If plunging a toilet does not work then it is likely that there is a clog too deep for plunger action to reach. In this case, other methods should be employed. One option is to use an auger (plumber’s snake) or a plumbing auger.
This is a wire-like cable with a crank handle available at many hardware stores. This is an easy and relatively inexpensive tool to use and can usually reach a clog deep in the drain. After connecting the auger cable to the crank, insert it into the toilet and feed it into the clog.
Usually after a few turns, the auger will contact the obstruction and clear the way for water to pass.
Another potential solution for a clogged toilet is the use of chemical drain cleaners. Chemicals should not be considered the first option because if used incorrectly, they can cause burns and damage to the user and the pipes.
If you decide to use chemicals, always read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
When all else fails and you’re unable to unclog the toilet yourself, it may be time to call a plumber. Professional plumbers have the tools and experience to unclog any toilet quickly.
Why is the plunger not unclogging the toilet?
The plunger is not unclogging the toilet because it is not being used correctly, or there may be an issue with the toilet itself. If you are using the plunger correctly, make sure that you are getting a good seal between the plunger and the toilet drain.
Also, make sure the plunger is large enough to fit the size of the drain. If the plunger is too small it won’t create enough pressure to unclog the drain.
Additionally, it is possible that the blockage is too solid for the plunger to unclog. In this case, you will need to use a toilet auger or a drain snake. These tools can reach farther into the drain and break apart the blockage if it is too solid for the plunger.
You can also try using a chemical cleaner to clear out the blockage if the plunger, auger, and or the drain snake do not do the job.
How do you unblock a badly blocked toilet?
A badly blocked toilet can be unblocked using a combination of methods. Firstly, you will need to wear rubber gloves and protective clothing. Next, use a plunger to loosen and break up the clog. Insert the plunger into the pan and move it up and down.
You may need to add some water to help the plunger to create a vacuum. If the plunger does not clear the blockage, then you may need to use a drain snake or chemical drain cleaners. Drain snakes can be purchased from a hardware store.
This tool features a long, flexible wire that is inserted into the pan, and then moved around the sides of the pipe in an attempt to break up the clog. Chemical drain cleaners are caustic and can be purchased from most supermarkets.
Be sure to use them as carefully as possible, following the instructions on the label. If all else fails, you may need to use an auger. An auger is a tool that is inserted into the drain in an effort to reach and break up the clog.
If none of these methods have worked, then it may be time to call a professional plumber who can safely identify and remove the blockage.
How do plumbers unblock a toilet?
Plumbers typically use a variety of methods to unblock a toilet. The most common solution is to use a plunger to create suction and force the obstruction through the pipes. You should ensure the plunger is fully covered by water and use vigorous up and down movements.
If the plunger doesn’t work, you can usually try to remove the blockage with a plumbing snake, which is a long flexible metal rod that can be fed down the pipe to manually dislodge the obstruction. If more serious blockage is encountered, plumbers may use specialised tools such as an endoscope to get a better view of the clog, or a hydro-jetter, which is a powerful water jet used to blast the blockage away.
In more serious circumstances, the entire pipe may need to be replaced.
Will a blocked toilet unblock itself?
No, a blocked toilet will not unblock itself. Such as a foreign object, a buildup of waste, tree roots or a broken bell or pipe. You will need to locate the cause and take the appropriate steps to correct it.
You may need to use a plunger, a plumbers’ snake, a chemical cleaner, or professional plumbing tools and techniques. If the blockage is caused by a foreign object, it could be possible to remove it using a pair of pliers, but it would be wise to call a professional if it is too difficult or deep in the drain.
In any case, it is likely that some action is necessary to fix the blocked toilet.
Can you unclog a toilet just by flushing it?
In most cases, it is possible to unclog a toilet just by flushing it. Generally, a toilet is clogged because the waste inside has built up, preventing water from going down the drain. When you flush the toilet, the force of the water pushes down the obstruction and may clear the clog.
If it does not work the first time, try flushing the toilet a few more times as it may take several flushes to fully clear the clog.
If flushing the toilet does not work, you may need to try a plunger. If the plunger does not work, you may need to resort to a chemical drain cleaner to clear the clog. An auger or snake can also be used to clear the clog.
If none of the above methods work, then you may need to call a plumber to assess and fix the issue.
How much does it cost to unclog a toilet?
The cost of unclogging a toilet can vary significantly depending on the cause of the clog and how accessible it is. If it is a minor blockage, such as a few pieces of toilet paper, you may be able to fix it yourself with a simple plunger or a toilet auger.
In this case, the only cost is the cost of the tool, which will usually cost less than $25.
However, if the clog is more serious, such as a solid object or tree roots, you will most likely need to call a plumber who can access the cause of the clog with specialized tools. In this case, the cost of unclogging your toilet will be based on your location and the severity of the clog.
Generally, a simple clog should cost between $150 and $200, while more severe clogs can cost upwards of $500, depending on the cost of time and materials.
When should I call a plumber for a clogged toilet?
