It’s happened to all of us at some point. We go to the bathroom, do our business, and then flush… only to have the toilet clog up and start overflowing. This can be a huge mess and cause a lot of damage if it happens frequently. You might be wondering what causes this to happen.
Well, there are multiple reasons for that. The toilet can clog after you poop if you are using too much toilet paper, the toilet is already partially clogged; the poop makes it worse, the toilet isn’t flushing properly, the drain pipes are cracked, or it’s a low-flow toilet.
Further, in this blog, I will explain each of these causes in detail and then we will discuss what can be done to fix these issues. Read on to learn why the toilet clogs every time you poop.
5 Reasons Why your Toilet Clogs after You Poop
Here’s a list of five reasons why your toilet may clog every time you poop:
#1 You are using too much toilet paper
When you use too much toilet paper, it can block the pipes and cause a clog. To avoid this, be mindful of how much toilet paper you are using. Try to use only a few sheets at a time.
The toilet paper is made such that it dissolves inside the toilet. However, if you choose to buy an expensive one, it may be strong and won’t dissolve easily; creating a blockage.
#2 The toilet is partially clogged
If your toilet is already partially clogged due to the presence of any foreign object like baby wipes, hard plastic toys, hair, or other non-degradable products, it will not flush.
Until you clear off that obstruction, the toilet will likely clog again after you poop. This is because the new waste has nowhere to go but into the already blocked pipe.
#3 Drain Pipes are Damaged
If the drain pipes are damaged, they may be unable to handle the waste properly. This can cause clogs and backups.
When drain pipes get old, cracks develop in them. These small holes or cracks stop them from functioning correctly, resulting in a waste pile-up. These heaps of feces rapidly adhere together to form a large obstruction that stops the pipes’ normal water flow.
#4 Less Powered Flush
A low-powered flush is due to a malfunctioning flush mechanism or a low water level in the cistern. When you have a less powerful flush, it is not enough to clear everything down the toilet bowl. As a result, after every poop, there is a high probability of a clog.
#5 You are using a Low Flow Toilet
Low-flow toilets have been designed to use less water per flush. Although this is great for the environment, it can cause more clogs. This is because there is less water available to clear everything down the toilet bowl.
Other General Reasons why a Toilet may Clog
Apart from the above-mentioned reasons, some other generic reasons can also cause your toilet to clog. They are as follows:
#1 Blocked Air Vent
An air vent is a pipe that helps to release the air pockets present in the drainage system. If this pipe gets blocked due to leaves, debris, or nest clogging, it results in the clogging of the toilet.
#2 Foreign Object in the toilet bowl
If there is a foreign object in the toilet bowl, it will prevent water from draining. As a result, your toilet will clog. The most common foreign objects that end up in the toilet are:
– Toys
– Baby wipes
– Hard plastic
– Hair
– Non-degradable products
All of these objects can cause a blockage in the toilet bowl and result in a clog.
#3 Mineral Deposit Buildup
If there is a mineral deposit buildup in the pipes, it can cause clogs. It is common in houses that receive hard water. These deposits are usually composed of calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide. Over time, these minerals can accumulate and form a hard crust on the inside of the pipes. This crust will eventually block the pipe and cause a clog.
#4 Full Septic Tank
When the septic tank is full, it will not be able to process the waste properly. As a result, the waste will back up into the pipes and cause a clog.
3 Ways to Fix a Clogged Toilet
Now that you have known the reasons behind a clogged toilet, it is time to learn how to fix them. Given below are three ways to fix a clogged toilet.
Fix #1: Use Chemicals to Clear Blockage
One of the easiest ways to clear a clog is to use chemicals. You can either use kitchen chemicals like baking soda and vinegar or buy commercial cleaners from the market.
Hot Water Baking Soda, Vinegar
If you have these kitchen staples, then this is the best way to clear a clog. Here is what you need to do:
- Boil a kettle of water and pour it into the toilet bowl.
- Add half a cup of baking soda, one cup of vinegar, and a quarter cup of salt to the toilet bowl.
- Leave it for an hour.
- Flush the toilet.
Dish Soaps
Another common household item that can help to clear a clog is dish soap. The dish soap will act as a lubricant and help to break down the waste. Follow these steps to do the job properly:
- Pour half a cup of dish soap into the toilet bowl.
- Leave it for an hour.
- Flush the toilet.
- Repeat if necessary.
Commercial Cleaners
If you don’t have any dish soap or baking soda, then you can use a commercial cleaner. There are many different types of commercial cleaners available on the market; choose any within your budget.
These cleaners are stronger than vinegar since they contain strong acids. So, handle them with care and make sure to follow the instructions on the label.
Fix #2: Use Tools (Plunger, Auger)
When you have solid and hard clogs, the chemicals don’t work often. In that case, you can use the common tools used for clearing toilets, such as a plunger, auger, or toilet snake.
Toilet Plunger
A plunger is the most common tool used for clearing a clog. It uses the pressure of air to push the clog down the drain.
- Fill the toilet bowl with water until it covers the plunger cup.
- Put the plunger over the drain hole and make sure there is a tight seal.
- Push and pull the plunger up and down to create a vacuum.
- Repeat this process until the clog is cleared.
Auger (Plumbing Snake)
An auger is also known as a plumbing snake. It is a long, flexible rod that is used to clear blockages in drains.
- Insert the auger into the drain hole.
- Push the auger down the drain until you feel resistance.
- Twist the auger handle to spin the coil.
- Pull the auger out of the drain.
- Repeat this process until the clog is cleared.
Fix #3: Last Resort-Call a Plumber
If your toilet keeps clogging constantly, and none of the tools work, it’s time to call a professional plumber. They will diagnose the root cause of the problem and recommend the best course of action to take. In some cases, they may even be able to prevent future clogs by installing a new toilet or fixing your current one.
8 Tips to Prevent Toilets from Clogging?
No one likes dealing with a clogged toilet, so it’s best to take some precautionary steps. By following these tips, you can avoid this messy problem in the future:
- Do not flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet.
- Teach your children not to play with toys in the toilet.
- Avoid using too much toilet paper.
- Do not flush baby wipes, sanitary pads, or tampons down the toilet.
- Clean the toilet bowl regularly.
- Check the pipes for any mineral buildup and get them cleaned if required.
- Get your toilets serviced regularly by a professional plumber.
- Install a toilet with a larger bowl and a higher flush power.
Final Words
A clogged toilet is a nuisance, and it can happen at the most inconvenient times. But don’t worry, there are ways to fix it. By following the tips in this article, you can unclog your toilet and get it working properly again in no time.
Amos Christen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA. Since 2003, Amos has worked with top interior design professionals in this area, including architects and interior/graphic/lighting designers. As a skilled interior designer, Amos Christen is highly versed in fine arts and crafts and uses that to supplement his main area of expertise. He often publishes articles related to home décor on several websites, including Sprucetoilets.com, Sprucebathroom.com, and Mybesuitedhome.com. He also contributes to leading interior design magazines.