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.
That makes the clog harder to clear. 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.
Let the hot water sit in the toilet for 30 minutes. If after 30 minutes, your toilet is still not unclogged, flush the toilet. It is recommended to have the same bowl next to your toilet in the event the clog did not clear and your toilet starts to overflow. You can use the bowl to remove the water as it is filling up.
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.
Basically, don't flush a clogged toilet. Unclog it as soon as it gets clogged. DO NOT leave it for others.
It may take a few rounds of 15-20 good plunges before you see results. Flush to check that the toilet is once again draining normally.
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.
1. Don't Flush More Than Once. If you have already flushed the toilet, do NOT try flushing again! This could cause the water to overflow onto the floor and turn your little problem into a big one.
You might be using the plunger wrong
If the water level is low, the plunger may not seal properly or achieve the suction it needs to be effective. Pour water into the toilet if you need to. Position the plunger directly over the drain opening and plunge slowly and gently a few times. This ensures you have a good seal.
Throw a Bucket of Water into the Toilet Bowl
One of the simplest ways to manually flush your toilet is pouring a bucket of water into the toilet bowl. You'll just need a bucket containing a gallon or two of water. Older toilets may need 3-5 gallons of water to start the flushing cycle.
Plunging down too hard
A hard thrust downward can break the wax seal between the toilet and the floor, causing a leak. And a really hard thrust could even crack 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.
If you'll be calling a plumber a few hours from when it happens then you're probably safe, but if the problem will stay for as long as 5-12 hours then you're at risk of suffering some consequences.
Clogged Fill Valve
If the toilet is constantly running and the water cannot go down the drain, it could be a sign that there is debris in the fill valve. Toilet fill valves can clog because of human waste, which is not flushed properly or leaves behind residue on the 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.
Add 1/2 cup baking soda directly into the toilet bowl water surrounding the blocked toilet. Slowly pour 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar down the inside of the bowl to avoid splashes. Stand back as a fizzy foam reaction occurs, potentially breaking apart paper. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush it repeatedly.
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.
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 about half a cup of baking soda into your clogged toilet and wait for a few minutes. Then, carefully pour in two cups of vinegar. The reaction between the base (baking soda) and the acid (vinegar) should be apparent very quickly.
Drano for toilets is a popular choice for many homeowners when dealing with stubborn clogs. This powerful product has been a trusted solution for many years, effectively breaking down and dislodging blockages that can cause significant inconvenience and potential damage in the bathroom.
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.
Use Dishwashing Soap
Pour several squirts of dishwashing detergent down your toilet, and follow it up with some hot water. Wait for around 30 minutes to give the soap time to work, and then, flush your toilet. If the clog is severe, you can allow the dish soap to sit overnight before flushing the toilet.
Costs Associated With Unclogging A Toilet
Toilet unclogging projects can range anywhere from $85-$600, depending upon the overall extent of the clog. Basic cleanouts will only cost around $80-$150, but serious clogs may require more sophisticated drain cleaning technology that increases the average costs to $150-$300.