Why won't my toilet unclog with a plunger?

Author: Jaycee Sauer  |  Last update: Sunday, August 6, 2023

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.)

What to do if your toilet won't unclog with plunger?

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.

Can a plunger make a toilet clog worse?

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 good to let a clogged toilet sit?

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 bad to let a clogged toilet sit?

The longer you leave a clog, the more opportunities there are for the clog to get worse. The most water-soluble parts of the clog will dissolve, and the rest will fill in the gaps, making the clog worse. There is also the possibility that human error could come into play.

Unclog toilet with a plastic bottle (with no plunger)

How do you unclog a toilet when nothing else works?

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.

What is the best liquid to unclog toilet?

The answer might surprise you: dish soap. Yes, that's right. Dish soap can be your savior when it comes to unclogging toilets quickly and efficiently. Simply pour some dish soap into the clogged toilet bowl and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.

Is there anything you can put in a toilet to unclog it?

Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar have the power to cut through grime for ordinary cleaning and also can tackle clogs that are out of sight. Measure one cup of baking soda and pour it into the toilet. Then, pour two cups of white vinegar onto the baking soda to create a chemical reaction that fizzes.

What do plumbers do with clogged toilets?

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.

What is the quickest way to unblock a toilet?

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.

How long does a blocked toilet take to unblock?

Start by slowly and firmly pushing down to create a seal and then pulling up sharply to dislodge the obstruction. When you pick up the pace, you will notice the water starting to drain. It usually takes at least 15 minutes to unclog a toilet. When draining, some water may dislodge and push forward the blockage.

Can you plunge a blocked toilet?

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.

When should you not plunge a toilet?

Sometimes clogs cause a toilet to slowly drain its bowl. You cannot plunge a toilet that is empty, so if there is no standing water, use a cup to fill the toilet with water from your sink. If the toilet is empty, take the opportunity to use hot (but not boiling) water, as high temperatures can help clear clogs.

Will a clogged toilet go down overnight?

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.

Can plunging a toilet damage the pipes?

Don't use excessive force when plunging a clog. Also, keep in mind that you shouldn't use too much pressure because it can damage the drain line connection, which will lead to further problems eventually.

How long should you plunge a clogged toilet?

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.

What is the strongest thing to unclog a toilet?

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.

Can you make a clog worse?

When you have a clogged drain you might be tempted to fix the problem yourself before calling a professional. Improperly unclogging a pipe can cause damage, make the clog worse, or be potentially dangerous.

What do plumbers do with clogged toilets?

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.

Why is my toilet slow to flush after plunging?

Baking Soda And Hot Water

Pour about half of a cup of baking soda down the drain and then follow up with a pot of boiling water. Let it sit for an hour or two before you try flushing again. It might take several attempts, but this method has been known to work really well in unclogging slow draining toilets.

Does pouring water down a toilet unblock it?

Pouring hot water in is the simplest way to unblock a toilet, especially if the blockage is only partial. Before you start, make sure that the water level inside the toilet bowl is low. If needed, transfer excess water into a bucket and dispose of it through an external drain.

What will dissolve a blocked toilet?

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.

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