Professional plumbers typically use several different methods for unclogging a toilet depending on the cause of the clog and severity. The most common method is to first use a plunger to try to break up and dislodge the clog.
If this does not work, a plumber will then use a toilet auger or snake to reach further down into the drain and manually unclog the drain by using the flexible cable to physically break up and remove the clog.
If these methods fail then an industrial-grade drain cleaner may be used to help break up and dissolve the clog. If these methods still fail then a professional plumber may have to resort to removing the toilet and manually extracting the clog with a pair of pliers.
In extreme cases the clog may require a hydro-jet to be used in order to blast out the clog.
How do you permanently unclog a toilet?
To permanently unclog a toilet, there are several different methods you can try.
1. Start by using a plunger. Make sure the plunger has a tight seal on the drain, then press and pull the plunger vigorously a few times. This will sometimes create enough suction to dislodge the blockage.
If the clog is caused by something solid or especially tough, you may need to repeat the plunging multiple times.
2. If the plunger doesn’t do the job, you can try an auger. This is a metal or plastic device that looks like a long flexible cord with a crank at the top. Feed the auger into the drain until it reaches the obstruction, then use the crank to break it up and pull it out.
3. For stubborn clogs, a chemical drain cleaner can sometimes do the job. Most drain cleaners contain a mix of lye or bleach, which can corrode particles and dissolve the clog. Keep in mind, though, that some chemical cleaners may damage your toilet or pipes, so use caution.
No matter what method you use, it’s important to remember to wear rubber gloves, safety glasses, and a face mask to protect yourself from toxic fumes and particles. If you follow these steps, you can permanently unclog a toilet and prevent future problems.
Do plumbers fix clogged toilets?
Yes, plumbers can fix clogged toilets. Most clogs can be addressed with a plunger, and regular maintenance can prevent future clogs. If you have a severe clog, however, it is best to hire a professional plumber.
Plumbers can use specialized tools, such as drain snakes and augers, to address deep and stubborn clogs. They can also inspect and identify the cause of the clog, such as excessive toilet paper, foreign objects, or broken pipes.
Additionally, a plumber can locate the source of the backing up and help you find a cost-effective and long-term solution. For example, installing a septic tank or sewage pipe, performing grease trap maintenance, or replacing pipe lines.
In short, plumbers are the best resource for safely and quickly addressing severe and persistent clogged toilets.
What is the strongest thing to unclog a toilet?
Using commercial products like Drano or Liquid Plumr are the most common way to unclog a toilet. Both of these come with special plungers and hoses that have special chemical agents in them that will cut through a clog.
If you prefer a more natural approach, you can use a combination of vinegar and baking soda, or baking soda and hot water. These are not as strong as the chemical solutions, but they are less harsh and unsuitable for plastic pipes.
You can also use a plunger to create suction to clear the clog. If you are still having trouble, you may need to disassemble the toilet and use a snake to clear the blockage.
How do you unclog a toilet before calling a plumber?
Unclogging a toilet may seem like an intimidating task, but it can be done without having to call a plumber. First, try using a plunger — ensure that the plunger is properly fitted over the toilet hole and pump the handle up and down vigorously until the clog is no longer present.
If this doesn’t work, you may use a wire coat hanger to try and dislodge the clog. Unwind the hanger and form a large loop that you can insert into the toilet drain. Wiggle the hanger around until you are sure that the blockage has been removed.
If the clog persists and neither method works, you can try using a chemical cleaner from the local hardware store which can help you break down the clog. At this point it would also be useful to remove the lid of the tank, where the flush handle is located, and check for any object which may have been flushed away and is causing the clog.
If all of these methods are unsuccessful, it is time to call a plumber for assistance, who should be able to help you locate and unclog the toilet.
What chemical do plumbers use to unclog drains?
Plumbers use a variety of chemicals to unclog drains, including sulfuric acid, caustic soda, drain cleaners, and enzymes. Sulfuric acid is a strong acid typically used to dissolve clogs caused by grease, soap scum, and dirt.
Caustic soda is a chemical base used to dissolve organic materials such as hair, soap scum, and food particles. Drain cleaners are powerful chemical mixtures designed to quickly break down organic trapped in a drain.
Enzymes are biological agents that are used to break down organic waste such as oils, soaps, and proteins. Plumbers typically use a combination of chemical agents to effectively dissolve and clean the drains.
What do you do if your toilet is clogged and won’t unclog?
If your toilet is clogged and won’t unclog, the first thing you should do is determine whether the clog is in the toilet’s trap or farther down the drain line. This can be done by performing a so-called toilet “plunge test”.
Start by lifting the lid of your toilet tank and watching to see if the water level changes as you flush the toilet. If it does not, the clog is likely in the trap. If the water level drops, the clog is likely farther down in the drain line.
If the clog is in the trap, you will likely be able to clear it with a plunger. Use a cup-shaped plunger rather than a flange plunger, as it is better at creating the suction necessary to dislodge the blockage.
Fully cover the entire toilet drain opening with the plunger and plunge quickly and repeatedly in an up-and-down motion. Always start with gentle plunging to ensure that you don’t damage the toilet bowl or trap.
