How to Fix a Toilet That Keeps Clogging Up
A toilet that keeps clogging is one of the most frustrating plumbing problems any homeowner can face. Not only is it inconvenient, but repeated clogs can signal deeper issues within your plumbing system. Ignoring the problem may lead to overflowing, water damage, bad odors, and costly repairs.
Whether your toilet clogs once in a while or seems to back up every single day, the problem should never be taken lightly. Understanding what’s causing the issue is the first step toward a lasting solution.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through the most common causes of frequent toilet clogs, show you how to fix many of them safely and effectively, and share proven strategies to prevent future blockages.
Why Does My Toilet Keep Clogging?
Before jumping into repairs, it’s essential to understand what’s causing the clog. Repeated blockages almost always trace back to one (or more) of the following issues.
1. Excessive Toilet Paper Usage
Using too much toilet paper at once is one of the leading causes of routine clogs, especially in homes with:
- Older plumbing
- Narrow drain pipes
- Low-flow toilets
Thick, multi-ply paper dissolves slowly and can easily form a compact mass inside the drain.
What to Do: Use smaller amounts per flush and consider flushing in stages when necessary.
2. Flushing Non-Flushable Items
Many homeowners unknowingly flush items that should never enter a toilet, including:
- Baby wipes and “flushable” wipes
- Paper towels and tissues
- Sanitary napkins and tampons
- Cotton swabs and cotton balls
- Dental floss, hair, and condoms
- Cat litter and food waste
These products do not dissolve properly and are a guaranteed path to recurring clogs.
Important Note: Even products labeled “flushable” often cause severe plumbing blockages.
3. Weak or Outdated Low-Flow Toilets
Older low-flow toilets (especially models from the 1990s) often lack enough flushing pressure to push waste through efficiently. This leads to:
- Incomplete flushes
- Waste left in the trap
- Repeated clogs
Solution: Upgrading to a modern high-efficiency toilet with improved flushing power can eliminate this problem entirely.
4. Low Water Level in the Toilet Tank
A toilet relies on sufficient water volume to carry waste through the drain. If the tank doesn’t fill properly:
- Flushing power decreases
- Waste doesn’t fully clear the trap
- Clogs become frequent
Fix: Adjust the float inside the tank so the water reaches the manufacturer’s fill line.
5. Blocked Plumbing Vent Pipe
Every toilet requires proper air pressure to flush correctly. This airflow comes from the vent pipe, usually exiting through the roof. If that vent becomes blocked by:
- Leaves and debris
- Bird nests
- Snow or ice buildup
Your toilet may gurgle, drain slowly, or clog repeatedly.
Warning Signs of a Blocked Vent:
- Bubbles in the toilet bowl
- Gurgling noises from sinks or tubs
- Slow drainage throughout the home
6. Partial or Full Sewer Line Blockage
If multiple drains in your house are slow or backing up, your toilet may not be the real problem—the main sewer line could be blocked. Common causes include:
- Tree root intrusion
- Grease and sludge buildup
- Collapsed or corroded pipes
This is one of the most serious causes of recurring toilet clogs and requires immediate professional attention.
How to Fix a Toilet That Keeps Clogging (Step-by-Step)
If the problem isn’t severe enough for a plumber yet, you can safely try the following DIY solutions.
Step 1: Stop Repeated Flushing
Never keep flushing a clogged toilet. This will:
- Force water over the rim
- Flood your bathroom
- Spread bacteria and odor
If the water level is high, shut off the water valve behind the toilet immediately.
Step 2: Use the Right Type of Plunger
Always use a flange plunger, not a flat sink plunger. The flange creates a tight seal inside the toilet drain.
Correct Plunging Technique:
- Insert the plunger fully into the bowl.
- Push down gently to remove air.
- Thrust upward forcefully.
- Repeat for 10–15 strokes.
- Flush once to test.
Most soft clogs clear at this stage.
Step 3: Break the Clog With a Toilet Auger
If plunging fails, a toilet auger (plumbing snake) can reach deeper into the pipe and physically break apart the obstruction.
How to Use It:
- Insert the auger into the drain opening.
- Turn the handle clockwise while pushing gently.
- When resistance is felt, rotate until the clog loosens.
- Pull the auger back out slowly.
This works well for wipes, compact paper, and minor foreign objects.
Step 4: Use Dish Soap and Hot Water
For greasy or soft blockages:
- Add ½ cup of dish soap to the toilet.
- Pour a bucket of hot (not boiling) water from waist height.
- Let it sit for 20 minutes.
- Try flushing once.
The soap reduces surface tension and lubricates the clog.
Step 5: Remove Mineral Buildup in the Trap
Hard water deposits can slowly narrow the toilet’s internal trap, reducing flow capacity.
Monthly Maintenance Tip:
- Add vinegar and baking soda to the bowl.
- Let it foam and sit overnight.
- Scrub with a toilet brush and flush in the morning.
Step 6: Inspect the Tank Components
Weak flushing performance can also result from faulty tank parts:
- Worn flapper
- Malfunctioning fill valve
- Improper chain length
Replacing these inexpensive components can dramatically improve flush strength.
When DIY Fixes Are No Longer Enough
If your toilet keeps clogging even after applying all the steps above, the issue is likely beyond the toilet itself. Professional plumbers use:
- High-powered drain machines
- Sewer camera inspections
- Hydro-jetting equipment
- Root-cutting tools
These tools locate and remove deep blockages that homeowners cannot reach. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, sewer backups caused by persistent pipe blockages pose serious risks to indoor air quality, surface water contamination, and human health.
Clear Signs You Need to Call a Plumber Immediately
Do not delay professional help if you notice:
- Multiple toilets backing up simultaneously
- Sewage odors inside the home
- Gurgling sounds from several drains
- Water backing up in tubs or showers
- Flooding around floor drains
These symptoms almost always indicate a main sewer line blockage, which can worsen rapidly.
Myths About Fixing a Clogged Toilet
Myth 1: Chemical Drain Cleaners Are the Best Solution
False. Chemical cleaners often:
- Damage porcelain
- Corrode metal pipes
- Kill septic bacteria
- Release dangerous fumes
Mechanical methods are always safer.
Myth 2: “Flushable” Wipes Are Toilet-Safe
Despite the marketing, wipes are one of the leading causes of sewer system failures worldwide.
Myth 3: Boiling Water Is a Universal Fix
Boiling water can:
- Crack the toilet bowl
- Soften and deform PVC pipes
- Force the clog deeper
Always use only hot tap water.
When Is It Better to Replace the Toilet Instead of Repairing It?
You should consider replacement if:
- Your toilet is over 20 years old
- It clogs weekly despite clear pipes
- It requires multiple flushes every time
- The porcelain is cracked or leaking
- You want lower water bills and better performance
Modern toilets use less water while offering significantly stronger flushing technology.
Health and Safety Risks of Ignoring Persistent Toilet Clogs
Repeated toilet backups present serious hazards:
- Bacterial and viral contamination
- Mold and mildew growth
- Structural floor damage
- Wall and subfloor rot
- Foul odors that affect indoor air quality
Wastewater contains disease-causing pathogens that can easily spread throughout your home when backups occur.