Do low-flow toilets cause plumbing issues?

Author: Sophia Gaylord  |  Last update: Saturday, April 26, 2025

Homeowners who purchase low flow toilets often do not have enough water or water pressure to fully clear their sewage system, which can cause costly and stinky sewage backup problems.

What are the disadvantages of low-flow toilets?

The Cons
  • Because they use a reduced volume of water and may apply less pressure than a regular toilet, low-flow toilets do not always flush waste as well as their standard counterparts. ...
  • Low-flow fixtures may not work with your existing plumbing if you live in an older home.

Can low-flow toilets cause sewer problems?

The lower volume toilets tend to allow solids to drop out over longer runs and cause blockages in the main drain line from the house. Also, the lesser water flow makes the system more sensitive to imperfections in the drain line (burrs/bumps at joints, bellies/low spots that can develop as the house/pipe settles, etc.)

Are low-flow toilets more likely to clog?

Clogs - Because low-flow toilets use less water, solid waste may be more likely to become stuck somewhere inside the toilet or drain. If a clog goes unnoticed, a low-flow toilet can clog the next time it is flushed.

How to keep a low-flow toilet from clogging?

What to do:
  1. Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste.
  2. Use a toilet plunger (not a cup plunger) to clear minor clogs.
  3. Consider using a toilet auger for tougher clogs.
  4. Apply natural solutions like baking soda and vinegar or enzyme-based cleaners to prevent buildup in the pipes.

5 Reasons Your Toilet Keeps Clogging

What is the best toilet to avoid clogs?

Among the top contenders are pressure-assisted toilets from TOTO, Kohler, and American Standard. These brands offer models in both one-piece and two-piece toilet configurations, aiming to address the needs of most toilets, whether for a small bathroom or seeking a comfort height toilet.

Why does my toilet flush but poop stays after flushing?

It may be because your toilet drain is clogged, a faulty water tank, low water pressure, or even the design of your toilet. The good news is that it is easy to fix this problem. You can either get in touch with a professional plumber or try it yourself.

Can plunging toilet make a clog worse?

One common question people ask is, “Can plunging make a clog worse?” The short answer is yes, but only if you're not using toilet plungers correctly. Using too much force or plunging too vigorously can push the clog further down the drain, making it harder to remove.

How to convert a low-flow toilet to high flow?

How to Convert a Low-Flow Toilet to High-Flow. Unfortunately, it's not possible to convert a low-flow toilet to a high-flow or pressure-assisted toilet. The only option is to replace a gravity-flush toilet with a pressure-assisted flush toilet.

Why does my sewer line keep backing up?

A sanitary sewer is not a closed system and a wide variety of things put into the sewer can clog the system. Grease/cooking oils, wipes, disposable (and cloth) diapers, and tree roots are some of the reasons systems can backup. Broken or damaged sewer laterals will also cause backups occur.

What is the most common problem with the house sewer drain?

Cooking grease, hair, food particles, toilet paper and roots often cause sluggish drains or line blockages. If they happen near the drain opening or toilet bowl, a plunger may be effective in clearing them.

Are low-flow toilets bad for septic systems?

Because low-flow toilets reduce water usage, they are ideal for cutting down on the amount of water that enters septic systems. Low-flow toilets are also used by homeowners that do not have a residential sewage system, as a means of reducing overall water consumption.

Is a running toilet a plumbing issue?

(And you only thought that you just needed to know how to clean a toilet.) As one of the most common plumbing issues, a running toilet can also be one of the most costly—when left untreated.

How can I make my low-flow toilet flush better?

A Plumber Outlines Ways To Increase Flushing Power In A Low-Flow Toilet | Burleson, TX
  1. Replace the Toilet Flapper.
  2. Adjust the Water Level in the Tank.
  3. Install a Dual-Flush Toilet.
  4. Clean the Toilet Tank.
  5. Install a Toilet Booster Pump.
  6. Upgrade to a Higher Capacity Toilet Tank.
  7. Replace the Entire Toilet System.

What was the problem with the original low-flow toilet?

Problems with first-generation “low flow” toilets were infamous in the early 1990s. Some consumers complained that the toilets clogged too often, needed several flushes to clear the bowl, or caused problems with their home plumbing.

Do low-flow toilets cause clogs?

With less water to flush down whatever ends up in the toilet bowl, low-flow—or “low flush”—toilets tend to get clogged more often than older toilets. Although low-flow toilet technology continues to improve, it's still important to be mindful of how much you flush.

Are low-flow toilets worth it?

They're Good for the Environment

Saving water is a nice perk that comes with low-flow toilets. On top of that, though, you can also help save the environment. These toilets are designed such that they reduce how much water is taken from local pipes.

Are high pressure toilets worth it?

While they offer benefits like reduced cleaning frequency, lower risk of clogs, and better condensation management, they also come with higher costs, increased noise levels, and more complex maintenance requirements.

What is the hardest toilet to clog?

Champion 4 Toilet Meet the Champion 4, the undisputed leader in high performance toilets. With the industry's widest 2 3/8" trapway and 4" flush valve, it created a plunger free world for homeowners and virtually eliminated clogged toilet call backs for plumbers.

Can plunging a toilet burst a pipe?

If you're wondering, “Can a clogged toilet cause a pipe to burst?” the answer is yes, and it's a situation that requires immediate attention.

Is it better to plunge a toilet fast or slowly?

A vigorous plunge could send water flying up out of the toilet bowl. The best way to avoid this messy scenario is to start with a gentle plunge. Slowly push the plunger down, allowing the air to escape from the cup. Once the plunger is fully submerged, give it a few firm pumps.

Why do I have to flush twice when I poop?

If you have to flush the toilet twice, there most likely isn't enough water flowing into the bowl. This means the siphoning effect is too weak to clear everything out of the toilet in one go.

How do you fix a slow flow toilet?

The easiest fix for a toilet that doesn't flush, is to check the flapper chain. Chain length and obstructions are often the most common reasons for a slow-flushing toilet. If the flapper chain length is too loose, the flapper will not lift off the flush valve opening, causing a weak flush.

What does fluffy floating poop mean?

Stools that float are most often due to poor absorption of nutrients (malabsorption) or too much gas (flatulence). Food passes from the stomach into the small intestine. In the small intestine all nutrient absorption occurs. Whatever has not been absorbed by the small intestine passes into the colon.

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