If the clog persists, you can try using a toilet auger to push the clog past the trap.
If the clog is farther down in the drain line, you will need to use a snake to try and reach it. Begin feeding the snake into the drain hole, using a rotating motion in order to push the snake further into the line.
If you encounter resistance, slightly increase the pressure, ensuring that you don’t apply too much pressure too quickly. If the clog persists, you may have to remove the toilet and have the pipes professionally cleaned out.
If all else fails, call a professional plumber to take care of the clog.
How does a plumber unclog a sewer line?
To unclog a sewer line, a plumber typically begins by assessing the situation, either through a camera inspection or by inspecting the pipe outside of the structure. If the clog is inside the structure, a plumbing snake is used to physically break up the blockage.
If the clog is outside the structure, hydrojetting is the primary form of resolution. Hydrojetting involves using a high-pressure hose to shoot a concentrated blast of water down the pipes to loosen and remove debris and sludge buildup.
If the blockage is large, a system of small holes (also known as flush ports) along the pipes can be used to flush out buildup and debris. Once the blockage has been dislodged and cleared, the pipes can be flushed with water to ensure that the system works correctly.
Finally, the plumber assesses the sewer lines with a camera inspection to check that everything is clear and running smoothly.
Why do plumbers not like Drano?
Plumbers, who work as professionals to maintain and repair the drainage system of homes and buildings, generally do not like Drano due to its potential to cause damage to pipes. Since Drano contains strong chemicals, it can corrode and weaken the pipes, leading to eventual clogging and costing the plumber additional expense in repairs.
Additionally, the chemicals in Drano are not only corrosive, but also hazardous if not properly handled, posing a risk of injury or health issues for the plumber. Furthermore, any time a pipe is clogged, it’s important for the plumber to assess the underlying cause to ensure the clog does not recur.
Using Drano has the potential to mask the root cause of a clog, making the plumber’s job that much more difficult. All of these factors make it clear why plumbers tend to avoid using Drano and prefer to rely on alternative solutions that are less likely to cause damage while still achieving the desired results.
What is the main chemical in drain cleaner?
The main chemical in most drain cleaners is sodium hydroxide, also known as lye or caustic soda. This is because sodium hydroxide is an alkaline substance that reacts with the organic matter found in clogged drains, breaking it down and dissolving it.
Other ingredients may be used depending on the drain cleaner, such as surfactants, which help the cleaner spread and penetrate more efficiently, and odor maskers, which provide a pleasant smell during use.
It is important to note that some drain cleaners, such as those containing hydrochloric acid, should not be used as they can corrode pipes and can cause serious damage if mishandled.
How do you unblock a badly clogged toilet?
If you have a badly clogged toilet, the best way to unblock it is to start by removing any visible obstructions. If a plunger isn’t doing the job, you can use a plumber’s snake or an auger to try and break up the clog.
Start by inserting the snake or auger into the toilet bowl, being careful to avoid the trap located beneath the bowl. Push the snake or auger slowly, it may take a few minutes for it to break through the blockage.
Remove the snake or augger when it has reached the clog and twist or screw it until the clog is freed. If that doesn’t work, you can try a commercial drain cleaner, but be sure to first carefully follow the instructions on its packaging.
If all else fails, the best solution is to call in a plumber.
How do you unclog a toilet when the plunger isn’t working?
If the plunger is not working to unclog your toilet, there are several other methods you can try. First, you’ll need to turn off the water to the toilet, which can be done either by turning the valve at the base of the toilet or by shutting off the main water valve in your home.
Once the water has been shut off, try using a toilet auger or toilet snake to dislodge the clog. If this doesn’t work, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner or an enzyme cleaner. Make sure to use the proper safety precautions when using either of these cleaners.
If all else fails, you can try mixing together a half-cup of baking soda with a half-cup of vinegar and pouring it into the toilet. Let it sit for a few hours and then flush the toilet. This may help to dissolve the clog and allow the toilet to flush properly.
Does pouring boiling water down a toilet unclog it?
No, pouring boiling water down a toilet will not unclog it. While it may seem like the right solution in a pinch, boiling water can actually damage porcelain and in some cases even cause it to crack.
Instead, use a plunger or toilet auger to try and unclog it. Plungers use suction and the auger, a small metal rod, actually goes into the piping to break through the clog. If the clog is particularly stubborn, a zip-it tool or plumber’s snake can also be used.
If these still don’t work, it may be best to call a plumber.
Why won’t my toilet unclog with a plunger?
It is possible that your toilet won’t unclog with a plunger due to a number of different reasons. The most common issue is that the blockage may be too far down the pipes for a plunger to be effective.
If this is the case then the plunger won’t be able to provide enough force to push the blockage through the pipes. Alternatively, the blockage may be caused by a buildup of grease or soap scum, or even an object that’s too large for the plunger to handle.
In these instances, other tools such as a drain snake or a metal hanger may need to be used. If these methods still don’t work, then the blockage may be caused by a more serious issue, such as tree roots affecting the pipes.
If this is the case, then a professional plumber may need to be called.