Summary: Toilet clogs don't always require professional help. Before calling experts for help, you might want to try solving the problem yourself. The most common method for unclogging a toilet is to use a plunger—but other tools like toilet snakes and wet/dry vacuums can also be helpful.
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 plumber is qualified to fix a clogged toilet- maybe too qualified. If the problem is definitely a clogged drain and not a bigger plumbing failure, a drain cleaner like Roto-Rooter is cheaper.
Costs Associated With Unclogging A Toilet
Toilet unclogging projects can range anywhere from $85-$600, depending upon the overall extent of the clog. Basic cleanouts will only cost around $80-$150, but serious clogs may require more sophisticated drain cleaning technology that increases the average costs to $150-$300.
Usually toilets can be unplugged using a plunger. If you can try to add a bit of water to bring the water level up a bit. Take your plunger and push it to the bottom on the toilet where everything exits the toilet.
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.
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.
What to do if you can't unblock your toilet? If all else fails, it may be time to call the plumber.
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.
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.
Blocked toilets and clogged sewer lines are common, and we shouldn't be embarrassed to call a plumber to sort the mess out.
Fill a bucket with hot, but not quite boiling water and pour it directly into the drain. The combination of heat and pressure can sometimes be enough to clear minor blockages such as soap scum build-up.
A plumber can use professional-grade tools to clear the blockage and restore normal function. Faulty Float Mechanism: The float mechanism controls the water level in the toilet tank. If it malfunctions, it can cause the toilet to overflow. A plumber can repair or replace the float mechanism to prevent future overflows.
Drain snakes (or a toilet auger)are more handy tools for unclogging toilets than a standard toilet plunger. However, these tools are very specific and are used almost exclusively by plumbers. For a quick fix, you can make your drain snake at home using a wire coat hanger.
If your plunger can't break up the clog, it's unlikely that baking soda and dish soap are going to work. If, after five or so minutes, the plunger isn't working, it's time to call a plumber.
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.
The truth is that clogged toilets can sometimes be much more than inconveniences, and there are certain scenarios in which they qualify as a plumbing emergency. Although some DIY tricks can temporarily alleviate a clog, there are many other times when these methods simply won't cut it.
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.
For an easy clog, your plumber may get the job done in mere minutes. For a more stubborn or deep-seated clog, the process may take multiple hours. If you're dealing with a stubborn household clog, it may be time for you to enlist a professional plumbing company to come help.
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.
Pour a bucket of hot (but not boiling) water into the toilet bowl. Add a few tablespoons of dish soap to the water, says Mock. Let the hot water and soap sit so it has time to soften the clog; attempt to flush the toilet. Repeat the process as needed until the clog is cleared.
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.