Plunger. While this tool might appear basic, it remains the best way of unclogging a toilet. We recommend all households to have this tool and preferably one with a flange because they work best to unblock toilets.
Ideally, no more than five or 10 minutes. One plumber told us that if plunging goes on any longer, it's time to try a toilet snake or call an expert.
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.
Step One: Do Not Keep Flushing
While it's true that sometimes all a clog needs to get moving is an extra flush, a person who flushes a clogged toilet runs the risk of the toilet overflowing. Wait until the clog is loose to attempt flushing.
Then pull up sharply to disturb the clog and loosen it. Continue vigorously pushing and pulling until the water begins to drain. It may take 15 to 20 cycles before the toilet unclogs. Be patient.
When it comes to unblocking a toilet or a sink, if you know that the obstruction is not a solid object, then you can use baking soda and vinegar as an easy, cheap and fast solution to your troubles. The mixture works best to unblock clogs caused by too much waste.
Unfortunately, the pressure from a plunger probably won't break up a shower drain clog. Instead, it will only send the material deeper down the drain pipe completely intact. The clog still exists, but now it's even deeper into your plumbing system, causing your shower to drain slowly or not drain at all.
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.
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.
You might want to see if the clog works itself out in time. If you have another toilet you can use, let the clogged one set overnight. The water pressure that builds up in the bowl might actually cause the toilet to unclog itself. After a day's wait, flush the toilet again.
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.
Leaving a clog unattended can lead to increased pressure inside pipes, which can then crack or burst. This is a messy and often expensive problem that can cause significant damage to your plumbing and home.
Take note that if you plan to use a chemical for unclogging drains that you don't use a plunger (as noted on the warnings on the bottle). A plunger could splash around the toxic chemical and cause harm to you. If you unclog a sink drain, tub, or shower, make sure to cover the overflow drain if one is present.
When you are using a baking soda and vinegar solution to clean out your drain, you are actually causing the rubber and plastic that are used for the drain's pipes to be eaten away by the mixture. Over time, this rubber and plastic will break down, causing the drain to become even more blocked.
Professional Plumbing Tools 101: Drain Augers
Also known as drain snakes, there are several different versions of drain augers that most plumbers will carry with them at all times. In essence, it's a basic tool, but an auger is best for tough drain clogs that just won't budge and for cleaning out drains, too.
Next, we'd recommend you try turning off the toilet's water, flushing it, and then adding hot water to the bowl. Let the hot water sit for a few minutes, and then flush it again. If your toilet still isn't flushing completely after this, there may be a clog deeper in the pipes.
Baking soda and vinegar can serve as a natural solution to unclog and clean a stinky drain.
Auger: An auger is one of a professional plumber's best tools. Also known as a plumbing snake. This flexible tool can wind its way through any drain to reach the blockage. It is used in both bathrooms and kitchens.
By Clog Size and Severity
A simple clog can cost about $100 to $150 to fix. In contrast, more difficult clogs that require additional equipment and labor can cost as much as $500.
You can also pour vinegar down the drain on its own.
Pour about 1 cup of vinegar down your drain and let it sit for 30-40 minutes.
Preventative Maintenance
Pouring bleach into the drain when the unit is not operating can leave residual bleach, which will damage the drain pan and line. Using vinegar for preventative maintenance throughout the year will keep your drain clean and clear and will not damage your line.