Unclogging a toilet feels like wrestling a stubborn alligator – it’s a messy and smelly battle that nobody enjoys. It’s like the toilet is giving birth to something it shouldn’t have eaten in the first place, and you’re the one stuck with the unpleasant task of delivering it.
Dealing with a blocked toilet can be a real pain, especially if you’ve already tried plunging a toilet without success. But before you call a plumber for a costly repair, there are several effective ways to unclog your toilet yourself. In this article, we’ll outline the 5 best ways to unblock a toilet when plunging doesn’t work, you can use these methods for your slow draining toilet as well.
There is no really a best way to unclog a toilet but all these methods can be very effective depending on your situation. Learn and remember them and you will never be having a problem for unclogging a toilet.
Table of Contents
1- Unclogging a Toilet with Baking Soda and Vinegar
One of the most effective and easiest ways to unclog a toilet is by using baking soda and vinegar. The chemical reaction between these two ingredients creates a powerful fizzing action that can break down even the toughest of toilet blockages. Here’s how to use this method:
Step 1: Pour one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl.
Step 2: Add two cups of vinegar to the bowl.
Step 3: Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes. During this time, the mixture will bubble and fizz, working to break down the clog.
Step 4: After 30 minutes, pour hot water into the bowl to flush out the clog.
2- Use a Toilet Clog Remover
If the baking soda and vinegar method doesn’t work, you can try using a toilet clog remover. These products are designed to break down toilet blockages and are readily available at most hardware stores.
Here’s how to use a toilet clog remover:
Step 1: Follow the instructions on the product’s packaging.
Step 2: Pour the product into the toilet bowl and let it sit for the recommended amount of time.
Step 3: Flush the toilet to see if the blockage has been cleared.
3- Unclog Toilet with a Plumbing Snake
If the toilet clog is particularly stubborn, you can use a plumbing snake to manually break it up. A plumbing snake is a long, flexible tool that can reach deep into the pipes to clear out the blockage. Here’s the step for snaking a toilet:
Step 1: Insert the snake into the toilet bowl and push it down into the drain.
Step 2: Rotate the snake while pushing it further into the drain until you feel resistance.
Step 3: Keep rotating and pushing the snake until you feel the blockage break up.
Step 4: Pull the snake out of the drain and flush the toilet to ensure the blockage has been cleared.
You can use a cloth hanger if you don’t have a plumbing snake. Untwist the coat hanger and then knot a little rag to one end of it. Once the hanger has reached the blockage, twist, push, and pull it out of the drain.
You can find plumbing snake in Amazon
4- Use a 2-Liter Soda Bottle
Unclogging a toilet can be a daunting task, but using a 2-liter soda bottle can make the job easier.
Here are the steps to unblock a toilet using a 2-liter soda bottle:
Materials:
- A 2-liter soda bottle
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- Plastic bag (optional)
Step 1: Put on rubber gloves if you have them. This is optional, but it can help protect your hands from any unpleasantness.
Step 2: If there is any standing water in the toilet bowl, use a cup or bucket to remove as much as possible. You want to leave just enough water in the bowl to cover the bottom of the bottle.
Step 3: Take the 2-liter soda bottle and remove the cap.
Step 4: Squeeze the bottle to force air out of it.
Step 5: Place the mouth of the bottle as far down into the toilet bowl as possible, creating a tight seal with the bottom of the bowl.
Step 6: Release the pressure on the bottle slowly to allow water to be sucked into the bottle.
Step 7: Quickly push down on the bottle to force the water and air in the bottle out into the drain.
5- Use a Dishwashing Liquid
Unclogging a toilet with dishwashing liquid can be a simple and effective solution. Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to do it:
Step 1: Check the water level in the toilet bowl. If the water level is too high, use a plunger to remove some water before proceeding.
Step 2: Pour half a cup of dishwashing liquid into the toilet bowl.
Step 3: Wait for about 10-15 minutes to let the dishwashing liquid work its way through the clog. This will help break down any grease, fat or soap buildup that might be causing the blockage.
Step 4: Boil a kettle of water while waiting for the dishwashing liquid to work.
Step 5: Pour the boiling water slowly into the toilet bowl. Be careful not to splash or overflow the bowl. The hot water will help to loosen and flush away the clog.
Conclusion
Dealing with a clogged toilet can be frustrating, but with these five methods, you should be able to clear the blockage and get your toilet running smoothly again. Remember, if all else fails in unclogging a toilet, it’s always a good idea to call a professional plumbing repair service to avoid causing any further damage to your toilet or plumbing system.
