Your toilet not flushing but draining slowly can be caused by a few common issues. The most common causes are blockages in the trap or drainpipe, a faulty lift chain or flapper, or a deteriorated flapper seal.
Blockages in the trap or drainpipe are often caused by items that have gotten flushed down the toilet or by a buildup of hard water deposits. If the lift chain or flapper is not working properly, it can prevent the toilet tank from refilling and cause the toilet to not flush.
A deteriorated flapper seal can also cause a slow drain as it will no longer effectively seal the flush valve and allow water to continue to leak down the drain. An additional issue can be caused by water level being too low in the toilet tank, in which case you would need to adjust the water level.
If you are unable to locate the source of the issue and resolve it on your own, it is recommended to contact a local plumbing professional for assistance.
Will a clogged toilet eventually drain?
Yes, a clogged toilet will eventually drain, although it may take some time. The primary cause of a clogged toilet is usually an object that’s been flushed down the toilet and lodged in the drainpipe or trap.
Toilets may also become clogged with large amounts of non-biodegradable materials such as cotton balls, paper towels, sanitary napkins, facial tissues, and so on. To clear the clog, you may need to use a plunger or an auger (plumbing snake) to loosen the blockage and push the material down the drain.
In some cases, if the blockage is extensive, you may need to use a drain cleaner to chemically dissolve the clog. While this is usually successful, it also carries the possibility of damaging the pipes.
In some cases, a larger blockage may require a licensed plumber to physically cut it apart in order to remove it.
How long does it take for clogged toilet water to go down?
The amount of time it takes for clogged toilet water to go down will vary depending on the severity of the blockage. In most cases, toilets take between several minutes to an hour to fully empty after a blockage has been cleared.
However, stubborn or large blockages may take longer to resolve, potentially taking several hours to overnight. The most effective way to clear a clogged toilet is to use a plunger in a few vigorous up-and-down pumping motions, pressing firmly around the base of the toilet bowl to break the blockage.
If a plunger is not successful in resolving the issue, a plumbing auger may be necessary to access hard-to-reach blockages in the pipes. It is important to contact a professional plumber if a plunger or auger is unsuccessful in removing the blockage.
Is it OK to leave a clogged toilet overnight?
No, it is not recommended to leave a clogged toilet overnight. Plungers are designed to push air into a clog and unblock a pipe, and can potentially be used to unclog a toilet, but should be used with caution.
While a plunger can temporarily unclog the toilet, it may not fix the underlying cause of the clog, which could cause the clog to become worse or lead to burst pipes or other plumbing disasters. If the plunger does not unclog the toilet or the problem persists, it is recommended to contact a plumbing professional to assess and fix the problem.
Doing so will ensure that the problem is properly fixed, as attempting to clear a clogged toilet with a plunger may only provide a short-term fix.
How do you unclog an extremely clogged toilet?
If you have an extremely clogged toilet, then you will want to take some different steps than what you would take for a moderately clogged toilet. First off, you will want to use a plunger, as this is often the most effective method.
Make sure the plunger is pushed all the way down into the toilet, so that the rubber edge of the plunger is completely submerged in the water. Then start plunging vigorously, making sure to do at least 15 to 20 plunges before you stop.
After that, flush the toilet and see if the clog is gone. If not, then you may have to consider a few other options.
One of the most common methods is to use a wet/dry vacuum. This is effective because it can help to pull out the clog from inside the toilet. Simply attach the vacuum to the drain and turn it on, and it should pull out the clog.
It is important to make sure that the wet/dry vacuum is not set for ‘dry’ mode, as this may cause the clog to jam further down the drainpipe.
Another option is to use a drain snake. This is a tool with a long handle that you insert into the toilet, and it has a spiral head on its end. You can spin the head and that can help to break up the clog and push it further down the drainpipe.
You will want to take extra care when using a drain snake, as it is possible to damage the piping if mishandled.
Finally, if all else fails, you may need to call a plumbing professional to handle the situation. They will have the right equipment and skill to get the job done correctly and safely.
How do you unblock a badly blocked toilet without a plunger?
To unblock a badly blocked toilet without a plunger, start by pouring a bucket of hot water into the toilet bowl to loosen the blockage. Avoid using boiling water as this may crack the porcelain. You can also add some liquid dish soap to the water and let it stand for 10 minutes before flushing.
If the bucket of water alone did not work, use a wire coat hanger to try and dislodge the blockage. Bend one end of the hanger into a hook and use it to fish out anything that is stuck in the U-bend of the pipe.
If the water is still not draining, then the blockage is in the sewer pipe. In this case, you will have to call a plumber for professional help.