Clogged toilets are never fun. They smell bad and can overflow, getting questionable water all over your floors. While there are many ways to resolve the problem on your own, it's advisable to let a professional check your toilet to avoid malfunctions that could interrupt your household completely.

Toilet clogs may indicate underlying problems with the toilet or the rest of your plumbing system. Here are a few common reasons why toilets become blocked.

1. Weak flush

Although low-flush toilets are ideal for saving water at home, they are not the best for ensuring smooth and efficient drainage in your drain pipes. The low water volume may not be sufficient to flush down all the waste in one go, increasing the chance of blockages.

Consider switching to dual-flush or high-efficiency models if your house has low-flush toilets. The upgrade will provide the power needed to remove all the debris flushed down the toilet, reducing the likelihood of clogs.

2. Deteriorated pipes

When drain pipes degrade with age, loose particles of piping material can accumulate inside them and cause them to clog. This phenomenon is common in older houses that haven't had their piping replaced for many years.

If your toilet keeps getting clogged because of corroded drains, replace the pipes. Corrosion causes irreversible damage to pipes, making pipe replacements inevitable.

3. Blocked toilet trap

A toilet trap describes the water seal at the base of the toilet that stops sewer gases from entering your home. If your toilet backs up and there is no blockage in the drain line, there may be a clog within the trap.

Incorrect toilet installation may lead to toilet paper and other debris getting trapped in the trap, causing it to become blocked.

4. Blocked toilet vent

A toilet vent is a pipe connected to your toilet drain line to direct sewer gases away from the toilet and home to the outside environment. It usually protrudes from the roof. 

If a blockage exists in the toilet vent, the wastewater from your toilet will not flow smoothly. The blocked toilet vent creates negative air pressure, which will cause your toilet to overflow when you flush it.

Toilet clogs can cause major disruptions to your household if not addressed quickly and effectively. The best way to keep the problem from recurring frequently is to let a professional tackle it.

Contact a professional plumber to get your quote.