You cannot plunge a toilet that is empty, so if there is no standing water, use a cup to fill the toilet with water from your sink. If the toilet is empty, take the opportunity to use hot (but not boiling) water, as high temperatures can help clear clogs.
Break Up the Clog With Hot Water or Drain Cleaner
Pour the hot water into your toilet and let it remain there for a few minutes to see if it loosens your blockage. You'll know the hot water is working if you see the water begin to recede. After that, give your toilet a couple of flushes to further break apart the clog.
Pour half a cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl. Then, heat 2-3 litres of water in a saucepan. Before the water boils, add half a cup of white vinegar to the pan. Pour the vinegar and water mix into the toilet bowl and close the lid.
So, let's recap the common reasons why a toilet won't unclog — excessive toilet paper use, non-flushable solids, hard water, and clogs in the main sewer line. Thankfully, they can be prevented via methods like double-flushing, covering the toilet bowl, routine inspections and dealing with tree roots.
Clogs consisting of degradable materials like waste and toilet paper could clear on their own over time. These substances break down within water and don't always require you to take action to eliminate blockages. However, non-degradable clogs won't resolve on their own and can lead to other serious issues.
Baking Soda And Vinegar
Instead of creating a volcano, this vinegar and baking soda mixture will work together to loosen up the clog in almost no time. We suggest wearing rubber gloves for this. As this method creates a pretty chemical reaction, it is recommended that you use it in a toilet bowl that is not too full.
The Short Answer Is: A toilet can repeatedly clog due to several reasons, including inadequate flushing power, an obstructed trap or drainpipe, or an accumulation of non-flushable materials like toilet paper, hygiene products, or foreign objects.
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.
Hot Water and Dish Soap
Wait for 10-15 minutes while the dish soap and hot water soften the clog. Once you do so, the toilet will unclog and flush freely. Alternatively, you could use hot water and shampoo from the sink if you wish to clear your toilet without leaving your bathroom.
If the blockage is a build-up of tissue paper, pour 3-4 cups of hot (not boiling) water from waist height into the toilet bowl. Give the hot water around 20 minutes to breakdown the blockage.
Shut off the water supply valve. Place the flange of a toilet plunger firmly into the drain hole in the bottom of the toilet bowl. Plunge with an up-and-down motion to remove most water from the bowl. This should also force out any clog.
To unblock your toilet with baking soda, mix it with white vinegar and water to start a chemical reaction and create a powerful, natural cleaning agent. A baking soda-vinegar mix can clean and descale pipes as well as remove soap residue, making it an all-round bathroom cleaner.
If not addressed, a clogged toilet can lead to leaks or overflow, causing water damage to your home. If you see water seeping from the base of your toilet, it's time to call a professional. 4. How often should I have my sewer line inspected or cleaned?
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.
Just add a bit of dish soap around the hole in the toilet. Add some hot water and let sit for about 20 minutes. Then flush. The soap and hot water should lubricate the clog enough to clear it.
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.
DIY drano bomb: Mix two cups of baking soda, eight to ten tablespoons of dish detergent, and a quarter cup of Epsom salt. Let this mixture sit and harden overnight. Drop one of these “bombs” into the toilet bowl along with four cups of water. Wait 30 minutes, then flush.
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.
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.
Will Toilet Paper Dissolve in a Clogged Toilet? It depends on how severe the clog is and the condition of your toilet and drain. Damage or debris buildup in your toilet or drain can prevent the clog from properly dissolving.