Additionally, if you’re experiencing consistent clogs, you may want to consider small bathroom renovations to address any underlying plumbing issues and prevent future blockages. In addition to unclogging toilets, it’s important to take preventative measures to avoid future clogs.
This includes using a toilet paper that is septic-safe, not flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet, and avoiding pouring grease or oil down the drain. By following these best practices, you can reduce the likelihood of a toilet blockage and avoid the need for drain cleaning near me or other plumbing services.
All your favorite questions about unclogging a toilet
Is it OKAY to leave a toilet clogged overnight?
Leaving a toilet clogged overnight is not advisable for several reasons.
- First, it can cause unpleasant odors and unsanitary conditions in your bathroom. The longer the clog sits in the toilet, the more bacteria will grow, and the smell will become increasingly unbearable.
- Second, leaving a clogged toilet can cause damage to your plumbing system. The water in the bowl can overflow, damaging your floors and walls, and potentially leading to costly repairs.
- Third, if you are using a chemical drain cleaner to unclog the toilet, leaving it overnight can cause the chemicals to erode the porcelain and metal components of the toilet, leading to further damage.
Therefore, it is important to address a clogged toilet as soon as possible to avoid these potential problems. If you are unable to fix the clog yourself, it is best to call a professional plumber to handle the issue before it gets worse.
Why is my toilet still clogged even after i use the plunger?
A clogged toilet can be a frustrating problem, especially when the plunger fails to clear the blockage.
There are several reasons why your toilet may still be clogged even after using a plunger.
Reason 1: is that the blockage is too big or too stubborn to be dislodged by the plunger alone. In this case, you may need to use a plumbing snake, also known as an auger, to break up the clog and clear the drain.
Reason 2: It could be that the clog is located further down in the sewer line, beyond the reach of the plunger. In this situation, you may need to call a professional plumber to use specialized equipment, such as a hydro jet, to clear the blockage.
Reason 3: Sometimes, the plunger itself may be the problem. If you are using a cheap or poorly designed plunger, it may not create enough suction to dislodge the blockage effectively. Consider investing in a high-quality plunger with a flange or accordion design that creates a better seal around the drain.
Reason 4: Lastly, it’s possible that the clog is caused by an underlying issue with your plumbing system, such as tree roots or a broken pipe. In this case, a plumber may need to perform a camera inspection to diagnose the problem and recommend appropriate repairs.
A clogged toilet that persists even after using a plunger can be caused by several factors. Try using a plumbing snake, investing in a high-quality plunger, or calling a professional plumber to diagnose and address the issue.
What is the strongest thing to unclog a toilet?
When it comes to finding the strongest thing to unclog a toilet, there are a few options to consider.
Number 1: One of the most effective tools for unclogging a toilet is a plumbing snake, also known as an auger. This tool consists of a long, flexible cable with a corkscrew-like tip that can be inserted into the drain to break up and remove the blockage.
Plumbing snakes are available in manual or electric versions, and can be purchased or rented from most hardware stores.
Number 2: Another powerful option is a hydro jet, which uses high-pressure water to blast away clogs and debris from the drain. This method is best left to professional plumbers, as the equipment can be expensive and requires specialized training to use safely and effectively.
Number 3: For those who prefer a more natural solution, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can be a surprisingly effective way to clear a clogged toilet. Simply pour a cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl, followed by a cup of vinegar, and let the mixture sit for several minutes before flushing.
How do you unclog a toilet with a lot of tissue?
it can be even more frustrating when the blockage is caused by a large amount of tissue paper.
Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to unclog a toilet with a lot of tissue.
The first step is to turn off the water supply to the toilet. This will prevent the bowl from overflowing and causing additional damage to your bathroom.
The water shut-off valve can usually be found behind the toilet or on the wall nearby.
Next, try using a plunger to dislodge the blockage. Be sure to use a plunger with a flange or accordion design that creates a better seal around the drain.
- Place the plunger over the hole in the toilet bowl and pump it up and down vigorously, creating suction that should help loosen and remove the tissue.
If the plunger does not work, try using a plumbing snake.
Insert the snake into the toilet bowl and turn the handle clockwise to feed it into the drain. Once the snake reaches the blockage, turn it counterclockwise to help break up and remove the tissue.
Lastly, If neither the plunger nor the plumbing snake works, consider using a chemical drain cleaner.
Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and use the product as directed. Note that chemical drain cleaners can be harmful to the environment and should be used sparingly.
