What Causes a Toilet Clog? Common Objects Behind Blockages

A toilet clog can be a real mess. And cleaning up the overflow in your bathroom is only the tip of the iceberg. You also have to worry about more problematic clogs further in your pipes or sewer line. Left unchecked, you could be facing huge plumbing bills to snake out the source of the clog.

What exactly clogs a toilet — and is there any way to avoid this? While excess toilet paper is the most common cause of clogged toilets, take a look at three other reasons your toilet might be backing up.

What Common Objects Can Clog a Toilet?

Certain materials simply aren’t meant to be flushed. The most frequent culprits behind toilet clogs include:

• Excessive toilet paper
• Baby wipes and "flushable" wipes
• Paper towels and napkins
• Feminine hygiene products
• Dental floss
• Cotton swabs and pads

Even if an item seems small enough to go down, it can stick in your pipes and cause blockages over time. Check out whether your toilet paper passes the flushability test.

Can Hair Clog a Toilet?

Yes, flushing hair down the toilet can cause it to clog. Hair doesn’t dissolve in water. When you flush it down, it collects in clumps, forming tangled blockages in pipes. Over time, these hair clogs trap other debris, making it even harder for water to flow freely.

Can Grease or Oil Clog a Toilet?

Yes, grease and oil can clog a toilet. Like hair, grease and oil don’t break down in water. Instead, they solidify as they cool, sticking to the inside of pipes and narrowing the passage for waste to flow through. Over time, grease buildup can lead to a clogged toilet caused by a blockage that requires professional cleaning.

What Happens If You Flush Toys Down the Toilet?

Flushing toys down the toilet is a great way to get a serious clog — it’s actually one of the leading causes of clogs in households with young children. Unlike toilet paper, plastic and rubber objects won’t break down and can become lodged in the pipes.

Your little one might think they’re having a water adventure with Superman, but unfortunately, a stuck toy can block water flow completely. This can cause an overflowing toilet and potential pipe damage.

Other Surprising Items That Can Cause a Toilet Clog

Even seemingly harmless objects can create blockages in your plumbing system. Here are some surprising things you should never flush:

• Dental floss
• Feminine hygiene products
• "Flushable" wipes (wet wipes aren’t as flushable as you think)
• Kitty litter

What To Do if You Accidentally Flush Something Down the Toilet

It’s not the end of the world if you accidentally flush something down the toilet. Your toilet likely won’t unclog itself, but you can usually fix the problem with these troubleshooting steps:

• Turn off the water supply: Stop the water flow to prevent an overflow. The toilet shutoff valve is usually behind the toilet, near the wall or floor. If you can’t locate it, you can always turn off the main water supply to your house to be safe.
• Use a plunger: Create a seal and plunge forcefully to dislodge the object. Make sure you know how to use a plunger the right way, or you might not generate enough suction. 
• Try a plumbing snake: A drain auger can help pull out stuck items.

If plunging doesn’t work, consider calling in a plumber to help. They can safely remove the blockage without damaging your toilet or pipes.

What to Do If Your Toilet Keeps Backing Up After Flushing

Is your toilet chronically backing up after flushing? For example, you might experience slow draining, sewer odors, or gurgling noises after every flush. This could indicate a deeper plumbing problem, such as:

• A partial blockage in the drain line
• Tree roots infiltrating sewer pipes
• A failing septic system

These are problems you’ll need a plumber to diagnose. In the meantime, you can follow our tips to avoid toilet clogs to see if it improves your situation at all.

Frequently Asked Questions About Toilet Clogs

Will a toilet unclog itself?

Minor clogs may clear on their own if water pressure gradually breaks them down. However, in most cases, toilet clogs won’t just disappear. There are many ways to unclog a toilet — even without using a plunger.

Can flushing hair down the toilet cause long-term plumbing issues?

Yes. Over time, hair can build up in pipes and completely cut off the flow of water. Unlike toilet paper, hair doesn’t dissolve, making it one of the worst materials to flush.

Is a recurring toilet clog a sign of a bigger plumbing problem?

If your toilet clogs frequently despite proper use, you may have an underlying issue, such as a blockage in the main sewer line or a problem with your home’s plumbing system. A professional plumber can assess the situation and recommend solutions.

Think Before You Flush: Prevent an Expensive Toilet Clog

The best way to prevent toilet clogs is to be mindful of what you flush. Avoid flushing hair, grease, wipes, and other non-biodegradable items that can lead to blockages.

Need to learn how to un-clog a toilet? Watch our video here! 

If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog, professional help is just a call away. Roto-Rooter’s experienced plumbers can diagnose and fix toilet blockages to keep your plumbing running smoothly. Schedule a service today!