My toilet is always clogging. I use a plunger or a toilet auger and it seems to do the trick. However, the clog is happening frequently (every 3-5 days) and I'm wondering if there is a bigger problem that needs to be addressed. Could there not be a clog and something wrong with the handle that won't allow it to flush? I had a plumber look at it 2 months ago and couldn't find a problem.

Erin, October 2008

I have this problem every 4 months or so. Flush toilet and water level rises alarmingly in the pan and slowly drains away.

Just outside the house is an inspection pit that all the drains and toilets feed into. The outlet to the street sewer becomes blocked with toilet paper and the water level rises.

I remove the access cover and use drain rods to clear the blockage and clean up the pit with a pressure washer.

Perhaps 20 minutes work - wear rubber gloves.

Peccavi, October 2008

Suggest you check and make sure that someone in your household isn't in the habit of putting stuff down the wc that they shouldn't be!

JD, October 2008