The simplest unclogging method is a plunger, which will clear up a clog within a few pumps. Place the plunger in your toilet and gently push it to form a seal. Once you've removed all the air from the toilet bowl, begin pumping the plunger up and down. After a few pumps, remove the plunger.
If the toilet is filled to the brim, you will need to remove some of the water first. Pour a gallon of hot water into the bowl and let it sit. Boiling water can risk breaking the porcelain, but an influx of hot water is an effective first step to disintegrate and dislodge the blockage. Try to flush out the blockage.
Start with a plunger to address any potential clogs, and if that doesn't work, check the tank's flapper valve, float, or fill valve for any issues and make necessary adjustments or replacements.
High Filler Float: A high filter float can cause the tank to overfill. The float controls the tank's water level. If it is set too high, the water will continue to fill past the proper level, eventually spilling into the overflow tube. Faulty Fill Valve: A faulty fill valve can cause the tank to fill too much.
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.
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.
Will a toilet eventually unblock? Depending on the type of blockage a toilet can eventually unclog itself. Toilet paper may start to break down as the toilet is flushed.
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.
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.
Align the rubber cup of a toilet plunger over the centre of the hole of the toilet bowl. Apply downward pressure slowly at first, gradually increasing the speed and intensity. If a clog has caused the overflow, a plunger will dislodge the mass and allow water to escape through the plumbing.
If the drain is clogged with something (too much toilet paper, non-flushable items, waste, etc.), flushing the toilet will overflow inside the toilet bowl.
Check your water levels
Low water levels in your tank are common causes of toilets filling up with water when flushed. They can also cause slow-draining toilets. You can manually top up your tank with water to help the flush. Then, check the flush tube for cracks and bends that lead to leaks.
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.
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.
One common question people ask is, “Can plunging make a clog worse?” The short answer is yes, but only if you're not using toilet plungers correctly. Using too much force or plunging too vigorously can push the clog further down the drain, making it harder to remove.
Close the Flapper: Open the tank and look for a rubber circle over a drain. It's attached to a metal lever or chain that moves it when you flush. Physically push the flapper closed to create a seal that stops water from going into the bowl.
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.
Adjust the Roller Clamp by pushing down and rolling the pin forward. Engaging the Rolling Clamp restricts the flow of water to the bowl. Repeat this action until the toilet bowl fills to your pencil mark at approximately the same time the tank water turns off.
Take the lid off the toilet bowl and see what kind of float you have. If it's a ball with a metal arm, then check the ball to see if it's corroded or cracked. If so, you'll need to replace it.