Substances like toilet paper and fecal matter will eventually dissolve within the toilet drain and clear the clog organically. However, blockages made from insoluble materials won't resolve on their own and typically require you to fix the clog manually or contact a professional before they worsen.
Pour in boiling water.
The high heat will help soften compacted paper and flush small pieces away. Repeat using smaller amounts of boiling water if needed. Do not lean over the toilet during this.
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.
Yes, a toilet can unclog itself over time, but it depends on what is causing the blockage. If the clog is made up of water-soluble materials, like toilet paper or fecal matter, then eventually they will begin dissolving if you give them enough time.
Additionally, letting a clogged toilet sit for a long time makes it more likely that more buildup, debris, and waste will accumulate around the blockage. That also leads to more serious clogs stubborn enough to require professional plumbing services.
DO NOT: Take the flush-and-a-prayer method of flushing again – and again - until the blockage breaks up. Chances are this could lead to overflow. DO: If water is already rising, lift the tank lid and carefully use the rubber floater to block water from filling the hole at the bottom.
Dangers of Waiting Too Long
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. This could lead to an unusable bathroom and potentially costly repairs.
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.
You need water, not air, pressure to loosen the clog. If your toilet lacks water, pour in enough water till the plunger is covered. Use a gentle plunge initially since a hard one will force air back around the seal, blowing water all over you and your bathroom floor.
If your snake isn't unclogging your drains, it could be because the thumbscrew is loose, the clog is too severe, or the auger is dirty. Or maybe you just need a refresher on how to use a drain snake.
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.
The national average cost to unclog a toilet is $200 to $700, with most people spending about $350 for a plumber to use an electric auger to clear the toilet drain clog and test the system. This project's low cost is $100 for a simple drain snaking or professional chemical treatment by a plumber.
Solution 2: Vinegar and Baking Soda
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.
Microorganisms living in the nutrient-rich environment of sewers, can feast on biodegradable materials like toilet tissue. These microorganisms play a significant role in decomposing the tissue.
Run your plunger under the hot tap first to soften the rubber - this will make the plunger more effective. Place the rubber end of the plunger firmly over the toilet bowl to create a vacuum. Once in place, grip the handle and plunge vigorously, taking care not to splash any water on yourself or the floor.
That also means you need to sanitize the area around your toilet. So, is it okay to leave a toilet clogged overnight? No, because you risk the clog escalating into a worse problem.
Align the rubber cup of a toilet plunger over the centre of the hole of the toilet bowl. Apply downward pressure slowly at first, gradually increasing the speed and intensity. If a clog has caused the overflow, a plunger will dislodge the mass and allow water to escape through the plumbing.
Substances like toilet paper and fecal matter will eventually dissolve within the toilet drain and clear the clog organically. However, blockages made from insoluble materials won't resolve on their own and typically require you to fix the clog manually or contact a professional before they worsen.
One very low tech method to unclog a toilet is to use a white wine vinegar and baking soda solution, as the chemical reaction can help dissolve the waste. We will explore this and other techniques in a bit more detail shortly…
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.
Use a Plumbing Snake
A plumbing snake, also known as a drain auger, is a flexible tool used to dislodge clogs that are deeper in the pipes. Insert the snake into the toilet drain and gently push it in while turning the handle. The snake should catch onto the clog, allowing you to pull it out or break it up.
Drano for toilets is a popular choice for many homeowners when dealing with stubborn clogs. This powerful product has been a trusted solution for many years, effectively breaking down and dislodging blockages that can cause significant inconvenience and potential damage in the bathroom.
Generally speaking, the answer is no, you cannot dissolve plastic toys that found their way into your toilet bowl. You can instead loosen the area around them to get the toys back up or send them down, but you will not fully dissolve them.