A: First, turn off the water supply to the toilet to prevent more water from entering the bowl. Then, try using a plunger to clear the clog. If that doesn't work, call a professional plumber.
Yes, a plumber can definitely fix a clogged toilet. Plumbers have the knowledge, experience, and tools necessary to diagnose and address toilet clogs effectively.
The national average cost to unclog a toilet is $200 to $700, with most people spending about $350 for a plumber to use an electric auger to clear the toilet drain clog and test the system. This project's low cost is $100 for a simple drain snaking or professional chemical treatment by a plumber.
Please call a plumber as soon as you notice such signs, as they usually signal an emergency. A professional can diagnose the problem by performing a drain inspection. That can uncover a main sewer clog, which prompt drain cleaning can resolve.
Labour Costs and Timescales
As a general rule, plumbers tend to charge a daily rate of around £150-£200. When it comes to minor toilet unblocking or small toilet repairs, these can usually be completed within 30 minutes and will usually cost around £60. This is the average call-out price for most plumbers in the UK.
Yes, a toilet can unclog itself over time, but it depends on what is causing the blockage. If the clog is made up of water-soluble materials, like toilet paper or fecal matter, then eventually they will begin dissolving if you give them enough time.
Letting a clogged toilet sit too long can result in more severe problems. Beyond the risk of overflow and water damage, the clog could also cause toilet water to back up into other parts of your plumbing system, affecting sinks, showers, and even your home's main sewer line.
Try Dish Soap
Pour a half cup of liquid dish soap into your toilet. Let the build-up soak. Soaking with dish soap is similar to soaking buildup on pots and pans before washing them. Flush out the blockage.
Try Baking Soda & Vinegar
A combination of baking soda and vinegar can help dissolve toilet clogs if you pour them in correctly. The baking soda will actually do most of the work here—the vinegar mostly just makes it bubble. But those bubbles can be useful for helping dislodge whatever is stuck in your toilet.
What to do if you can't unblock your toilet? If all else fails, it may be time to call the plumber.
The cost to clear a blocked drain heavily depends on the nature of the blockage, and what fix needs to be applied. At a glance, it can cost only $200 to unblock a toilet or kitchen brain, and up to $2,000 if you need to replace the drainage piping.
The cost to call a plumber for a clogged toilet varies but is typically in the range of $100 to $300, depending on factors like the severity of the clog and your location. Additional charges may apply for evening or weekend calls.
You cannot plunge a toilet that is empty, so if there is no standing water, use a cup to fill the toilet with water from your sink. If the toilet is empty, take the opportunity to use hot (but not boiling) water, as high temperatures can help clear clogs.
To clear a toilet clog, the auger is inserted into toilet and twisted by hand, or by machine, to help break up the obstruction. Typically, an auger or drain snake would be used if a plunger is not resolving the clog.
You need water, not air, pressure to loosen the clog. If your toilet lacks water, pour in enough water till the plunger is covered. Use a gentle plunge initially since a hard one will force air back around the seal, blowing water all over you and your bathroom floor.
Pouring dish soap down a toilet will unclog many obstructions. Pour 1/2- to 1-cup of dish soap directly in the toilet water and wait about 30 minutes before flushing. Follow the dish soap with a gallon of hot water if dish soap alone does not work.
Clogs consisting of degradable materials like waste and toilet paper could clear on their own over time. These substances break down within water and don't always require you to take action to eliminate blockages. However, non-degradable clogs won't resolve on their own and can lead to other serious issues.
If you can't stop the overflow with a plunger, it's essential to call a plumber immediately to prevent further damage and address the root cause. Overflowing toilets can result from: Severe Blockages: A severe blockage can prevent water from flowing through the pipes, causing it to back up and overflow.
Make your own drain cleaner by pouring one cup of baking soda and two cups of vinegar into the toilet and adding a half gallon of hot water. Dish soap can also help loosen some obstructions. When using either method, allow the solution to sit overnight and then flush the toilet to see if the obstruction has cleared.
One of the strongest substances for unclogging a toilet is a commercial drain cleaner specifically designed for toilet clogs. These cleaners typically contain powerful chemicals that dissolve organic matter and stubborn blockages.
Plumbing snakes come in different lengths and sizes, and can be used for different types of toilet clogs. Typically, it's the job of a professional drainage engineer to use a plumbing snake to clear clogged drain pipes.
Add 1/2 cup baking soda directly into the toilet bowl water surrounding the blocked toilet. Slowly pour 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar down the inside of the bowl to avoid splashes. Stand back as a fizzy foam reaction occurs, potentially breaking apart paper. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush it repeatedly.