Are You Always Using Your Plunger? 

 It’s a familiar scene for many homeowners: you flush the toilet, and the water level rises instead of going down. You reach for the plunger yet again, hoping to unclog the drain. If this scenario sounds familiar, it’s a sign that your toilet is malfunctioning. This might mean that now it requires a repair or replacement. But why is plunging your toilet bad for your plumbing?

Constantly having to plunge your toilet is not only inconvenient but can also be a sign of more significant issues with your plumbing system. Here are some reasons why your toilet may require attention if you find yourself reaching for the plunger on a regular basis.

Why do I have to plunge my toilet all of the time?  

1. Clogged Drain. A common reason why you may need to plunge your toilet frequently is a clogged drain. When you flush too much waste or non-flushable items down the toilet, they can clog the drain line. This clog prevents water from flowing through. If you notice that plunging your toilet is becoming a regular occurrence, it may be time to call a plumber to clear the stoppage in the line that can’t be cleared by plunging. 
2. Old or Faulty Parts. A flapper, fill valve, and flush valve are some of the components that make up a toilet. Over time, these parts can wear out or become faulty, leading to issues with flushing and draining. If your toilet is old or you notice that it’s not flushing correctly, it may be time to replace some of the parts.
3. Blocked Vent. Every plumbing system has a vent pipe that runs from the roof to the plumbing fixtures in your home. The vent allows air to escape from the pipes. This ensures proper drainage and preventing unpleasant odors from coming back up the drain. A blocked or clogged vent can prevent your toilet from flushing correctly. This will lead to the need for constant plunging. 
4. Misuse. This is one of the most common reasons to have to plunge your toilet is simply misusing your toilet.  Just because it flushes, doesn’t mean it should be flushed.  Check out our list of items not to put down your toilet.  
5. Old Toilet or Poorly Constructed toilet.  If you’re having to plunge your toilet all of the time, and the water level rises before it goes down it is a sign that you need to replace your toilet.  Toilets need to be replaced when the flush ports calcify. Once the flush ports calcify it slows down the volume and or speed of water going into the bowl.  Once those ports are blocked the toilet needs to be replaced.  A toilet can also need to be replaced simply due to being a poor-quality design or not adequately sized to your families use.   

Bottom line, constantly having to plunge your toilet is a sign that your toilet is malfunctioning. It’s best to address the issue sooner rather than later. Ignoring the problem can lead to more significant plumbing issues and costly repairs down the line. Contacting a licensed plumber is the best course of action. A plumbing professional can diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate solution. Whether it’s a simple repair or replacement of the toilet a plumbing technician will help make the best decision. 

Services in Phoenix & Beyond

When you’ve found yourself in need of plumbing services in the Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, or Chandler area, you can trust Robins Plumbing to provide you with prompt and expert care, contact our team today! In addition to our toilet services, we also offer a variety of residential and commercial plumbing services, including: drain cleaning, water heater repair and replacement, sewer camera inspection and locating, backflow prevention, commercial and residential jetting, water treatments, and more. Visit our reviews online to see what others have to say about our local plumbing company!