Why Is My Toilet Backing Up (& What Can I Do About It?)

Eventually, every homeowner will have to deal with a toilet problem. If you’re lucky, it’ll be a simple clog that you can fix yourself. If you’re not so lucky, it’s possible that your toilet backing up is due to a more serious issue with your main sewer line.
Why Do Toilets Back Up?
There are a few common reasons that toilets clog. Here our experts break down the most common culprits causing your toilet to backup.
Paper Products
The first and most common reason is that members of the household are flushing items that are not meant for your sewer line. This includes sanitary products, paper towels, and other objects. Using too much toilet paper will also clog a toilet.
Obstructionist Toys
If you have children in your home, take an inventory of their toys. When one goes missing, it’s possible that it’s been flushed. Toys do a really great job of obstructing pipes and clogging toilets. Call a plumber to clear your pipe before it’s damaged.
The Type Of Toilet
Your type of toilet can also influence how likely it is to clog and back up. The first models of low-flow water-saving toilets sometimes don’t cut it. There is not enough water pressure to push the waste and toilet paper completely through the pipes. To fix this, try to reduce the amount of toilet paper you use. You also might have to flush twice.
Plumbing Vents
If you’ve plunged your toilet and the problem has not resolved, check your plumbing vent. Debris, leaves, or sticks could block it. This would prevent the proper airflow for effective flushing creating a similar problem to low-flow toilets. Without proper venting, there won’t be enough pressure to push the waste and paper through your pipes.
Your Main Sewer Line Is Clogged
While your toilet backing up can be an easy fix, it could also be a huge issue. It’s possible that it’s due to a problem with your main sewer line. The mainline can be clogged, but it also can be broken. Debris like dirt and food from your kitchen sink can infuriate your pipes and lead to clogs. Pipes can also be cracked or broken by growing tree roots.
Signs Of A Clog In The Main Sewer Line
Your wastewater draining improperly is obviously a sign of plumbing issues, but if multiple drains in your home aren’t draining correctly it’s most likely due to your main sewer line. Pay attention to bad smells in your home. A drain backup will smell very badly, especially if the toilet backing up is coming through your bathtub or shower after you flush the toilet.
Backups can also occur when you’re using your washing machine or dishwasher. Your main sewer line is the most important pipe in your home. It’s responsible for taking all the waste and used water out of your living space. It’s easy to forget how many drains the mainline is attached to.
Run your bathroom sink for a while and pay close attention to your toilet. Does it gurgle? Gurgling sounds and water bubbling up from the toilet or faucet are also an indicator of a main sewer line issue. Air is being trapped in your drain by the clog or crack, and that’s something that should be dealt with right away.
If you’re dealing with a combination of toilet back up and these symptoms, call a professional plumber today.
What Can I Do About My Toilet Backing Up?
This is not a do it yourself project. Your toilet could be more than just clogged, the pipes could be cracked or broken. Professionals should be the only ones to clear a clog especially when there is a toilet backing up. Only a plumber should handle wastewater.
If you’re in the Coral Springs area and are experiencing any of these issues, contact Art Rooter, Sewer & Drain Cleaning by calling 1-888-773-1524. Our team of professionals can fix all of your plumbing needs and help you maintain healthy drains.