What to do to get a toilet unclogged
Modern flush toilets have been engineered to resist clogging as much as possible, but there are still times when small toys, toiletries, cellphones and other items find their way into the wrong part of the bowl. The result is a toilet that won’t flush properly, along with an overflowing bowl and other unpleasant memories.
Fortunately, there are several DIY methods available to address a toilet-clogging situation. Some are fairly hands-off and do not require special tools or plumbing experience. Others can require specialized tools and some elbow grease. Considering what a professional plumber can charge to fix the problem, it benefits homeowners to try all of these methods before making that phone call.
When attempting any home repair, self-education is a good idea. There are instructional videos available on the Internet that can walk homeowners through the entire process of repairing a clogged toilet. Most of the hardware and chemical treatments required for the job can usually be found in local home improvement or hardware stores.
Assessment and preparation
Clean up the affected area
Many times a clogged toilet is only discovered after it has overflowed, and the results can be decidedly not good. The first step in the unclogging process is to remove as much water and contamination as possible. Use a wet/dry shop vac to suction up water and debris from the floor and the toilet bowl itself. Use towels to dry any remaining wet areas.
Assess the source of the clog
The cause of a clogged toilet may not be a complete mystery to someone in the household. They may have dropped an object (toy, comb, paper product, etc.) into the bowl by accident. There may be an existing accumulation of debris in the drain pipe. Organic material may be a source. Having a working theory about the root problem can help with the repair plan.
Removing a clog
Chemical drain openers
If the clog appears to be caused by something organic, a chemical approach may yield results. Drain cleaners such as POWDER PLUNGER Toilet Bowl Clog Remover or Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver should dissolve any hair, grease, organic material or paper product that is clogging the toilet’s drain pipe. Be sure the product is rated safe for toilets, however, because harsher chemicals can damage the surface.
Increased water pressure
Modern low-flow toilets may be more economical and environmentally friendly, but they will only provide 1.6 to 1.8 gallons of water per flush. If the water level in the clogged bowl is minimal, pouring approximately 2 to 2 1/2 gallons of water from waist level into the bowl may force out the clog. If the bowl is completely full, there is a relatively new product on the market that will perform the same water pressure feat without unsanitary contact. The PONGTU Toilet Unclogger Toilet Sticker Plunger is a disposable diaphragm that adheres to the toilet bowl and allows users to force trapped air and water to remove the clog.
Mechanical retrieval
Sometimes the source of a toilet clog is still in view, even if it’s not easily accessible. You might be able to grab the edge of a washcloth or the end of a toy with a Reacher Grabber Tool , an extendible pincher claw that will keep hands out of contaminated water. If the object has worked itself a little deeper into the drain, a more flexible grabber claw can follow the contours of the drain pipe and retrieve the object.
Toilet plungers
The purpose of a toilet plunger, sometimes called a plumber’s helper, is to create enough pressure to force obstructions out of the drain. The ideal plunger for this job will have a narrow flange, which helps concentrate the water and air pressure. A standard plunger with a round cap will not work as well. The user positions the plunger over the toilet drain and pushes vigorously until the drain clears. Products such as the 9 in 1 Air Pressure Plunger Kit can generate even more water and air pressure if necessary.
Toilet augers
If all other toilet unclogging methods have failed to produce results, it’s time to think like a professional plumber. A specialized tool called a toilet auger is designed specifically to snake out the entire drain system, starting with the bowl. Toilet augers resemble standard drain snakes, but there are some important differences. Toilet augers have a plastic sleeve that protects the porcelain from scratches. Toilet augers also have a stiffer lead wire, so it won’t double back on itself inside the drain.
The auger end of the tool is carefully fed into the toilet bowl, and the user twists the handle as it works its way through the entire system. The auger tip often dislodges the blockage mechanically, clearing the drain.
Michael Pollick is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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