Do plumbers plunge toilets?

Author: Chad Adams  |  Last update: Sunday, November 26, 2023

In case the matter is more serious plungers do not work anymore and at this point of time plumbers come up with a much stronger instrument known as the toilet auger or toilet snake. This is a cable-like tool that plumbers twist in deep into the toilet to the clog.

Do plumbers unclog toilets?

If you are unsuccessful using a plunger, it is highly suggested that you then call a professional plumber. Other amateur methods to unclog a toilet can cause serious damage to your toilet or plumbing. Therefore if the plunger does not work, call the experts at Pure Plumbing.

How much does it cost to plunge a toilet?

Most plumbers will charge a flat rate for a drain snake, which will likely average between $75 and $500. When it comes to simpler clogs, expect to pay no more than $150, while more extensive blockages that require dismantling the toilet's plumbing could cost between $150 and $500.

Should I call a plumber for clogged toilet?

If the overflow consists of clean toilet water, it's not a major hazard–although you do want to dry out your bathroom to avoid mold growth. If, on the other hand, your toilet is overflowing with sewage, it's time to call a plumber.

Is it bad to keep flushing a clogged toilet?

Stop Flushing!

The clog will prevent the water from going down the drain, meaning it will overflow the toilet and get all over the floor. This can create a much bigger (and must smellier) mess. You should never flush a clogged toilet more than once.

I BET YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO USE A PLUNGER | Plumbing Basics

Why won't my toilet unclog with a plunger?

You may just be using it incorrectly. Do this: Next time you have a clog, use your plunger like this: Ensure the flange lip is unfolded. Get a good seal on the toilet drain (that is, make sure you're covering the entire drain or you won't have enough pressure to loosen the clog.)

How many times do you have to flush a toilet to unclog it?

Then pull up sharply to disturb the clog and loosen it. Continue vigorously pushing and pulling until the water begins to drain. It may take 15 to 20 cycles before the toilet unclogs. Be patient.

How do you unclog a toilet when the plunger doesn't work?

If plunging the toilet doesn't work, here are seven ways to fix a clogged toilet.
  1. Drain snake. If the plunger isn't working, your next best option is to use a drain snake. ...
  2. Boiling Water. ...
  3. Chemical Drain Cleaners. ...
  4. Baking Soda Mixture. ...
  5. Vinegar Mixture. ...
  6. Squirt Gun Drainer. ...
  7. Call a Plumber.

What is an alternative to plunging a toilet?

Combine Vinegar and Baking Soda

Add a cup of baking soda to your bowl. Slowly pour the vinegar into the toilet until you get a fizzy chemical reaction. The fizz will hopefully disintegrate and nudge the clog through the pipe.

Is it better to plunge a toilet fast or slow?

Start slow and add force as needed. Several gentle pumps will usually work better than a couple of hard pushes. If your blockage is going to come out, it should happen in less than 10 minutes.

Do you have to turn the water off to plunge a toilet?

Take the lid off the tank, and push the flapper down to stop more water from entering the bowl. Then turn off the water supply located behind the toilet, at the bottom.

What is the last resort for unclogging a toilet?

Bleach or chemical drain cleaner.

For those tough clogs that seem like they are impossible to solve, you could try to use harsher chemicals, like bleach or a store-bought toilet drain cleaner. The chemicals contained in these can be harmful to yourself and your pipes, so only use them as a last resort.

What is the quickest way to unclog a toilet?

We recommend you add a cup of baking soda to your blocked toilet and wait for some minutes. Next, pour two cups of vinegar slowly into the toilet. Vinegar and baking soda will typically react to form bubbles, so ensure you pour carefully and slowly to prevent the toilet water from overflowing or splashing.

How do you know when to stop plunging?

Check water level in toilet bowl

After plunging for thirty seconds, quickly break the seal and remove the plunger. Listen for a gurgling sound from the drain (a good sign) and check the water level in the toilet bowl. If nearly all the water drained from the bowl, then you've probably cleared the clog.

Why do my toilets keep clogging?

Toilets can develop drain clogs for any one of several basic reasons, usually involving partial or complete obstruction in one of the various parts of the drain system: the toilet trap, the branch drain line, the vent pipe, or the main sewer line.

Can a plunger make a toilet clog worse?

Attempting to force a clog through a toilet with a plunger can often make the problem worse. Instead, create a seal and slowly push down on the plunger before pulling it back sharply. The suction can help pull the clog back up toward the bowl, breaking the blockage and allowing gravity to take over.

Will a toilet unclog itself overnight?

Will a toilet eventually unclog itself? It sure would be nice, but it's fairly rare for a toilet's clog to clear up after a few hours. It can happen, but only in select circumstances.

What is the best chemical to unclog a toilet?

One and only one Drano product

There is only one Drano® product recommended for use in slow-running toilets: Drano® Max Build-Up Remover. It contains microorganisms that break down organic matter in pipes that can slow water flow. (However, it will not open a completely clogged toilet.

How long should it take to plunge a toilet?

Grip your plunger's handle. Then, take the plunger, place it securely over the drain opening, and push up and down forcefully for about 10 to 20 seconds. You're creating firm compression and suction to loosen the clog. The force of the water and air in the toilet should be enough to clear it up.

Can plunging a toilet cause damage?

Plunging down too hard

A hard thrust downward can break the wax seal between the toilet and the floor, causing a leak. And a really hard thrust could even crack the bowl. The proper toilet plunging technique: Place the plunger in the toilet bowl so that water is covering the lips of the plunger.

Is it safe to pour boiling water down toilet?

Pour Hot Water into the Toilet

If you need to heat some in the microwave or the stovetop, you don't want it to reach boiling temperatures. Boiling water can cause toilet porcelain to crack. Allow the hot fluid to sit in the toilet for a few minutes to loosen the clog.

Should you snake or plunge a toilet?

Many clogs can be solved by using a toilet plunger, but some more severe clogs will require a special tool called a drain snake to get the job done. A drain snake, also called an auger, is a long, flexible cable that winds down into drains and works to dislodge stubborn clogs.

Will dish soap unclog a toilet?

As it turns out, you can actually unclog a toilet with dish soap instead of turning to a harsh, toxic bowl cleaner. Just as natural dish soap helps break down dirt, grease, and food that may be stuck on dishes and utensils, it can help break down what's in your toilet bowl.

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