Toilet clogs are a common issue that is often easy to solve with a plunger. It is a frustrating issue when the toilet isn’t flushing properly, but more importantly, it can cause damage when water backs up into the home or office. Here’s a list of simple steps that can be taken to unclog any toilet quickly and efficiently.
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What are the causes of toilet clogs?
Toilet clogs can be caused by several different factors, including toilet paper, objects in the toilet (such as air refreshers), or a buildup of waste. Wet wipes are also a common issue as these can’t be flushed but a lot of people don’t realize this.
It is also possible that there is an issue further down the sewer system. For example, the city system can have a problem or there might be tree roots inside of your pipes. It is possible that they have to dig up the pipes and fix them. Sometimes water pressure (or a cutter) can be used to remove the clog further down the drain.
How to fix a clogged toilet: unclog it fast
Toilet clogs are one of the most common issues that homeowners face. It is a frustrating issue when the toilet isn’t flushing properly but it can be very dangerous when water backs up into the home or office. Let’s get it fixed!
Clear the bowl
Step 1: If you’re using too much toilet paper, try to remove the clog with your hands. Flushing multiple times in a row can work as well. You can fill the bowl with water and see if this water pressure pushes the clog away. You can also turn off the water if the toilet keeps running.
This is done by turning the small metal knob on the water line next to the toilet. If you have a sewage tank, you have to check if it is full as this can cause problems with your toilet as well.
Use a plunger or auger
Step 2: If this doesn’t work, take out a plunger. You might consider wearing rubber gloves while doing this. Having a bucket and some towels nearby is also a great idea. Fill the toilet with water after you have put the plunger in place.
This will add more pressure once the clog has been removed. You might need to use quite a lot of force. Also, try it multiple times before giving up.
Toilet plungers are different than sink plungers so make sure that you get the right one. Sometimes you can fold the plunger so that it works for both. Don’t apply too much pressure as this can break the toilet wax ring. If you notice that pushing a few times doesn’t work, you can try an auger and see if this works.
If that didn’t work, you can consider using a closet auger (see below). Wear gloves and goggles when you do this. This can push the clog further down your drains. Be careful when you do this as it can damage your drains if it is not done properly.
Furthermore, it can spray water out of the toilet. Most people shouldn’t do this. We have discussed how to use this here.
Jetting, snaking or calling a plumber
Step 3: If that didn’t work, you will probably have to call a plumber (we have discussed using a pressure washer below but this is a more advanced technique). In some instances, they will have to remove the toilet as something is stuck inside of it. While you can do this yourself, it is important that you get the toilet back in place (don’t forget the wax ring!) and it is possible that this won’t fix the problem.
If you are handy, you can use a water jet or a drain snake, we will discuss this below. This is not for everyone as you can damage your drains if you don’t use it correctly.
Plumbers have cameras that they can send into the toilet. This allows them to diagnose the problem. Once they know this, they can use water pressure or a cutter to remove the clog. Often this can be done in less than an hour.
In some instances, they might have to dig up the drain to fix it. Tree roots in the drain are a common problem.
How to unclog toilet when nothing works: advanced systems
When you have a toilet clogged in your home, it is important to try and fix the problem as quickly as possible. There are several types and qualities in plungers and tools.
Most people go for a cheap model but this might not be powerful enough. Therefore it is best to get a great plunger if you have a big clog. The following tools might work as well but are for people that are handy.
If you have tried using a plunger multiple times, and it didn’t work you can consider getting an attachment for your pressure washer. Be careful when you do this and wear goggles. You have to make sure that the backsplash doesn’t flood your room.
In some instances you will have to drill a hole in It is possible that this can push the clog away. Removing the toilet can work as well but there is no guarantee and reinstalling them is quite challenging.
Professionals have a camera that allows them to see what is going on. A common problem is tree roots in the drainage system.
You are not going to fix this without professional equipment. Tree roots can be incredibly strong and you need a lot of water pressure to get them away. These cameras have lights and a recording function. This makes it possible to share the images with other people.
A cutter or drain snake might be used as well. You can get snakes that are quite powerful, such as the one below. They can work on some clogs but you have to be careful as hard clogs can break it. This is why checking with a camera is a great idea.
Once again, you need protective equipment when you use this. There are also snakes that you can move by hand. They are not as powerful and might not be able to fix the issue. You can rent more powerful equipment in your local hardware store. This is the same gear that plumbers use. Read the instructions as it can break if you don’t use it properly. We have discussed this in detail here.
If you are unable to unclog the toilet yourself, it is a good idea to call a professional for help.
How to unclog a toilet with poop in it
If the toilet is clogged with poop, you can use a bucket and plastic shovel. Be careful to not damage the toilet. In most instances, plumbers are just going to take out their plunger and act as if the poop is not there.
In general, toilets can be unclogged quite easily, and then you can just flush the poop away. It is not fun to do this and it is recommended that you wear gloves and goggles when you do this as the poop can spray around.
You can just use the methods that we discussed before: use a plunger, auger or water pressure.
Some people argue that you can use bleach to unclog a toilet with poop but this is generally not the best approach.
This is part of being a plumber and there is not much that we can do about it. People often keep using the toilet after it has been clogged as they need to. It can take some time before you get there. It is a common occurrence and therefore you will just have to deal with it.
Every profession has its annoying tasks and this is one for plumbers. In most instances, it is possible to charge more for this so that you get compensated for the annoyance.
Avoid Toilets clogs: what not to flush
Toilets are intended for feces. You shouldn’t flush the following:
-Hair
-Cat litter
-(Food) Waste
-Cooking oil
-Soap
-Wet wipes, diapers, towels, or a lot of toilet paper at the same time
This will already avoid most clogs. Don’t plant trees nearby your drains as their roots can grow in your drains. It can be necessary to remove these with a water jet or to dig up the drains to replace them. This is very costly.
To conclude, we can state that a plunger is a magic solution to a lot of toilet clogs. It doesn’t fix everything but in about 75% of the cases, it gets the job done. Sometimes a plumber has to check what is going on with a camera.
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