Most homeowners have a flange plunger. Accordion plungers can also be used on a clogged toilet and are what most professional plumbers use. They tend to create more suction than a flange, so if a flange plunger is not working, a plumber may move onto an accordion plunger.
You may know how to plunge a toilet, but when that doesn't work, use a toilet auger. Also called a plumbing snake, this flexible coil of wire is designed to extend into pipes and clear obstructions without damaging the plumbing. Feed the end of the cable into the toilet, taking care not to scratch the bowl.
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.
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.
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.
Blocked toilets and clogged sewer lines are common, and we shouldn't be embarrassed to call a plumber to sort the mess out.
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.
A partially clogged toilet can sometimes be cleared just by using hot water. The pressure produced by the hot water helps to push material blockages away, while the heat works to dissolve any fat or grease that may also have built up. Before you begin, be sure to check that the water level is low.
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.
What to do if you can't unblock your toilet? If all else fails, it may be time to call the plumber.
If you find yourself flushing your toilet, and the bowl fills with water or nothing happens, it's most likely a simple fix clog. The most important thing you can do in this situation is don't flush a second time.
Don't Leave a Toilet Clogged Overnight — Take Action!
While it might not always lead to disaster, the potential for overflow, water damage, and bacterial growth makes it a gamble you don't want to take. Instead, try to address the issue as soon as possible.
While it's typically not disastrous to let a clogged toilet sit overnight, fixing the problem is recommended. Most water-soluble components will eventually dissolve; however, some residual items may remain, leading to blockages. Simply put, there are more opportunities for a clog to worsen the longer you ignore it.
If your snake isn't unclogging your drains, it could be because the thumbscrew is loose, the clog is too severe, or the auger is dirty. Or maybe you just need a refresher on how to use a drain snake.
Toilet paper overuse and flushing foreign items are common sources of toilet trap clogs. To eliminate a clogged toilet trap, use a flanged plunger in the toilet bowl to push clogged material and excess waste through the trap. For tough clogs, it may require the use of a toilet auger to break up the clog.
Pour 1 cup of baking soda and 2 cups of vinegar into your toilet. It will begin to fizz but this is okay. Let it sit for about 30 minutes and then try a test flush. DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Coat Hanger Drain Snake – Sometimes clogs are just too stuck for a liquid method to work.
Drano® Liquid Drain Cleaner, Drano® Dual-Force® Foamer Clog Remover, and Drano® Max Gel Clog Remover do not contain microorganisms. The trap configuration in toilets prevents these products from reaching areas where matter can accumulate and cause plumbing problems—so these products are ineffective in toilets.
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.
CostHelper readers report paying $95-$210 to have a toilet unclogged, at an average price of $164. In some cases clearing a toilet-only clog can cost $400-$650 or more depending on location, company and if it's an emergency call (evenings, weekends, holidays or immediate response).
Often referred to as a drain snake, a plumbing auger is a tool that consists of a long, flexible cable with a spiral shaped head that is used to clear blockages in pipes or drains. To clear a toilet clog, the auger is inserted into toilet and twisted by hand, or by machine, to help break up the obstruction.
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.