The only form of Drano® product recommended for use in a slow toilet is Drano® Max Build-Up Remover. When used according to label directions, the microorganisms in this product will break down toilet paper and organic matter in pipes, which can slow water flow. (This product will NOT open a completely clogged toilet.)
Vinegar and Baking Soda
Carefully add two cups of vinegar to initiate a chemical reaction with the baking soda. Wait for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the reaction to break down the clog, and then give the toilet a flush.
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.
Drano is a top-rated product that has proven its effectiveness in clearing clogs in toilets and other plumbing fixtures.
The only form of Drano® product recommended for use in a slow toilet is Drano® Max Build-Up Remover. When used according to label directions, the microorganisms in this product will break down toilet paper and organic matter in pipes, which can slow water flow. (This product will NOT open a completely clogged toilet.)
Substances like toilet paper and fecal matter will eventually dissolve within the toilet drain and clear the clog organically. However, blockages made from insoluble materials won't resolve on their own and typically require you to fix the clog manually or contact a professional before they worsen.
A very good method of unclogging a toilet without the need for a plunger is to use dishwashing liquid, especially if the obstruction is only partially blocked or results from grease or organic waste.
While results vary, most standard toilet paper dissolves within a few minutes to a few hours. However, thick, quilted, or ultra-soft varieties take longer to break down, which can cause problems if too much is flushed at once.
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.
Dissolve the paper in water.
Other household items you may add to the liquid solution include vinegar, boiling hot lemon juice, and even bleach, which does require caution. After soaking, the paper should become a wad of crumbled material as it dries.
RID-X® contains cellulase enzymes, the only enzyme that can digest paper.
Toilet Augers: For Tougher Clogs
This tool can reach deeper into the toilet to break up or pull out the clog.
Mr Muscle Drain Gel is not recommended for use in toilets because the powerful chemicals in the gel can damage the porcelain and the flush mechanism, leading to costly repairs. Instead of risking damage, consider using a plunger or a plumbing snake to clear toilet blockages.
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.
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.
One very low tech method to unclog a toilet is to use a white wine vinegar and baking soda solution, as the chemical reaction can help dissolve the waste. We will explore this and other techniques in a bit more detail shortly…
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.
Start by using a plunger gently to try to push the tissue through. Avoid flushing repeatedly as this can cause the toilet to overflow.
Leaving a toilet clogged overnight is not advisable for several reasons. First, it can cause unpleasant odors and unsanitary conditions in your bathroom. The longer the clog sits in the toilet, the more bacteria will grow, and the smell will become increasingly unbearable.
Additionally, letting a clogged toilet sit for a long time makes it more likely that more buildup, debris, and waste will accumulate around the blockage. That also leads to more serious clogs stubborn enough to require professional plumbing services.