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.
Boiling water can help to dissolve the clog and free up the pipes. To use this method, bring a pot of water to a boil and pour it into the toilet. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then flush the toilet. If the clog is still there, repeat this process until it's gone.
Clear a Clogged Toilet
A clog is the most common reason for a toilet that doesn't flush. Clogs can range in severity, from a complete blockage to a partial obstruction. Wipes, toilet paper and other items can build up in sewer lines, which could result in slow flushing that doesn't completely clear the bowl.
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.
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.
Waiting to deal with your toilet's clog for a few hours can be harmless. But, waiting longer than that can cause some issues that you probably want to avoid, including: Overflows: Some toilets have small leaks that run all of the time.
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.
Plunge Out the Water
After shutting off the water supply valve, place the flange of a toilet plunger (also called a closet plunger) firmly into the drain hole in the bottom of the toilet bowl. Plunge with an up-and-down motion to get most of the water out of the bowl. This should force out any clog into the drain.
Stop Flushing!
If your toilet doesn't flush properly the first time, the last thing you want to do is try flushing again. The clog will prevent the water from going down the drain, meaning it will overflow the toilet and get all over the floor. This can create a much bigger (and must smellier) mess.
If water is rising in the bowl immediately after you've already flushed, that means a clog is blocking the water from moving through the toilet drain. If you flush again, there will be even more water that's unable to make it past the clog, and you'll end up with even more flooding from the toilet bowl.
How to Unclog a Toilet With a Plunger. After the water is turned off, try using a conventional plunger to unclog the toilet. Be sure the water covers the cup of the plunger; if it doesn't, you may need to manually control the flapper until enough water enters the bowl.
Place the plunger over the hole in the 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.
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.)
You may have a first-generation, low flow design. The low flow design was created to help homeowners save on water, but the earliest models ended up lacking the necessary pressure to properly clear the internal trap and drain. In other words, this means that it can continuously become clogged if you aren't careful.
Dish soap is an excellent choice for unclogging your toilet because it can break down grease and grime, which are often the culprits behind blocked drains. To use dish soap for unclogging your toilet, start by pouring a generous amount of it into the bowl. Then add some hot water to increase its effectiveness.
Coke and Pepsi are loaded with phosphoric acid, which breaks down the buildup that can clog your drains! Phosphoric acid can even remove lime scale and another tough buildup that regular cleaners struggle with. This is an effective and refreshing home remedy if we ever saw one!
Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is a strong acid that is commonly used to dissolve clogs in drains. This acid works by breaking down organic materials such as hair, grease, and soap scum that can accumulate in pipes and cause blockages.
If the clog still seems to be intact, start over at step 1 and repeat the process a couple of times. For extra-stubborn clogs, you can let the fizz mixture sit overnight or combine this method with plunging.
Using too much toilet paper
This is probably the most common reason toilets get clogged — and often the easiest to deal with. If we're honest, most of us are probably guilty of this one. If you're one of the many people who use a lot of toilet paper when you use the bathroom, here are a few tips!
Will a toilet eventually unclog itself? It sure would be nice, but it's fairly rare for a toilet's clog to clear up after a few hours. It can happen, but only in select circumstances.