few things, and some are easy to fix.
Common causes
- Too much toilet paper at once
- Wipes, paper towels or hygiene products — even those labelled flushable
- An object lodged in the trapway (toys are common in homes with children)
- Mineral build-up in rim jets, weakening the flush
- Older low-flow toilets with weak flush performance
- A partial blockage further down the drain line
- Blocked plumbing vent on the roof
How to narrow it down
If only one toilet clogs, the problem is likely the toilet or its immediate drain. If several fixtures are slow or gurgle, the issue is probably in the main line or venting.
What you can try
- Use a flange plunger with firm, steady strokes.
- Try a toilet auger to reach deeper clogs.
- Clean rim jets with a small wire or brush.
- Check the tank water level — too low means a weak flush.
Related plumbing services
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