(650) 442-1470
Summary:
- Toilet clogs don’t always require professional help. Before calling experts for help, you might want to try solving the problem yourself.
- The most common method for unclogging a toilet is to use a plunger—but other tools like toilet snakes and wet/dry vacuums can also be helpful. In a pinch, you can even use a coat hanger!
- Some simple chemical solutions can also be useful. Try soap and hot water, baking soda and vinegar, or a bio-cleaner instead of using harsh chemical drain cleaners.
- If you’re still not having any luck, Caccia Plumbing can help. Our experts can solve the issue quickly and professionally so you don’t have to get your hands dirty.
Nobody likes a clogged toilet, but chances are you’ll have to deal with one eventually—if you haven’t already. And when your toilet gets backed up, you might want to try dealing with the problem yourself before calling a plumber for help.
That’s all well and good! You don’t always need professional help for this plumbing problem, although we’re always ready to unclog your toilet if you’re unable to do it on your own. Below, our team of experts lists seven tips you can try before giving us a call.
Use a Plunger
The traditional way of getting rid of toilet clogs is with a high-quality plunger. Here are the steps you should follow when using this method:
- Place the plunger in the toilet bowl so it completely covers the opening of the toilet trap.
- Next, begin plunging by slowly pressing the plunger into the toilet trap opening until the clog loosens.
- Once you’ve done this, flush to check if your toilet is draining normally again. If it isn’t, repeat the process.
Pro Tip: We recommend using a ball-shaped or flanged plunger with a fold-out cylindrical extension on the bottom. The standard rubber cup plunger shape won’t create enough suction.
Try Baking Soda & Vinegar
A combination of baking soda and vinegar can help dissolve toilet clogs if you pour them in correctly. The baking soda will actually do most of the work here—the vinegar mostly just makes it bubble. But those bubbles can be useful for helping dislodge whatever is stuck in your toilet.
Here’s what to do:
- Add one cup of baking soda to the bowl and let it sit for a few minutes.
- After that, slowly pour in two cups of vinegar.
- Let the mixture sit again for an hour, then flush down the toilet.
If the toilet is still not draining, you may need to do this process again and let the solution sit overnight.
Related: The Most Common Toilet Problems
Snake It Out
A plumbing snake, also known as an “auger,” is a flexible coil that is used to break up drain clogs or pull them out. The best snake to use for your clogged toilet is a “closet auger”. It is designed particularly to clear the clogs on your toilet without actually damaging or staining the bowl.
- Insert the device down into the drain and slowly turn the crank until the clog is cleared.
- Twist it a few times, and reverse the motion as you pull it out.
- Repeat this process again if the first attempt didn’t work out.
Related: How To Use A Drain Auger
Pour in Soap & Hot Water
Dish soap is more dense than hot water, and it’s also designed to help break down grease and grime—especially mixed with hot water. It should be no surprise, then, that this mixture can also help loosen many materials that can clog a toilet bowl.
- Heat up a gallon of water on the stove.
- While you are waiting for it to heat up, pour some dish soap into your toilet bowl.
- When the water is hot (but not boiling, as this could potentially crack the porcelain), pour it into the toilet carefully to prevent it from splashing out.
- Let the mixture sit for a few minutes while the soap and hot water soften the clog, then give your toilet a flush.
Wet-Vac Your Clog Out
If you have tried the methods above but still didn’t get rid of the clog, you might try using a wet/dry vacuum as the last resort. You can rent these devices from many major home hardware stores if you don’t have one.
If you’ve never used a wet/dry vacuum before, here’s what to do:
- Empty the water from the bowl using the vacuum.
- Insert the vacuum’s hose directly into the toilet drain and wrap an old towel around it to create a seal around the drain.
- Turn the vacuum on. Hold the hose firmly and wait till it sucks out the clog.
- Make sure to clean and sanitize the vacuum when the process is done (and definitely before returning it, if it was a rental!).
Try Improvised Tools
If you don’t have any other option and you desperately need to get rid of the clog in your toilet, there are probably a few objects lying around your home that you can use to break down the obstruction. For example, you can get a hanger from your closet and unwind it until you have one straight length of wire.
You’ll use the hanger like how you would use a drain snake. Here’s how:
- First, wrap a cloth around the hook to prevent any scratches or damage to the porcelain.
- Next, stick it down into the drain until you find the clog, and poke it until it breaks down.
- Finally, when the water drains, flush the toilet a few times to completely clear it out.
Flush it with a Bio-Cleaner
Liquid drain cleaners contain harmful chemicals that not only appear to be inefficient but can also eat away your pipes over time. Instead, try using a bio-cleaner. These products break down waste particles into water, mineral ash, and carbon dioxide, which can be flushed out afterwards.
Using bio-cleaners is easy. All you do is:
- Pour the cleaner into your toilet bowl (the same way you would pour a chemical drain cleaner).
- Wait a few minutes (or however long is indicated on the label for your specific cleaning product).
- Plunge the toilet once for good measure (optional) before flushing and seeing if the clog disappears.
Bio-cleaners are also a safer option since they cannot burn holes in your pipes, which can cause leaks and other major plumbing problems later on.
Related: Are Bio Drain Cleaners Safe for Your Plumbing?
Caccia Can Provide Expert Support When You Need It
The methods listed above can all help you remove stubborn toilet clogs—but some situations are severe enough that you’ll need professionals with special tools and experience to solve your problem.
If the methods above fail—or if you just want someone else to do the toilet clog-clearing—contact Caccia Plumbing online or call (650) 442-1470 for emergency service. We’ll do the dirty work so you don’t have to!
Frequently Asked Questions about Unclogging a Toilet
Should I turn off the water before trying to unclog my toilet?
This can be a good idea if you’re worried about your toilet overflowing. You should find the shutoff valve near the base of the toilet.
Can I plunge a toilet if there’s no water inside?
Plungers work best when there’s enough water in the bowl to cover the rubber head of the tool. If there isn’t and you’ve already turned off the valve, you can pour enough hot water in from a bucket (which may also help dislodge the clog).
Why shouldn’t I use chemical drain cleaners to unclog a toilet?
Chemical drain cleaners can damage your pipes over time, which can lead to water leaks. Bio-cleaners are much safer for your pipes and your home.
How can I prevent toilet clogs in the first place?
The best way is to avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Items like wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products can easily cause clogs. You can learn more about the most common items that clog toilets here.
Do toilet clogs ever go away on their own?
It depends on whether the clog is caused by biodegradable materials (like toilet paper and human waste) or items that won’t break down over time. Just remember—as long as your toilet is clogged, you won’t be able to use it, so it’s better to solve the problem sooner rather than later!