Water closet clogs are a common issue that is often easy to solve with a plunger. It is a frustrating issue when the water closet 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 water closet quickly and efficiently.
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What are the causes of water closet clogs?
Water closet 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 water closet: unclog it fast
Water closet clogs are one of the most common issues that homeowners face. It is a frustrating issue when the water closet 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 water closet. If you have a sewage tank, you have to check if it is full as this can cause problems with your water closet 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 water closet. 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 water closet as something is stuck inside of it. While you can do this yourself, it is important that you get the water closet 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 water closet. 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 water closet when nothing works: advanced systems
When you have a water closet 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 water closet 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 water closet yourself, it is a good idea to call a professional for help.
Water closets shouldn’t clog often. If you notice that a lot of problems occur in a short period of time, it can be a good idea to get it examined by a professional plumber.
In most cases, clogs can be resolved in a few hours. Having the right equipment (such as a plunger or toilet drain snake) can help a lot. In some cases, this can take more work as the drains have to be repaired.
If you notice that a water closet is clogging up, it is important that you check what is going on. It can indicate that there is a leak or other problem that can cause more damage to your house.
Water closets are used often so it is essential that they work properly. In this post, we have outlined some ways in which you can fix them. These problems are generally quite easy to fix. If needed, you can rent equipment in your local hardware store to unclog the drain.
