You flush the toilet, expecting everything to clear, but instead, the water rises. And that’s when the panic sets in. You might be thinking that it always seems to happen at the worst possible moment. If you’re curious why does toilet keep clogging, you’re definitely not alone. One of the most frequent concerns Toronto homeowners deal with is recurring clogging, which is frequently caused by the contents of the toilet, the amount of toilet paper used, or even a concealed blockage in the toilet trap.
A toilet that keeps clogging isn’t just inconvenient—it can also be a sign of a bigger plumbing problem that could lead to expensive repairs if ignored. From too much toilet paper to hidden sewer line issues, there are several reasons why your toilet might be prone to clogging.
In this blog, we’ll explore the most common reasons a toilet keeps clogging, what you can do to fix the issue, and when to call in professional plumbing services. We’ll cover everything from toilet paper habits and low-flow toilet designs to blocked toilet vents and sewer line clogs. By the end, you’ll know how to prevent your toilet from clogging and when it’s time to call Absolute Draining & Plumbing for help.
Contact us today for fast and reliable toilet repair services in Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, or any other areas of the GTA.
Why Does a Toilet Keep Clogging?
There isn’t just one answer to this question. A toilet can clog for many reasons, ranging from user habits to structural problems in your plumbing system. Sometimes, what you flush down the toilet—like wipes, cotton balls, or items that don’t break down easily—can quickly cause a clog. Even the type of toilet paper you use matters, since not all toilet paper is designed to dissolve properly in water. A buildup inside the toilet drain or a clog in the toilet trap can also block the flow, making it harder for the toilet flush to clear waste effectively.
In other cases, issues inside the toilet tank can lead to weak flushes, which often result in a toilet that clogs repeatedly. If you want to fix a toilet that keeps clogging, it’s important to know whether the issue is mechanical, structural, or related to daily habits. For example, flushing too much at once or using the wrong products can easily cause a clog. Addressing these clogging issues early and learning how to prevent toilet clogs can save you the hassle of constant backups and expensive plumbing repairs. Let’s break down the most common causes.
1. Too Much Toilet Paper Usage
One of the top reasons a toilet keeps clogging is simply using sheets of toilet paper.
- Excessive toilet paper doesn’t dissolve quickly enough in water. This creates a blockage in the toilet trap or drain.
- 2-ply toilet paper is thicker and slower to break down, which makes it more likely to cause recurring toilet clogs compared to 1-ply.
- Wadding or balling up toilet tissue instead of folding it increases the risk of clogging the toilet.
How to fix it:
- Use less toilet paper per flush. About 4–6 squares of toilet tissue is typically enough.
- Switch to 1-ply toilet paper, which is designed to dissolve more easily.
- Teach children how much toilet paper to use—some parents even mark a guide on the wall to prevent overuse.
2. Flushing Non-Flushable Items
A toilet is designed for only two things: human waste and toilet paper. Anything else belongs in the trash. Yet, many homeowners accidentally—or unknowingly—flush items that cause clogs.
Common non-flushable items that cause clogs:
- “Flushable” wipes (they don’t break down properly)
- Paper towels and facial tissues
- Feminine hygiene products
- Cotton balls, swabs, or pads
- Dental floss and hair
- Small toys (kids are often curious about toilets)
How to fix it:
- Keep a waste bin in every bathroom to discourage flushing the wrong items.
- Remind family members that toilets are not garbage cans.
- If a foreign object is stuck in the toilet bowl or trap, you may need a toilet auger to break up the clog or call professional plumbing services.
3. Older Low-Flow Toilet Designs
If you have a toilet from the mid-1990s, chances are it’s a first-generation low-flow toilet. These were designed to save water, but many models simply don’t have enough flushing power.
Why low-flow toilets keep clogging:
- Insufficient flushing pressure means waste and toilet paper don’t fully go down the drain.
- This leaves behind buildup in the toilet trap or sewer line, leading to frequent clogs.
How to fix it:
- Use less toilet tissue to reduce strain on the flush.
- Upgrade to a modern high-efficiency toilet with power-assist technology. Newer models conserve water and prevent clogs with stronger flushes.
4. Clogged Toilet Trap
The toilet trap is the S-shaped bend behind the toilet bowl. It’s designed to hold water (which blocks sewer gases) and to trap items before they go too far down the drain.
When a toilet trap gets clogged:
- Items like wipes, toys, or too much toilet paper get stuck.
- Waste accumulates behind the clog, leading to recurring blockages.
How to fix it:
- Use a flanged toilet plunger to create suction and push material through the trap.
- For stubborn clogs, use a toilet auger to break up or pull out the clog material.
- If these methods fail, professional drain cleaning may be necessary.
