Residents of New York City experience toilet clogs more frequently than other cities, making it the nation's Cloggiest City, according to a survey commissioned by SCOTT® Tissue and Clog Clinic. Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Houston, Atlanta, Chicago, Portland, Ore., Indianapolis, and the San Francisco Bay area follow. Residents of Seattle/Tacoma, Denver, Minneapolis/St. Paul, the Orlando, Fla., area and Baltimore encounter the fewest toilet clogs.

The SCOTT Clog Clinic sponsored the survey to help Americans understand what a nuisance a toilet clog can be and to offer common-sense ways to avoid the problem. Clinic researchers say toilet clogs frequently occur during heavy flushing periods - like halftime at the Super Bowl or the day after Thanksgiving. Others most at risk for clogs and plumbing issues include those with low-flow toilets, septic tank systems, homes with older plumbing, and RVs or a boat with a toilet.

Also, many clogs occur when nontraditional items are flushed, including disposable diapers, facial tissue, paper towels or napkins, cat litter, feminine protection products, and even a cell phone or iPod.

  • 37 percent of respondents say no one takes responsibility for clogging the toilet in their home, while 33 percent say they do.

  • 57 percent believe men are more likely to clog a toilet than women, while 80 percent believe children are more likely to stop up a toilet than adults.

  • 17 percent have called a plumber to deal with a clogged toilet, while 87 percent have used a plunger and 32 percent have let the clog sit awhile.