How to Unclog a Toilet - The Ultimate Guide

We must agree on one thing: we have been in multiple situations where our toilets have been clogged and it was tough to unclog it just by using a plunger. It is one of the most unpleasant situations to be in. It also hurts anyone visiting our house. Toilet paper buildup, feminine hygiene products, flushable wipes that aren't truly flushable, and toys are the main reasons for these clogs. Although there are many ways by which we can remove the clogs by ourselves, it will require patience and hard work. Read this guide thoroughly to learn about different clogs and their causes. You will also get detailed information on how to unclog a toilet.

Main Causes Of Toilet Clogs

There are various types of clogs and causes that can cause many problems and might require immediate attention. Some of the commonly seen clogs and their causes are:

• Building up of toilet paper: Toilet paper buildup is one of the most common problems faced by many people in homes. It can be caused by excessive use where it easily accumulates and blocks the pipes. Modern flushes have lower flow rates which do not flush the toilet papers.
  

  
  
  The symptoms you will notice here are incomplete flushes, toilet draining slowly and there might also be water back up in the toilet bowl.
  

  
  
  
  
  
  • Feminine care products: Feminine care products are another reason for toilet clogs. Products such as pads and sanitary napkins are not designed to be flushed and can expand in size leading to blockage. These products can absorb water which will help in making them swell and block the toilets.
    

    
    
    The symptoms include slow drainage, overflowing toilets and persistent toilet blockages.
    

    
    
  
  
  
  

Beyond toilet paper and feminine care products, many reasons can cause toilet clogs. Common culprits include flushing non-degradable items like toys, dental floss, thick wipes, and accidental drops of toothbrushes, often requiring a Blocked Drain Plumber to fix. Tree roots infiltrating sewer lines, build-up of debris in the main sewer line, and obstructions in the toilet trap or vent pipes also contribute to clogs, disrupting the normal flow and function of the plumbing system.

Safety Precautions For Unclogging Toilets

It is important to follow safety precautions while unclogging the toilets. You can follow these safety rules while unclogging the toilets.

• Protective gear: Protection is the foremost thing to start the unclogging process. You can use gloves to protect your hands from germs and a face mask to avoid the entry of germs and bad odours. Apart from this, you can also use eyeglasses to protect your eyes.
  
  
• Ventilating the area: Ventilation is another important aspect. You can keep the windows open and turn on the exhaust fans to allow the bad odours to pass outside.
  
  
• Do not use harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals might unclog the toilet but can harm humans and their environment. You must avoid them at any cost.
  
  
• Turn off the water taps: Always turn off the water taps while unclogging the toilets. Once you locate the valve, you can identify it as it looks like a handle or a knob. After that, grab it firmly and rotate it clockwise until it is completely turned off.
  

How To Unclog A Toilet?

There are various ways to unclog a toilet. Some of the common ways to unclog a toilet are given below:

Plunging

It is one of the most reliable ways to remove clogging. There are generally two types of plungers: flange plungers and cup plungers. The steps involved are:

• First, you have to make sure the plunger is fully submerged in water and you can pour a few more cups to bring the water level higher.
  
  
• Covering the outlet is the next step you must focus on. You can use the plunger or use rags to plug the gaps properly. You can also run hot water to make your plunger more pliable.
  
  
• Start the plunging process and gradually increase the speed. Repeat the process and flush the toilet to resolve the issue sooner.
  

Baking Soda And Vinegar:

• Start by pouring one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl and if the clog is severe, pour 3/2 cups of baking soda.
  
  
• After this, pour an equal amount of vinegar into the bowl. You will notice the fizzing of both liquids which helps in unclogging.
  
  
• At last, you can pour hot water from the top using a kettle which will make a suction sound and unclog the toilet completely.
  

Hot Water And Toilet Brush:

This is one of the simplest solutions used for unclogging minor toilet clogs.

• All you need to do is keep pouring hot water into the clogs and use a brush to remove the clogs.
  
  
• Hot water will dissolve all the fat, grease and excess waste matter from the toilet, a process often facilitated by a Hot Water Plumber.
  

Using Toilet Auger (Plumbers Snake):

This is one of the most effective and primarily used techniques for removing the clogs from the toilet. The steps that follow are:

• First, wear rubber gloves and place 2 towels at the toilet base to catch excess water.
  
  
• Start by extending the toilet auger and insert it with the curved hook until you no longer see the auger cable.
  
  
• Once the snake is completely inserted, rotate its handle clockwise to move the drill into the drain.
  
  
• Once the drill has reached the clog, rotate the handle to remove the debris. You can use hand gloves and throw them into the dustbin.
  
  
• Once the whole clog is removed, you can flush the pipes to clean the leftover debris.
  

Commercial Drain Cleaners:

Commercial drain cleaners are products used for unclogging toilets. There are various types of commercial drain cleaners.

• All you need to do is just open the bottle of the drain cleaner and pour it slowly into the drains.
  
  
• It will start working on its own and unclog the drains. This is a rather easy process compared to hydrojetting, cabling or other drain-cleaning processes.
  

How To Prevent Toilet Clogs?

Preventing clogs is in your hands. There are various preventive methods for avoiding toilet clogs, some of them are:

1. Flush things carefully: While flushing toilets, do not flush things that can cause clogging. You should avoid including baby wipes, cotton balls, feminine hygiene products, pet waste, dental floss and disposable diapers.
   
   
2. Clean the toilets regularly: Cleaning your bathroom is very important. Regular cleaning removes the waste materials that can cause clogging in the toilets.
   
   
3. Flush twice every time: Some waste cannot be removed in one flush and you might be required to flush it twice. This provides more pressure and helps to remove waste.
   
   
4. Use biodegradable toilet paper: Choosing the right toilet paper is one of the most important things as it can affect the clogging of toilets. Biodegradable toilet paper can easily break down and avoid clogging.
   
   
5. Keep the lids closed: Always keep your toilet bowl lids closed after using the bathroom. This will prevent the fall of toothbrushes, combs, and small toys in the toilet bowl.
   

When To Contact A Toilet Plumber?

Persistent clogging can cause many problems and disrupt your daily routine. You should call a toilet plumber if you notice this problem consistently. Here are a few indicators that it is time to seek professional help.

• Persistent clogs despite efforts: You notice the clogs are frequent even after many efforts. It means the clog requires professional tools. DIY methods are useful in removing minor clogs. You need experts for major clogs, indicating a need for Drain Repairer services.
  
  
  
  
  • Draining Issue In Bathroom: You may notice the water is draining slowly from your sink or shower. It means there is a partial blockage in your toilet which can also lead to permanent blockage if not removed on time.
    
  
  
  
  

• Foul odours or unusual noises: These are the most common signs you will notice when there are clogs in your toilets. This is mainly due to the trapped debris inside the pipes. If you notice any such signs, call a plumber immediately.
  

Conclusion

You can unclog a toilet in various ways. Depending on the type of clog you can use methods to unclog them. Always take care of the safety measures before you start DIY methods to unclog your toilet. Apart from this, several preventive methods help you in preventing the clogs. You must call professionals to unclog the bathroom for severe clogs.