Indoor plumbing and bathrooms have become a necessity in homes. In fact, they are one of the conveniences that practically define modern living. So, when your toilet clogs up, a red flag goes up right away. Now, a toilet that clogs up over and over is a mystery for many and may cause a lot of head scratching as to why.
When there is no apparent reason why your toilet clogs up so frequently, then there is undoubtedly a more serious plumbing issue at hand that may require the expertise of your professional emergency plumber. Read on to learn three common reasons that explain why your toilet just won’t flush correctly.
Obstructed Plumbing Vents
Your home’s plumbing system is a network of water pipes, valves, drains, and outlets. This plumbing network brings fresh water to your plumbing appliances and plumbing fixtures and conveys wastewater safely away from your home. There’s one more feature to a plumbing system that many people aren’t aware of—the plumbing ventilation pipe.
The plumbing ventilation pipe safely releases sewer gasses through the roof of your home. Without plumbing ventilation, the sewer gasses would increase in pressure inside the drainpipes and cause draining and flushing problems. The plumbing ventilation pipe also allows fresh outside air to enter the drainage system, creating the necessary suction and pressure for a toilet to flush properly. An obstructed plumbing ventilation pipe is a common reason for repeatedly clogged toilets. Your professional plumber would need to remedy this issue.
Damaged Main Sewer Line
The main sewer line of a home conveys waste to the municipal sewer system or to a septic system. Since the main sewer pipe is underground, it is protected from the elements. However, main sewer lines are commonly susceptible to damage from decay and tree root infiltration. Roots can wrap around sewer lines and compress them or puncture the line. Once this occurs, you’re going to have slow-flushing toilets throughout the house and perhaps slow-draining sinks and bathtubs. Hopefully, the main sewer line is just clogged, and your plumber can use hydro-jetting to clear the blockage. Otherwise, you can expect to have the sewer line dug up and repaired or replaced.
Toilet Trap Blockage
Located on the side of the toilet, there is an S-shaped or P-shaped pipe that comes up from the ground, winding its way into the toilet. This pipe is called the S-trap or P-trap drain. These pipe drains are in place to block sewer gasses in the drain pipes from entering the home. You may not be able to see the S-trap or P-trap on the side of your toilet depending on your toilet’s design, but it’s there.
If the S-trap or P-trap is fully clogged, you’ll know it because that means the toilet itself is clogged. Once the clog is cleared, the toilet should flush normally. However, if there is a partial blockage in the S-trap and P-trap that remains, such as a non-flushable object lodged inside the trap, your toilet is going to clog time and again. At the very least, your toilet will be slow flushing until the obstruction is cleared away. It’s best to leave these types of clogs to your pro plumber so that you don’t damage or scratch the toilet.
If your toilet is clogging up time and again, don’t take matters into your own hands. Call the plumbing pros at MN Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup! We’ll be on the job right away with no overtime charges ever! Contact us online or call us at (320) 207-1079 for immediate service!
