Understanding Why Poop Comes Back Up the Toilet After Flushing

Understanding Poop Coming Back Up the Toilet

Seeing poop reappear in the toilet after you've flushed can be an alarming experience. However, it's often not as serious as it seems. In most cases, there are simple explanations for poop coming back up the toilet.

To understand why this happens, it helps to first look at how toilets work. When you flush a toilet, the flush valve opens to allow water to rush into the toilet bowl from the tank. This creates siphon action that sucks the contents of the bowl down into the drain pipe. The drain pipe connects to the main sewer line that carries waste away from your home.

Causes of Poop Coming Back Up After Flushing

There are a few common reasons why poop may reappear in the toilet bowl after flushing:

• Clogged toilet - A clog in the toilet trap or further down the drain line can prevent waste from fully evacuating. Pieces of poop can get backed up and float back into the bowl.
• Improper flush - Sometimes a weak flush doesn't create enough siphon action to clear the bowl. Heavy or overly large stools may not get pulled down the drain.
• Septic system backup - If you're on a septic system, a full tank or drain field issue can cause sewage to back up into the toilet.
• Sewer main backup - Community sewer lines that get blocked or overwhelmed with heavy rain can backup into homes, causing poop to fill plumbing fixtures.
• Improper plumbing venting - Plumbing vents allow air into the waste system to aid proper drainage. Blocked vents can allow pressure changes that push sewage backwards.

When to Worry About Poop Coming Back

While poop reappearing in the toilet is generally just a nuisance, there are some instances when it could signal a larger problem:

• Frequent occurrences may indicate a bigger drainage issue or deteriorating plumbing.
• Sewage backups could spread disease-causing bacteria throughout your home if not properly cleaned.
• Large amounts of sewage overflowing the toilet could cause extensive property damage if left unchecked.
• Notices of public sewer main issues in your neighborhood may precede home backups.

Use your best judgment in determining when a recurring toilet backup may require professional assistance. A plumber can assess your plumbing layout and drainage system to diagnose and correct the problem.

How to Prevent Poop From Coming Back Up

Regular Maintenance

Like most plumbing issues, taking preventative measures is the best way to avoid poop returning after flushing. Here are some tips:

• Follow a waste removal product schedule - Use a monthly maintenance product to keep drains clear of buildup. tablet that dissolves with each flush.
• Avoid overloading the toilet - Don't flush excessive amounts of paper or other items that could clog.
• Fix leaks and running toilets - Small leaks around toilet seals can erode wax rings and loosen connections.
• Pump septic tanks regularly - For septic systems, follow a professional pumping schedule to prevent backups.
• Update old plumbing fixtures - Outdated toilets with lower flush power can contribute to clogs.

Clear Simple Clogs

For minor toilet clogs:

• Use a plunger - Forceful plunging can often dislodge obstructions.
• Try a closet auger - Inserting a thin auger cable down the bowl can hook and pull up clogs.
• Boil water - Pouring a pot of boiling water into the bowl can help melt and break up some clogs.

However, if simple steps don't work, avoid amateur repairs. Call a professional to prevent damage to delicate toilet components.

When to Call a Plumber

While minor toilet clogs may be DIY-able, there are some clear signs it's time to call in a plumber:

• Water or sewage is overflowing from the toilet - This signals a major blockage or sewer backup.
• Multiple attempts to clear the clog haven't worked - Persistent clogs usually require professional equipment.
• Toilet flush seems weak - Lack of siphon power can mean buildup in the trap or drain line.
• Toilet makes odd gurgling noises - This may indicate venting issues allowing drain line pressure changes.
• You find cracks or damage around the toilet - Old seals and mounts often need replacement.

A reliable plumber has the tools and expertise to fully diagnose toilet issues and make repairs quickly. This can save you from more costly damage down the road.

When to Call a Emergency Plumber

In certain circumstances, you may need emergency plumbing services to deal with sewage backups:

• Raw sewage is rapidly flooding your bathroom - Act quickly to stop contamination.
• You detecting a suspicious odor of sewer gas - This could signal loose or damaged plumbing.
• Notices indicate a public sewer main break in your area - Stop using toilets and drains until safe.
• Your toilet overflowed while you were away - Check for and repair any hidden damage.

Emergency plumbers are trained to rapidly contain sewage backups and safely repair plumbing systems. Quick response can help mitigate damage and health hazards.

When a Professional Is Needed

While simple toilet clogs may be DIY fixable, some instances do require a plumber's expertise:

• Persistent obstructions - Clogs deep in pipes or the sewer main line often require powerful professional drain cleaning equipment.
• Septic system backups - Only an experienced technician can accurately diagnose septic tank or leach field problems.
• Sewer line repairs - Damaged drains under the home's foundation requires specialized equipment.
• Major fixture replacement - Improper toilet replacements can lead to leaks or functionality issues.

Attempting plumbing repairs without proper know-how can make issues worse and more costly. Trust a highly-rated pro to make fixes correctly the first time.

When a Plumbing Inspection Is Recommended

Even if you aren't experiencing immediate issues, there are times when a professional plumbing inspection can be beneficial:

• Upon moving into a new home - Pinpoint potential problems left behind by previous owners.
• After major plumbing repairs or remodels - Ensure work was done properly to code.
• Change in water pressure or flow - Identify causes of sudden drops or spikes in water volume.
• Before finishing a basement or addition - Modify waste plumbing as needed to accommodate.
• Around 10-15 years living in your home - Check for aging or deteriorating pipes and fixtures.

A detailed inspection can catch small issues before they become major headaches down the road.

What a Professional Inspection Includes

A sewer and plumbing inspection from a professional plumber typically involves:

• Checking all fixtures for proper drainage flow
• Removing and inspecting toilet components
• Snaking drains and overflows to test for obstructions
• Using a sewer camera to video inspect pipes
• Performing water pressure and leak checks
• Assessing the condition of pipes, valves, and connections

The plumber

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.