If you’re unable to remove the clog from your toilet on your own, it’s time to call a plumber. This is especially true if the clog is caused by a blockage that is too big to fit in your toilet plunger or a foreign object stuck in the drainpipe.
It’s also worth calling a plumber if your toilet is frequently clogged — persistent clogging may indicate a larger problem. If the water in your toilet is beginning to rise and overflow, it’s advisable to call a plumber immediately to prevent any damage to your bathroom.
Finally, a plumber will be able to assess the plumbing in your house, identify any underlying problems, and suggest the correct course of action.
Why is my toilet still clogged even after I use the plunger?
If your toilet is still clogged even after using a plunger, there are several causes that could be the culprit. If a plunger is not successful in unclogging your toilet, a clog could be caused by a more serious blockage.
This could be due to an object that has been flushed down the toilet, such as a toy or an excess of toilet paper. It could also be caused by a build-up of waste and debris that has accumulated in the pipes over time.
It is also possible for tree roots to grow into and block sewage systems, as well as other issues like breakage or corrosion of the pipes or drain. In some cases, a clogged toilet could also be caused by a larger, more serious problem in the building’s plumbing.
If you are unable to unclog your toilet even after using a plunger, it is best to contact a professional plumber to assess the situation and provide the necessary repairs. A professional plumber will be able to inspect the pipes and drains, as well as check for any blockages or clogs and determine the best course of action.
They may also provide additional plumbing servicing, such as repairing any breaks in the pipes or drain, or resolving other plumbing issues.
How do you unclog a toilet if a plunger doesn’t work?
If a plunger doesn’t work to unclog a toilet, it may be necessary to try a different method. If the clog is caused by debris or waste, purchasing a manual snake or auger may do the trick. These tools can be found in a local hardware store and can be used to manually unclog the toilet by performing a few simple steps:
1. Insert the snake into the toilet; rotating clockwise will help the snake cut through the clog.
2. Feed the snake further into the pipe until the clog is completely opened.
3. Slowly pull the snake out of the pipe and be sure to keep a straight line.
4. Flush the toilet as soon as the snake is removed to ensure that the debris has cleared.
If the above method doesn’t work, it may be necessary to use a chemical cleaner to clear the clog. These can be found in most hardware stores and can be used in combination with a plunger to help dissolve the clog.
However, it’s important to read the labeling and take the provided safety precautions before using any cleaning chemicals. Additionally, using too much chemical cleaner can damage a toilet or plumbing system, so it’s best to use only the recommended amount.
Can a plunger make a toilet clog worse?
Yes, a plunger can make a toilet clog worse. If a plunger is used incorrectly, it can damage the toilet and create an even bigger clog. If a plunger is used too often or with too much force, it can push the obstruction further down the drain, resulting in an even larger clog that cannot be removed with a plunger.
Correct techniques, such as using the plunger in an up and down motion while sealing the area around the plunger with a damp cloth, should be used to ensure that the plunging process is properly and safely done without causing further damage to the toilet.
If a toilet clog still remains after a few attempted plunging attempts, you should call a professional plumber to potentially clear the obstruction using special plumbing tools and techniques.
Does flushing a clogged toilet make it worse?
No, flushing a clogged toilet should not make it worse. Flushing a clogged toilet may help to clear the blockage or loosen the obstruction, but it is not guaranteed to resolve the issue. If the flushing action does not resolve the clog, it is best to avoid trying to flush the toilet again and instead contact a plumber who can help clear the clog professionally and safely.
Inserting a plumbing snake or chemical drain cleaner into a clogged toilet can cause further damage and should be avoided.
Do clogged toilets eventually go down?
Yes, clogged toilets will eventually go down. Depending on the severity of the blockage, it could take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Generally, the blockage can be eliminated by using a plunger or an auger to try and break up the blockage.
If that doesn’t work, you may need to snake the toilet, which involves inserting a drain snake into the toilet and rotating it so that it breaks up the clog. If the clog is still present after this, it may require professional attention to remove it.
What do plumbers use to unclog toilets?
Plumbers generally use either a plunger or an auger to unclog toilets. A plunger is typically a rubber device connected to a handle that is used to build up pressure to dislodge the clog. An auger, also known as a closet auger or toilet auger, has an auger cable connected to a handle that is inserted into the toilet bowl to push and break up the clog.
For tough clogs, it may be necessary to use professional grade products or a hydro jetting machine that uses high-pressure water to clear the clog. In addition, some plumbers may use drain snakes to snake out the blockage.
It is also possible to use chemical drain cleaners to clear the clog, but this is not always recommended because it can damage the pipes or require additional drainage treatments if used incorrectly.
Does pouring a bucket of water help unclog a toilet?
No, pouring a bucket of water into a toilet will not necessarily unclog the toilet. Depending on the blockage and the severity – it may even make the clog worse by forcing more materials down the drain.
Generally, a plunger is the most popular method for unclogging a toilet as it creates a vacuum seal around the drain, which when pushed in and out, can create enough pressure to push the blockage out of the way.
If a plunger does not work the best course of action is to contact a plumbing professional as they will have the right tools and techniques to clear the blockage.