How to Fix a Clogged Toilet

How to Fix a Clogged Toilet? Know The Issues, Tools, And Methods

An obstructed toilet is perhaps one of the worst household problems that can be so exasperating to deal with. This gets disgusting when you have to fix a clogged toilet with poop. It might be that your toilet is overflowing late at night or a steady clog that has been growing increasingly worse over the past few days, but the ability to know how to unclog a toilet is a skill every tenant or homeowner should learn. 

Here, we have tried to create a step-by-step process of various aspects of the problem, including how to detect the cause of the blockage, its symptoms, how to fix it yourself, or by the hands of a toilet plumber, as well as the prevention tactics to be accomplished in the future.

What Causes A Clogged Toilet?

The clogging of toilets is known to run more than most people like to confess. They occur in old and new homes and can be slightly annoying as well as major problems in the plumbing. To fix and avoid a clog, one should understand what causes it.

Most Typical Reasons for Clogged Toilets:

Over-utilisation of toilet paper

The majority of the clogging is a result of excessive use of toilet paper in one flush. The paper can be biodegradable, but this will not quickly be changed before it clogs thereby in the older plumbing systems.

Non-Flushable Items

It turns out to be quite a common practice that baby wipes, cotton swabs, dental floss, tampons, or even kitchen towel rolls made of paper get flushed. These items cannot disintegrate in water and are capable of clogging the u-bend or the further drain lines very easily.

Low Pressure Systems

There are some of the water-saving toilets, or older toilets, which lack sufficient flush pressure to unclog. There is a higher chance that these toilets can become blocked, particularly when more than one item is flushed down them.

Hard Water Build-Up

In case of hard water, the trap or drainpipe of the toilet can become narrow as the minerals accumulate in the toilet. This predisposes to clogs even when there is proper waste or toilet paper.

Sewer Line tree roots

Though it may sound dramatic, tree roots can grow into drains and crack underground pipes. It is the cause when several drains in your house are slow or draining up.

Accidents and Children's Toys

Children also tend to put small toys, toothbrushes, and other household items in the bathroom, particularly in the toilet. These objects will be lodged in the trap or bend and form a tough blockage.

Signs That Indicate Your Toilet Is Blocked

There are obvious clogs. Other people creep in gradually. Being aware of the symptoms of a blockage will make you take action early enough.

• Draining takes too much time after flushing: This is usually an indication that there is a problem with the draining because water is not flowing fast enough.

• Bubbling or Gurgling in Other Drains: This way, a blocked toilet may produce back-pressure, which will apply to the neighboring fixtures such as the sink or bathtub.

• Slow flushing or excessive flushes required: A slow flush could be a result of partial blockages or accumulation of siphon jet, or restriction of drains.

• Toilet or Bathroom Drain Odour: The odours that can be emitted through the drain can occur when the organic material is trapped and starts rotting inside the drain.

• Constant Back-Up: When your toilet keeps getting clogged, it might be caused by a buildup in the pipe, mineral deposits, or even a structural problem with the plumbing.

Preparations Before Unclogging: What to Do at First

To give the task a little preparation, spend a couple of minutes preparing before doing it. The problem can be aggravated by acting impulsively or employing the wrong instruments.

Turn Off the Water

Each water closet is portrayed with a water supply valve close to the bottom of the same. Rotate this valve to the right, and this halts the circulation of water. Before filling, pour the mixture into the bowl first in case it is full already.

Secure the Local area

Plastic sheeting, newspapers, and towels should be laid at the base of the toilet. This will trap any spillage, splashes, and drips in the unclogging process.

Prepare Your Tools

• A plunger in the style of a flange

• Bucket

• Dish soap

• Toilet auger

• Rubber gloves

• Worn-out clothes or an apron

Remove Excess Water If Needed

When the toilet bowl is already filled to the brim, you could take a small container or cups and scoop some water into a bucket. You will have clear space to work without dropping on the floor.

Tools To Unblock A Toilet

The difference is significant by using the right tool. The generally used equipment can be divided as follows:

• Flange Plunger

Unlike a flat-bottomed cup plunger that is used in sinks, a flange plunger is one that is meant to be used in toilets. It comes with an additional rubber flap that inserts into the drain hole to produce tighter sealing and greater suction.

Before using the plunger, moisten it with warm water to soften the rubber so that it becomes easier to seal.

• Toilet auger (Closet auger)

This is an adjustable cable that has an end that is Porcelain safe, a rubber-covered crank handle. It can access the clogs deep into the toilet drain, and shred them or grab and pull them out.

• Enzyme Drain Cleaners

These, unlike chemical drain openers, have bacteria in them that consume waste that is organic waste. They are safe for pipes and septic tanks and can be left overnight.

• Bucket and Cup

A bucket shall be helpful to drain the excess water or pour hot water solutions.

• Dish Soap

Functions as a lubricant and assists in getting waste through the pipeline.

• Warm water

Do not use boiling or hot water. This helps digest waste or paper and hydrate food.

Home Remedies to Unclog a Toilet

And now, since you are ready, we are going to examine different unclogging procedures, easy as well as difficult.

• Hot water and Dish Soap

Perfect to deal with spongy clogs, associated with toilet paper.

Steps:

• Add half a cup of dish soap into the bowl.

