How many pumps does it take to unclog a toilet?

Author: Newton Jast  |  Last update: Monday, October 16, 2023

First, make sure that the plunger cup keeps a tight seal around the toilet drain. Next, start quickly plunging up and down. The entire process can vary in length, so don't give up. It might take upwards of 20 plunges to completely loosen and dislodge the clog.

How many times does it take to unclog a toilet?

Pump the plunger over the hole.

It may take 15 to 20 cycles before the toilet unclogs. Be patient. As long as you don't have a hard object (like a kid's toy) stuck in there, plunging alone often suffices. It might not work immediately but will often work after a few dozen plunge cycles.

How many plunges does it take to unclog a toilet?

Maintain a seal and plunge up and down rapidly, keeping the plunger under the water level and lifting it only an inch or so on every upstroke. Be patient, as it may take multiple plunge cycles, of a dozen plunges per cycle, to loosen the clog. Flush to see if the clog has cleared. If not, repeat.

Will a clogged toilet unclog over time?

When a toilet has a clog made of water-soluble materials, it has a chance of slowly dissolving in the water and freeing up the toilet to work properly again. So, clogs that are primarily made of toilet paper can clear themselves.

Why won't my toilet unclog with a plunger?

You may just be using it incorrectly. Do this: Next time you have a clog, use your plunger like this: Ensure the flange lip is unfolded. Get a good seal on the toilet drain (that is, make sure you're covering the entire drain or you won't have enough pressure to loosen the clog.)

Put aluminum foil in your toilet…and THIS will Happen! (Dollar Tree Trick)

What is the best liquid to unclog toilet?

The answer might surprise you: dish soap. Yes, that's right. Dish soap can be your savior when it comes to unclogging toilets quickly and efficiently. Simply pour some dish soap into the clogged toilet bowl and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.

How long can you leave a clogged toilet?

Is it okay to leave a clogged toilet overnight? In most cases, you can leave a clogged toilet overnight. However, calling an emergency plumber near you might be warranted if water starts leaking from the pipes. A simple clog likely won't cause this, but an inexperienced homeowner messing with the plumbing could.

What not to do with a clogged toilet?

So here are the top 3 ways people damage their toilet when trying to unclog it.
  1. Using chemical drain cleaners (like Drano) Most chemical drain cleaners clear your drain by breaking down the clog with a chemical reaction. ...
  2. Plunging down too hard. ...
  3. Using the wrong plumber's snake.

Should I turn water off for clogged toilet?

First, shut off the water supply to the toilet. To do so, find the valve mounted on the wall behind the toilet. Turn it until the water flow stops. If you can't find the water shut-off valve, lift the top of the tank and lift the float ball high enough to stop the flow.

Can I put Drano in a clogged toilet?

You can use Drano® Clog Removers to unclog a kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower or clogged bathtub, but DO NOT use them in toilets. For clogged or slow-running drains, apply the product and let it work 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. For tough problems, allow 30 minutes before flushing.

What is the quickest way to unclog a toilet?

We recommend you add a cup of baking soda to your blocked toilet and wait for some minutes. Next, pour two cups of vinegar slowly into the toilet. Vinegar and baking soda will typically react to form bubbles, so ensure you pour carefully and slowly to prevent the toilet water from overflowing or splashing.

Can a plunger make a toilet clog worse?

Attempting to force a clog through a toilet with a plunger can often make the problem worse. Instead, create a seal and slowly push down on the plunger before pulling it back sharply. The suction can help pull the clog back up toward the bowl, breaking the blockage and allowing gravity to take over.

Why has my toilet been clogged for days?

Toilets can develop drain clogs for any one of several basic reasons, usually involving partial or complete obstruction in one of the various parts of the drain system: the toilet trap, the branch drain line, the vent pipe, or the main sewer line.

Can bleach unclog a toilet?

Bleach is an effective way to deal with blocked toilet drains as it is a dilute solution of sodium hypochlorite and also contains a high chlorine concentration. Using bleach by itself or mixing it with boiling water are effective ways to unclog a toilet.

How long does it take for Drano to work on a toilet?

Drano® Liquid Drain Cleaner starts working to unclog your drain on contact. After 15 to 30 minutes, clogs are substantially minimized or dissolved. A final blast of hot water flushes away what's left of the clog.

When should I call a plumber for a clogged toilet?

So, read on to learn about your DIY options and when it's a must to call the pros.
  1. A Foreign Object Caused the Clog.
  2. You Dropped Something Valuable.
  3. DIY Plunging Doesn't Work.
  4. DIY Toilet Snaking Doesn't Work.
  5. More Than One Clogged Toilet.
  6. You Also Have Clogged Drains.
  7. Toilet Backs up Into the Shower.

How do you clear a main sewer line clog yourself?

High Water Pressure with Baking Soda and Vinegar

To do this, use a 2:1 ratio of vinegar to baking soda, and mix it into 60 gallons of water. As you pour the water down the drain, use a drain snake or plunger to dislodge debris that is blocking water flow.

Can you use liquid plumber to unclog toilet?

Can I use Liquid-Plumr® Clog Destroyer Plus+ Hair Clog Eliminator in my toilet? We do not recommend using this clog remover in toilets. It is not formulated to remove the waste that may be clogging your commode.

Can I mix vinegar and baking soda in toilet?

Add baking soda to the mix

Pour one cup of baking soda into the bowl and add two more cups of vinegar; the mix will start to fizz. Leave it like that for ten minutes without flushing.

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