You may know how to plunge a toilet, but when that doesn't work, use a toilet auger. Also called a
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.
Plungers are the go-to tool when it comes to plumbing and blocked toilets. These easy-to-use and effective tools can be used to unblock all kinds of toilet waste pipes.
To clear a toilet clog, the auger is inserted into toilet and twisted by hand, or by machine, to help break up the obstruction. Typically, an auger or drain snake would be used if a plunger is not resolving the clog.
Compared to a toilet snake, an auger is stiffer, with enough flexibility to make it past the first bend in a toilet's waste inlet and reach the second bend at the top of the trap. Because it's so burly, it's an excellent tool for clearing obstructions near the waste inlet. You might be surprised what you find there.
You will want to make sure you get the right size auger for snaking your drain. Using the incorrect one could cause the snake to loop back on itself and scrape the insides of the drain. This could lead to coercion, leaks, and could end up causing damage to an extent that requires replacement of the piping.
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 is a top-rated product that has proven its effectiveness in clearing clogs in toilets and other plumbing fixtures.
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.
Mr Muscle Drain Gel is not recommended for use in toilets because the powerful chemicals in the gel can damage the porcelain and the flush mechanism, leading to costly repairs. Instead of risking damage, consider using a plunger or a plumbing snake to clear toilet blockages.
Baking soda and vinegar
As soon as the mixture starts to fizz in the cup, pour it down the toilet and let it work on the blockage for about five minutes. If a subsequent flush doesn't clear the toilet, try repeating again with more baking soda.
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.
General's professional three-foot Flexicore Closet Auger (Cat # 3FL) is the ideal tool for breaking up stoppages or removing lost objects in clogged toilet bowls. The durable double layer Flexicore construction gives the snake tremendous resistance to kinking. The Flexicore closet auger works where plungers fail.
Toilet Augers: For Tougher Clogs
If the plunger doesn't work, plumbers might use a toilet auger, also known as a plumbing snake. This tool can reach deeper into the toilet to break up or pull out the clog.
The fizzing reaction and gas created may help loosen some small blockages. However, it is not typically strong enough to break down larger clogs or remove hard-to-reach debris. As a result of the above facts, if you have a serious drain clog, using baking soda and vinegar is unlikely to be effective.
Plumbers choose hydro jetting equipment for the most stubborn, deep-set clogs. This drain clearing tool uses high-pressure water to flush your pipes and remove years of buildup. The water jet is so strong that it can even break up any tree roots that have found their way into your sewer line.
You'll be pleased to know that a standard blockage, caused by flushing inappropriate materials or too much toilet roll, will unblock itself eventually. However, bear in mind that the problem will continue until you've had your drains jetted or rodded to remove any leftover obstructions.
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.
The 100-year-old company Drano is the Q-tip of drain cleaners — the brand most people think of first for tackling clogs. In our tests, we've been consistently impressed by the clearing power of Drano's gel formulation, which is safe for all plumbing and septic systems.
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.
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.