Hi - I have two toilets on the main level of my home. One is the main bathroom and the other is off the master bedroom. They are about 15 feet away from each other and I believe that they use a common sewer pipe. In the last few weeks they each have plugged up a few times each. It is easily resolved with a few plunges, but I am concerned I have a more serious problem. Any ideas?

Is there any "gurgling" or "bubbling " involved anywhere when the toilets are flushed? Did both toilets start this at the same time? Any other drainage problems? Any children in the house? Have you considered purchasing a closet auger to bring back anything that might by caught up in the trap since a plunger won't do that? Get back to me and I'll answer ASAP. Tom

Hello -

There is no gurgling or bubbling, no other drainage problems any where in the house (including the sinks, showers, and tub in those bathrooms). When this happens the toilet just fills and does not drain. There are children in the house who swear they have put nothing in the toilet (you can take that for what it is worth!) One kid does put excessive amounts of toilet paper in. The first one plugged and then a day or two later the other one plugged. A couple more days then they each took a turn again. I don't know what a closet auger is - is it expensive and is it easy to use? P.S. The toilet isn't always plugging up when the kid that uses too much toilet paper is using it - it is happening to everyone.

OK! I might have another solution. I have one that most repair plumbers miss.. Look down at the bottom of the bowl. If there is a small hole, then that is a jet that starts the syphon action. If it's clogged the water will just swirl around and slowly go down leaving solids behind. Take your finger,(UGH! ) and run it around the inside of the opening. Over the years minerals build up and cut down on the syphon (flush) action. If it is rough or you feel build up, take a table knife and put a bend in it to get around the curve in the bowl and chip and scrap it clear. Next take a coathanger and clear out the holes around the rim. They start the swirling action. And last, check the water level in the tank. It should be 1/2" below the top of the over flow tube. And speaking of the overflow tube, Make sure the small 1/8" tube from the ballcock to the white overflow tube is connected so it discharges in it and that it's flowing when the ballcock fills. This is what raises the water level in the bowl. For a good solid flush they all have to work together.
Let me know, Tom