A toilet that keeps getting blocked usually has a repeating cause, such as wet wipes, too much paper or a weak flush. In some homes, the real problem is a partial blockage further down the pipe that catches waste each time. Working out which one applies can stop the problem coming back.
What Gets Flushed Can Build Up Over Time
The most common cause of repeat blockages is what goes down the toilet. Wet wipes, even ones labelled “flushable”, do not break down like toilet paper. They can catch in the trap or the pipe and slowly collect more waste each time you flush.
Sanitary items, cotton buds, nappies and kitchen roll can cause the same problem. Thames Water’s advice on what to bin rather than flush is a useful guide. The simple rule is that only toilet paper, pee and poo should go down the toilet.
Using a lot of paper in one go can also cause trouble. If your household tends to use large wads, try flushing halfway through instead.
A Weak Flush or Low-Flush Toilet
Some toilets do not push waste far enough along the pipe. Older low-flush models, or a cistern that is not filling to the right level, may leave waste sitting in the pipe. Over time, this can build into a blockage.
A flush that seems weaker than it used to be can be associated with a fault in the cistern. It can also be linked to a partly closed isolation valve on the supply pipe, which slows how fast the cistern refills.
Hidden Problems in the Trap or Pipe
In hard water areas, limescale can build up inside the trap, the curved section at the bottom of the pan. This narrows the gap that waste has to pass through, so blockages happen more easily.
Small objects can also be the cause. A toothbrush cap, a child’s toy or an air freshener block can lodge in the trap. It may let water through but catch paper each time, so the toilet blocks again a few days after you clear it.
Sometimes the toilet itself is fine. A partial blockage further down the soil pipe or the underground drain can slow everything down. If the toilet drains slowly, gurgles or blocks more often than before, the problem may be beyond the pan.
When Repeat Blockages Need a Closer Look
Clearing a toilet with a plunger may fix the symptom but not the cause. If the same toilet keeps blocking, something is likely holding waste back. Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage pipes and seals and are unpleasant to deal with if the pan overflows.
A plumber can check the pan, trap and pipework to find what is catching the waste. If you need help with a toilet that keeps blocking, finding the cause is usually the best way to stop it happening again.
If your toilet keeps blocking and you would like it looked at, Emergency Plumber Swindon helps homes and businesses across Swindon. You can call us on 01793 569521 for friendly advice.