Clogged Toilets

A clogged toilet is a common household plumbing issue that can be frustrating and inconvenient. It can cause unpleasant odors, water backups, and even sewage leaks. Understanding the causes of clogged toilets and knowing how to prevent and unclog them can help you maintain a functioning and sanitary bathroom.

Clogged toilets got you down? These plumbers are here to save the day!

Causes of Clogged Toilets

Several factors can contribute to clogged toilets, including:

• Toilet paper: Excessive use of toilet paper, especially thick or multi-ply varieties, can overwhelm the toilet’s flushing mechanism and lead to clogs.
• Non-flushable items: Flushing items like wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, or dental floss down the toilet can cause blockages as they are not designed to disintegrate like toilet paper.
• Foreign objects: Children or pets may accidentally flush toys, objects, or other items into the toilet, causing obstructions.
• Grease and oil: Pouring grease, oil, or food scraps down the drain can solidify in the pipes and contribute to clogs, especially when combined with other waste.
• Hard water: Mineral deposits from hard water can accumulate in the toilet pipes, gradually narrowing the passage and increasing the risk of clogs.
• Tree roots: In older homes with sewer lines close to trees, tree roots can infiltrate and grow within the pipes, causing blockages and disrupting the drainage system.

Preventing Clogged Toilets

To minimize the occurrence of clogged toilets, follow these preventive measures:

• Limit toilet paper usage: Use only the recommended amount of toilet paper, and consider switching to a thinner, more biodegradable brand.
• Avoid flushing non-flushable items: Dispose of wipes, hygiene products, paper towels, and floss in the trash, not the toilet.
• Securely store objects: Keep children’s toys and other small items out of reach to prevent accidental flushing.
• Properly dispose of grease and oil: Let grease and oil cool solidify, then scrape them into a trash container rather than pouring them down the drain.
• Treat hard water: If you have hard water, consider installing a water softener to reduce mineral buildup and prevent pipe clogging.
• Regular maintenance: Schedule regular plumbing inspections to identify and address potential issues in your sewer lines before they cause clogs.

Unclogging Methods for Clogged Toilets

If you find yourself dealing with a clogged toilet, there are several methods you can try to unclog it before resorting to calling a plumber:

• Plunger: A plunger is a common household tool specifically designed to unclog toilets. Create a tight seal around the toilet drain and forcefully plunge up and down to dislodge the blockage.
• Hot water: Pouring a bucket of hot water (not boiling) into the toilet bowl can help soften and break down the clog. Let the hot water sit for a few minutes before flushing.
• Baking soda and vinegar: This combination creates a fizzing action that can help dissolve clogs. Pour one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl, followed by two cups of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes before flushing.
• Commercial drain cleaner: If the clog persists, consider using a commercial drain cleaner. Follow the instructions carefully and use caution, as these products can be harsh on pipes and skin.
• Toilet auger (also known as a plumber’s snake): For stubborn clogs, a toilet auger can be used to manually reach into the drain and break up the blockage. Insert the auger into the toilet drain and carefully push it through until you encounter resistance. Rotate the auger handle to break up the clog and then retract it slowly.

If these methods fail to unclog the toilet, it’s best to call a professional plumber to diagnose the issue and perform the necessary repairs.

What to do if a plunger, auger, or baking soda and vinegar don’t work?

If you’ve tried all of the above methods and the toilet is still clogged, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber will have the tools and expertise to clear the clog, even if it is deep in the drainpipe or sewer line.

Step 1: Assess the Situation

• Is the clog complete or partial? If there’s some drainage, it might not be a complete blockage.
• Is it just the toilet clogged, or is it a main line clog? If other drains in your house are backing up, it’s likely a clog in the main drain line, requiring a different approach.

Step 2: Try Additional Methods (for toilets only):

• Boiling water: Carefully pour a pot of boiling water down the toilet bowl. This can sometimes melt fats or grease causing the clog.
• Toilet snake (closet auger): This is a smaller version of a regular auger specifically designed for toilets. It might be able to reach clogs deeper than a standard plunger.
• **Shop vac (use with caution): If you’re comfortable and have a wet/dry shop vac, you can try sucking out the clog. Be sure to follow proper safety precautions and empty the canister after use.

Important Note: Never use chemical drain cleaners on a toilet clog. These can be harsh on pipes and may worsen the clog.

Step 3: Call a Plumber

If none of the above methods work, it’s time to call a professional plumber. They have specialized tools and expertise to diagnose the clog’s location and cause. Here’s what a plumber can do:

• Use a powerful drain snake (auger): Professional augers are much stronger and longer than typical home augers, allowing them to reach deeper clogs.
• Hydrojetting: This uses a high-pressure water jet to blast away clogs.
• Video inspection: A plumber can insert a camera-tipped tool to see the inside of the pipes and pinpoint the clog’s location and nature.
• Repair or replace pipes: In some cases, the clog might be caused by damaged pipes that need repair or replacement.

Remember: Calling a plumber sooner rather than later can prevent further damage and a bigger mess.