It’s a familiar experience: you flush the toilet and start walking away, only to notice the water slowly rising in the bowl instead of flowing down the drain. The occasional clog is bad enough, but frequent clogs are downright infuriating.
If your toilet keeps clogging, you’re not alone. Many Philadelphia homeowners face the same issue and wonder what’s behind it, along with when to schedule plumbing repairs. Explore the most common causes, simple fixes you can try, and when it’s best to bring in an expert.
Common Reasons Toilets Clog Frequently
Here are the top reasons your toilet might clog over and over:
- Too much toilet paper: Using a lot of paper, especially plush products that don’t dissolve as quickly, may cause blockages. Old, narrow pipes are the most susceptible.
- Non-flushable items: Sending feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, paper towels, or even “flushable” wipes down the toilet can cause recurring clogs.
- Aging fixture: Older toilets, especially early low-flow models, may not flush forcefully enough, leading to frequent clogs.
- Mineral buildup or partial blockages: Hard water minerals or accumulated debris can narrow the drain pipe, reducing flow and increasing the likelihood of a clog.
- Main sewer line issues: Clogs don’t always stem from the toilet. Tree root intrusion, sewer pipe damage, or blockages in the main line can cause backups throughout the house. If multiple fixtures become sluggish or clog simultaneously, this could be the cause.
DIY Fixes You Can Try
Before calling a plumber to fix your toilet clog in Philadelphia, try these steps:
- Use a plunger: A high-quality flange plunger can work wonders. Position it over the drain hole and plunge firmly up and down until the bowl starts draining. Flush to see if water flows freely now. Repeat if necessary to fully clear the blockage.
- Try an auger: A handheld auger or drain snake is a flexible tool designed to reach clogs in the first section of the drain pipe. Insert the tip into the toilet, then crank the handle to extend the cable and break apart the blockage. Once cleared, retract the cable and flush.
- Add dish soap and hot water: Don’t have an auger? Try squirting a generous amount of dish soap into the bowl, plus hot (not boiling) water to loosen the clog. Wait 10 minutes and plunge again.
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners: Whatever you do, don’t resort to chemicals. These can harm your plumbing and the environment and fail to solve the root cause.
- Check the water level in the tank: Weak flushes can stem from an improperly calibrated fill valve or an obstructed flapper. Make sure these parts are working properly and that the water fills to the level marked inside the tank.
When It’s Time for Professional Help
If your toilet keeps clogging despite your best efforts, it’s time to schedule plumbing repair in Pennsylvania. A licensed plumber in Philadelphia uses advanced tools to clear even the deepest obstructions.
First, they’ll check the toilet itself. Older or inefficient models may require replacement to stop recurring clogs. They can also assess the main sewer line for problems, especially if other drains are acting up, too. With the underlying cause found, the plumber will get to work resolving the issue so it doesn’t happen again.
Call for Fast Plumbing Repairs Today
Unique Indoor Comfort is a trusted source for bathroom plumbing services in the greater Philadelphia area. We offer free toilet replacement estimates, emergency services, and highly trained plumbers who provide unmatched customer service. In short, we deliver peace of mind with every plumbing repair.
Contact us to schedule services with our team in the greater Philadelphia area today.
