A toilet that keeps blocking is often being asked to carry away things it was not designed for, such as wet wipes, sanitary products or large amounts of toilet paper. Repeat blockages can also come from a weak flush, something stuck in the pan, or a partial restriction further along the soil pipe or drain.
If clearing the toilet only helps for a short time, the underlying cause usually needs finding. Knowing the common reasons can help you spot what may be happening in your home.
What Is Being Flushed
Toilets are designed for toilet paper and human waste. Wet wipes, cotton buds, nappies, sanitary products and kitchen roll do not break down in the same way, and can catch in the bend of the toilet or further along the pipe.
Some wipes are labelled as flushable. Water UK introduced a Fine to Flush standard for products that have passed its tests, so it is worth checking for that mark rather than relying on the word flushable alone. Even with toilet paper, a lot flushed at once can cause a blockage.
Problems With the Flush
If the flush is weak or short, waste may not be carried far enough along the pipe. This can happen if the cistern is not filling to its normal level or if parts of the flushing mechanism are worn. In that case, the toilet may need repair rather than unblocking. Our toilet repair page covers faults with the flush and cistern.
Some toilets use less water per flush than older designs. This does not mean they will block, but it can make them less forgiving of too much paper.
Something Stuck or a Restriction Further Along
A small object, such as a toy, toothbrush or air freshener, can lodge in the pan and catch waste each time the toilet is flushed. It may not be visible from above, and it can keep causing blockages until it is removed.
If other fixtures are slow too, or you hear gurgling when the toilet is flushed, the restriction may be in the soil pipe or the drain outside rather than the toilet itself. Repeat blockages do not always mean the drain is damaged, but they may need checking to find out why.
Reducing the Chance of It Happening Again
Only flush toilet paper and waste, and keep a bin in the bathroom for wipes and sanitary items. Letting everyone in the home, including guests, know what should not be flushed can help. If children are in the home, it may help to keep the lid down. If you are using a lot of paper, flushing part-way through can help.
Our page on blocked toilets in Poole explains how blocked toilets are assessed and cleared, including when the problem may be further along.
If your toilet keeps blocking, a plumber can look at what may be causing it and explain the options.