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.
For Harder Clogs, Use an Auger
If the plunger doesn't work, Rod says it's time to bust out a toilet auger. An auger is a cable-like device that you snake through the toilet hole to help loosen up a clog. You can find augers at most hardware stores. To use an auger, you simply snake the cable down the hole.
If your toilet isn't flushing all the way, it's most likely because of one of these problems: The water level in your toilet tank is set too low. Problems with your flapper. A clog in the toilet, flange or drain.
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.
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.
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.
Vinegar and Baking Soda Mixture
To start, completely dissolve one cup of baking soda in one cup of hot water. Pour the mixture into your blocked toilet and wait a couple of minutes. Then, pour two cups of vinegar into the toilet. Allow the vinegar and baking soda to react for at least 15 minutes.
A manual drain snake, also known as a plumber's snake or a drain auger, is a small boring tool that rotates slowly as it's physically pushed through a stubborn clog. The terminal end of the device is a corkscrew-shaped hook that is fed into a clogged drain or toilet.
Plunge-in well:
The plunging process needs to be down slowly; operating anything by force will ruin the bathroom with water. After the primary gentle plunge, forcing the air out they dig into plunging in and out strenuously, keeping the seal intact, for 15 to 20 times until most of the clogs are not unclogged.
Using a plunger is one of the most effective methods used for unblocking a toilet as it can unclog a wide variety of waste pipes.
Work the Plunger
The goal is to create rapidly alternating forces of compression and suction in the toilet drain to loosen the clog. If your pushing seems to be blowing out the side of the cup rather than down into the hole, you don't have a proper seal.
The toilet may have to be dismantled to get the clog, which is a difficult task for most people who are not trained in how to do it. If you have tried corrosive chemicals to remove the clog and it didn't work, it's also time to call a plumber for your clogged toilet.
Many people think that a forceful push into the plunger is what frees up the clog, but this can often worsen the problem. In fact, pushing the plunger in with enough force can even break the seal of the toilet gasket (the seal between the toilet and the floor where the plumbing exits).
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.
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.
Once you force out the air, plunge vigorously in and out, maintaining the seal. You'll be forcing water in both directions in the drain, which will effectively loosen most clogs. Stick with it, plunging 15 to 20 times if necessary.
Caustic soda is a nasty chemical that can burn, but it's very effective for unclogging toilets. To use this chemical, you need to get some rubber gloves and eye protection. You can pick the chemical from the local hardware or grocery stores. Pour a ¾ gallon of cold water into a bucket, and add 3 cups of caustic soda.
Break Up the Clog With Hot Water or Drain Cleaner
Pour the hot water into your toilet and let it remain there for a few minutes to see if it loosens your blockage. You'll know the hot water is working if you see the water begin to recede. After that, give your toilet a couple of flushes to further break apart the clog.
A manual drain snake, also known as a plumber's snake or a drain auger, is a small boring tool that rotates slowly as it's physically pushed through a stubborn clog. The terminal end of the device is a corkscrew-shaped hook that is fed into a clogged drain or toilet.
Plunge-in well:
The plunging process needs to be down slowly; operating anything by force will ruin the bathroom with water. After the primary gentle plunge, forcing the air out they dig into plunging in and out strenuously, keeping the seal intact, for 15 to 20 times until most of the clogs are not unclogged.
The auger or plumber's snake is a long, flexible tool that can be pushed into the toilet as far as the blockage.
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.