Why Does My Toilet Keep Blocking? Offset Pan Connectors Explained
Does your toilet keep blocking even though you're careful about what you flush?
If the same toilet blocks repeatedly while the other toilets, sinks and drains in your home are working normally, the problem may not simply be too much toilet paper. There could be an issue with the toilet installation or the connection between the toilet and the sewer drain.
One problem our plumbers have come across is an offset pan connector restricting the flow from the toilet.
What Can Cause a Toilet to Keep Blocking?
There are many possible causes of a recurring blocked toilet, including:
Too much toilet paper being flushed at once
Wipes, sanitary products or other unsuitable items being flushed
A foreign object lodged in the toilet
Tree roots entering the sewer drain
Damaged or broken drainage
Incorrect fall or movement in the drainage
A problem with the toilet installation
A restrictive or incorrectly installed pan connector
The location of the blockage can often provide clues about what may be causing the problem.
Is It Only One Toilet That Keeps Blocking?
This is an important question.
If only one toilet repeatedly blocks and all the other plumbing fixtures around your home are draining normally, the problem may be isolated to the toilet itself or the branch drain servicing that toilet.
However, if several toilets, showers, sinks or other fixtures are backing up or draining slowly, the problem could be further along the sewer drainage system.
A plumber can investigate where the blockage is occurring before recommending the appropriate solution.
What Is an Offset Pan Connector?
A pan connector connects the outlet of your toilet pan to the sewer drainage connection.
Sometimes the position of the toilet and the sewer connection don't line up directly. An offset pan connector may be used to bridge this difference and allow the toilet to be positioned correctly.
There are different styles of offset pan connectors available.
Depending on the connector and how it has been installed, the internal opening and direction of flow can be restricted. In some situations, this can make it more difficult for toilet paper and waste to pass through freely and may contribute to a toilet blocking repeatedly.
How Do You Know if the Pan Connector Is Causing the Blockage?
It isn't always possible to tell simply by looking at the toilet.
If a toilet continues to block and other likely causes have been ruled out, a plumber may need to investigate the toilet installation and pan connection.
In some cases, this can require the toilet pan to be removed so the connection underneath can be inspected.
The important thing is to find the reason the toilet keeps blocking, rather than repeatedly clearing the blockage without investigating why it keeps happening.
We've Found This Problem in Newer Homes Too
A newer home doesn't necessarily mean you'll never experience drainage or toilet problems.
Our plumbers have attended recurring blocked toilets where the problem wasn't caused by inappropriate items being flushed, but was associated with the way the toilet was connected to the drainage.
We've come across this issue in growing residential areas including Pimpama and Yarrabilba, where homes can have relatively new plumbing installations.
If a toilet has been blocking regularly since the home was built, renovated or the toilet was installed, it's worth mentioning this history to your plumber.
Watch: Plumber Richard Explains Offset Pan Connectors
Richard Moyle from Moyle Plumbing & Gasfitting explains the different types of offset pan connectors and why some installations may contribute to recurring toilet blockages.
What if Your Toilet Is Blocked Right Now?
If your toilet is currently blocked, we have a separate step-by-step guide explaining some simple checks and what you can safely try before calling a plumber.
Blocked Toilet? What You Can Try Before Calling a Plumber
If plunging doesn't work, the toilet is overflowing, several drains are affected or the blockage keeps returning, it's time to have the problem professionally investigated.
How Can a Plumber Investigate a Recurring Blockage?
The best approach depends on where the blockage is occurring and its likely cause.
For drainage-related blockages, our blocked drain plumbers have professional equipment available, including high-pressure water jetting and CCTV drain cameras where appropriate.
A CCTV drain inspection can help investigate sections of drainage and identify issues such as tree root intrusion, damaged pipes and other problems within the drain.
If the problem appears to be directly associated with the toilet installation or pan connector, the toilet itself may need to be inspected.
CCTV Drain Inspection / Drain Camera Service
Need Help With a Toilet That Keeps Blocking?
If you're repeatedly plunging or clearing the same toilet, it may be time to find out why it keeps blocking.
Moyle Plumbing & Gasfitting can investigate recurring blocked toilets and drainage problems throughout Logan City, Gold Coast North, Brisbane Southside and surrounding areas, including Beenleigh, Yatala, Ormeau, Pimpama, Coomera, Eagleby, Waterford and Yarrabilba.
For urgent blocked toilets and drains, our emergency plumbing service is also available.
📞 Call Moyle Plumbing & Gasfitting on 0447 671 095
“Get Moyle’s to do it.”