• Let it rest for 15-20 mins..

• Bring a bucket of water, which is not boiling, to waist level and pour into the bowl.

• Wait & clear

How it works: Dish soap is used as a lubricant, hot water dissolves solid materials, and brings pressure to force the blockage through.

• Pro Plunging

Steps:

• First, slip the plunger into the bowl so that the flange fits into the drain hole.

• Push down a little and plunge hard several times for 20 to 30 seconds.

• To have a view, pull up the plunger and check whether the water is draining.

• Repeat twice, three times (twice in case they stick to it).

Tips:

• To secure maximum pressure, expose the plunger to water for a constant time.

• Never fear strong motion, the pressure does it.

• Baking soda and Vinegar

Ideal for treating partial clogs and an excellent choice of chemicals.

Steps:

• Add one cup of baking soda to the bowl.

• Pour two cups of vinegar gradually.

• Leave the mixture to fizz between 30 and 45 minutes.

• That is followed by hot water and a flush. Your toilet bowl and pipes get cleaned well.

• Toilet Auger

Steps:

• Put the auger tip in the drain of the toilet.

• To pull out the cable, slowly crank the handle.

• When a blockage is experienced, twist a bit and push to work it out.

• After you have cut your way through or grabbed the clog, pull out slowly.

• Do a flush to check.

• Wet Dry Vacuum

In the event that you have a wet/dry vac, you can just suck the clog out.

Steps:

• Using the vacuum, empty the bowl.

• Plug the vacuum hose into the drain hole.

• Put the vacuum on full speed.

• Eliminate the clog using precaution.

Warning: Do not use a regular home vacuum.

• Enzyme Cleaners

Cleaners made of enzymes come in handy when it comes to slow-pouring toilets or intermittent, slight clogs. They are very effective when they are placed overnight and regularly used as a preventive measure.

Some popular brands are:

• Green Gobbler

• Bio-Clean

• Zep Drain Care

Usage Tips:

• One should not flush within 6-8 hours of application.

• Use frequently as maintenance of septic tanks or older systems, to keep a pipe fit.

When Do You Need Professional Toilet Unblocking?

In case you have tried everything you can do yourself and your toilet clog is not going away, you can call a professional plumber.

Indications That You Need a Toilet Plumber:

• Clogs recur over and over again

• Water overflows from a sink or tub

• The overflow occurs despite the plunging

• Gurgling sounds from other drains 

• Deep sewer line problem

Professional toilet plumbers use a variety of effective methods to clear stubborn clogs:

• Plunger Power: A high-quality flange plunger creates strong suction to dislodge blockages.
  
  


• Plumbing Snake (Auger): A flexible auger is inserted into the toilet drain to break up or retrieve deep clogs.
  
  


• Hydro Jetting: This method uses high-pressure water to blast away grease, hair, and other buildup in pipes.
  
  


• Enzyme Drain Cleaners: Biodegradable enzyme-based cleaners are sometimes used to dissolve organic matter.
  
  


• Toilet Pull & Inspection: In severe cases, plumbers may remove the toilet to directly access and clear the obstruction.

Avoiding Future Clogging Of The Toilet 

Simple Everyday Routines

• Use minimal toilet paper when there is a need.

• Stuff the bowl or make sure it is flushed twice.

• Never flush wipes, even those that are labelled to be flushable.

• Install something like a bin beside the toilet so as to put feminine products/wipes/cotton.

Teach Children Appropriate Use

Small kids tend to carry out experiments by flushing toys or objects around the house. Install child-proof locks or train them at an early age.

Keep up your Plumbing

In case you stay in an older house, get an inspection of your pipes done once a year. Early prevention measures will be able to detect problems such as root invasion of the tree or corrosion on the pipes before it can cause a blockage.

A Famous DIY Method of Busting Stubborn Clogs

In some cases, the block is too hard to pass, and simple plunging or a hot water solution cannot help. When this happens, you may need to be inventive, particularly when it is not possible to ring in a plumber right on the spot. Some of the more sophisticated techniques, which could nevertheless be pursued on a DIY basis, are described below.

The Pressure Method in a Plastic Bottle

Here, the pressure on the drain is forced by the use of a plastic bottle as a plunger.

The way it functions:

• Wear gloves and empty as much water as possible from the bathroom.

• Put warm water into a large plastic bottle (e.g., 2-litre soft drink bottle).

• Press the thumb on top of the bottle opening and plunge it down inside the drain hole.

• The thumb should be taken out and the bottle should be squeezed as hard to push out water into the pipe.

When done correctly, this can provide sufficient pressure to force a stubborn clog. But do not forget about splashes.

Final Thoughts

When you have a clogged toilet, it may ruin your day, especially when you have visitors. However, having a more relaxed attitude and the proper equipment, you can clear it up almost by yourself. Use the simpler stuff that is safer and still known to work, such as dish soap or plunging, and only complicate later in case of extreme measures. With any seemingly eternal problem, you do not have to be afraid of seeking a professional toilet plumber.

Good maintenance, flush etiquette, and regular inspection would go a long way in ensuring that your bathroom functions well. By learning about the occurrence and the reasons why toilet clogs occur and how to deal with them, it is possible to prevent expensive repair work and stressful emergencies in the future.