Sometimes our toilet backs up for no real apparent reason. Not much toilet paper, etc. We flush and it will overflow. Is there a product I can flush in my toilet to eat away at residue to help the pipes? My house was built in 1957 and I don't think the plumbing has had much upgrading.

Sounds like something was dropped in the toilet and was flushed but did not go down the pipe. It could be acting as a valve sometime while allowing the toilet to flush normally at other times. I always called these types of blockages floaters. You might try to use a toilet snake to see if you can break up what ever might be in there or remove the toilet to see what you can see.

Tony,

The tool HVAC mentioned, (toilet snake) is called a Closet Auger. This tool will retrive anything that's caught in the trap of the bowl. You may purchase them at any hardware store. If you need further help click on back. Regards, Tom

Thank you very much! I will try that out.