Your toilet keeps clogging. Now what? Besides being a major inconvenience, it can be messy and even embarrassing.
Many reasons can lead to a clogged toilet, from attempting to flush down too much paper or wipes to accidentally dropping items into it. But you have a few options for how to fix a clogged toilet before calling for plumbing services.
This guide will save you precious time by sharing expert techniques to tackle even the most stubborn toilet clog. So, grab a pair of rubber gloves and your plunger because it’s about to go down.
Stop the Overflow
Before you address the clog, you need to prevent making matters worse with a messy overflow.
- For the quickest results, remove the lid from the back of the toilet. Locate and push down on the flapper valve at the bottom of the tank to prevent water from flowing into the already overfilled toilet bowl.
- Or reach for the valve behind the toilet and turn it to shut off the water supply.
Use a Plunger
A plunger will do the job for about 90% of clogged toilets. Follow these steps for the best results.
- Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from bacteria and toilet water.
- Insert the plunger into the toilet bowl, ensuring the plunger’s rubber cup covers the drain hole.
- Push the plunger downwards. Press gently to avoid blowing water everywhere! Then pull it back up.
- Repeat this motion several times until the water drains. If the water level is too low, add some water to the bowl and try again.
- Once the water drains, flush the toilet to ensure the clog has cleared.
Hot Water and Dish Soap
If the plunger method does not work, try using hot water and dish soap for a less messy solution.
- Add a few drops to a quarter cup of dish soap to the toilet bowl.
- Collect hot water from your sink or shower. Or heat a pot of water on the stove.
- Do not pour boiling water because it can crack the porcelain!
- Pour hot water into the toilet bowl no higher than an inch below the rim and wait a few minutes to see if the clog has cleared.
Toilet Auger
You may need to use a toilet auger if you have access to one. Follow these steps.
- Wearing gloves, insert the auger into the toilet bowl.
- Insert the auger cable into the toilet drain.
- Turn the handle of the auger clockwise while pushing downwards until you hit the clog.
- Wind it back and flush the toilet to see if the clog is broken up.
- Repeat as often as it takes.
Pull Up the Toilet
If your efforts with the above attempts fail, you may need to remove the toilet at its base, much like you would do when replacing the toilet and installing a new one, to get at the source of the clog. You’ll need a new wax ring and mounting bolts to properly reseal the toilet base.
Call a Plumber
Intown Plumbing is a family-owned and operated company in Rockwall, TX. We’re licensed, certified, and experienced to handle all your plumbing needs. So don’t hesitate to call us at (469) 207-1400 or contact us online!
