Why Does My Toilet Keep Clogging? Causes, Fixes, and When to Call a Plumber

If you keep asking yourself, “Why does my toilet keep clogging?”  you’re not alone. Frequent toilet clogs can be frustrating, messy, and a sign of a bigger plumbing issue especially if you notice backups in both your upstairs and downstairs bathrooms.

Whether you’re dealing with a slow flush, a constantly clogged toilet, or multiple toilets clogging at the same time, this blog breaks down the most common causes, how to fix it, and when to call a plumber.

Common Reasons Your Toilet Keeps Clogging

1. Too Much Toilet Paper

Even if you’re not overdoing it, some types of toilet paper are thicker and don’t break down easily. When flushed in large amounts, they create clogs.

2. Flushing the Wrong Items

Wipes (even “flushable” ones), paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or cotton balls do not dissolve like toilet paper. They’re major clog culprits.

3. Low-Flow Toilets (Older Models)

If your toilet is from the early 1990s or 2000s, it might be a first-generation low-flow model that lacks the power to flush waste effectively.

4. Clogged Toilet Trap

The S-shaped trap beneath the toilet bowl can easily get blocked with debris or buildup over time—especially in households with kids or high usage.

5. Blocked Vent Pipe

Plumbing vents help air flow through your drain system. If they’re clogged (by leaves, nests, or debris), your toilet can flush poorly or clog more often.

6. Main Sewer Line Blockage

If toilets on both floors clog or you notice gurgling from your tub or sink drains, your main sewer line may be blocked. This is a serious issue that often needs professional attention.

What to Do When Your Toilet Keeps Clogging

Step 1: Use a Plunger

Start with a high-quality flange plunger and make sure the toilet bowl has enough water to cover the plunger’s head. Create a tight seal and plunge firmly 10–15 times.

Step 2: Try an Auger (Toilet Snake)

A toilet auger can reach deeper clogs in the trap or drain line. Insert, twist, and pull to dislodge any buildup.

Step 3: Stop Flushing If Water Rises

Flushing over and over when the toilet is already clogged can cause an overflow. Instead, shut off the water valve behind the toilet.

What NOT to Do

• Don’t pour chemical drain cleaners into your toilet. They can damage porcelain, PVC pipes, and the environment.
• Don’t keep flushing to “force” a clog through. You’ll likely make the situation worse.

Upstairs and Downstairs Toilets Clogging? Here’s What It Means

If both your upstairs and downstairs toilets are clogging, this is likely not a toilet-specific problem it’s a sign of a main drain or sewer line blockage.

Signs of a Main Line Problem:

• Gurgling sounds from other drains
• Water backing up into showers or tubs when you flush
• Slow draining across multiple fixtures
• Sewer smell in the home

In this case, it’s best to call a licensed plumber immediately. They may need to perform a camera inspection or use hydro-jetting to fully clear the line.

When to Call a Plumber

If you’ve plunged and snaked the toilet and the issue keeps coming back—or multiple toilets are affected it’s time to bring in a pro. A professional plumber can:

• Inspect your main sewer line
• Fix or replace low-flow toilet parts
• Remove deep blockages using advanced equipment
• Repair broken or tree-damaged sewer lines

How to Prevent Frequent Clogs

• Use less toilet paper per flush
• Only flush toilet paper (no wipes or hygiene products)
• Don’t use chemical cleaners
• Have your drains professionally cleaned once a year
• Install a modern, high-efficiency toilet if yours is outdated

Final Thoughts

If your toilet keeps clogging, don’t ignore it. Recurring toilet problems can be a sign of something deeper like a sewer line issue, a blocked vent, or old plumbing. And if both your upstairs and downstairs toilets clog at the same time, call a plumber ASAP to avoid a full-blown backup.

Need a Local Plumber You Can Trust?

If you’re in , our certified plumbing team offers fast, affordable toilet repair and main line inspections. We’re available 24/7 for emergencies.

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