5. Blocked Toilet Vent
Every toilet connects to a plumbing vent, usually running up through the roof. This vent allows air into the plumbing system so that your toilet can flush with proper pressure.
Signs of a blocked toilet vent:
- Gurgling sounds when you flush the toilet.
- Sewer odours in your home.
- Multiple drains are running slowly at once.
How to fix it:
- Inspect the roof vent for debris such as leaves, nests, or ice.
- Flush the exhaust pipe with water using a garden hose.
- For deeper blockages, use a long auger.
- If the vent remains blocked, call a licensed plumber to clear it safely.
6. Sewer Line Clogs
Perhaps the most serious reason a toilet keeps clogging is a sewer line clog. This is when the main drain line that carries waste from your home to the city’s system becomes blocked.
Causes of sewer line clogs:
- Tree roots growing into pipes.
- Pipe collapse or breakage.
- Years of buildup from grease, waste, and toilet paper.
- Flushed foreign objects that made it past the toilet trap.
Signs of a sewer line clog:
- Multiple toilets and drains clogging at once.
- Water backing up into sinks or tubs when you flush the toilet.
- Strong sewer odours in your home or yard.
How to fix it:
- Call a licensed plumber immediately. Sewer line clogs require professional tools like drain cameras and hydro jetting.
- Sewer line replacement or repair may be required in certain situations.
DIY vs. Professional Solutions for Toilet Clogs
Homeowners may easily clear certain toilet clogs, but a licensed plumber is needed for others. Here’s how to determine when to hire professionals and when to do it yourself.
DIY Methods
- Plunging the toilet: Always start with a flanged toilet plunger to create a good seal and push water down the toilet trap.
- Using a toilet auger: A toilet auger (closet auger) can break up or retrieve items stuck in the toilet trap.
- Reducing toilet paper use: Simple changes in household habits can solve constant toilet clogs.
When to Call a Plumber
- Frequent toilet clogs despite using less toilet tissue.
- Gurgling sounds or sewer odours from the toilet.
- Water backs up into other drains when you flush.
- Suspected sewer line or vent problems.
Absolute Draining & Plumbing has over 20 years of experience serving Toronto homeowners. Our licensed plumbers use advanced diagnostic tools, such as camera inspections, to pinpoint the cause of constant toilet clogs and recommend lasting solutions.
Contact us if you are looking for reliable plumbers in Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, or any other areas of the GTA.
How to Prevent Your Toilet from Constantly Clogging
Prevention is always better than repair. Here are practical tips to keep your toilet working smoothly:
- Flush only human waste and toilet paper. Everything else belongs in the trash.
- Monitor toilet paper usage. Switch to 1-ply toilet paper if needed.
- Avoid flushing “flushable” wipes. They are a leading cause of clogs.
- Invest in a better and new toilet. A new high-efficiency toilet could be installed if your current low-flow toilet is outdated.
- Schedule regular drain inspections. Especially in older Toronto homes with clay pipes that are prone to root intrusion.
- Educate your family. Teach kids what should and shouldn’t go down the toilet.
Why Work with Absolute Draining & Plumbing?
Homeowners frequently try do-it-yourself solutions for stubborn toilet clogs, but most solutions only offer short-term solutions. To avoid recurring problems, Absolute Draining & Plumbing provides expert, long-term solutions. Our professional plumbers have decades of expertise in the GTA and Toronto, and they have the newest equipment and methods to properly identify the underlying cause of your toilet issues.
We provide dependable solutions to get your plumbing system operating at its best again, whether the problem is a recurring clog from low-flow toilets, tree root infiltration, or sewer line blockages. We also prioritize customer education, helping you understand proper toilet care to avoid future issues.
Plus, our 24/7 emergency plumbing services mean you’ll never be left dealing with an overflowing toilet alone. Working with us gives you access to dependable specialists and trustworthy professionals that provide upfront pricing, effective repairs, and preventative maintenance, giving your family and house piece of mind.
Connect with us for expert solutions to toilet clogs and other plumbing issues in Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, and beyond.
Don’t Ignore a Toilet That Keeps Clogging
A toilet that always clogs isn’t just annoying—it’s a sign that something isn’t working properly in your plumbing system. While some causes are simple, like too much toilet paper, others are serious issues, like a sewer line clog. Left untreated, recurring toilet clogs can lead to water damage, sewage backups, and costly repairs.
Absolute Draining & Plumbing can assist you if your toilet in Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area keeps clogging. With over 20 years of experience, flat-rate pricing, and a 25-year warranty on drain repair, our licensed plumbers can identify and resolve the issue quickly and effectively.
Call Absolute Draining & Plumbing today at (416) 252-5557 to schedule an appointment and prevent your toilet from clogging again.
