Looking for professional advice on how to unclog a toilet? When faced with a clogged toilet, panic is often the first reaction. But with a bit of knowledge and the right tools, you can often solve the problem without needing to call in the pros.
As professional plumbers in Houston, Mammoth Plumbing is here to help you with all your plumbing needs. However, we also believe in empowering our customers with the information they need to tackle minor issues on their own when needed.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to unclog a toilet safely and effectively.
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Step 1: Unclogging a Toilet Requires the Right Tools
To tackle most toilet clogs, you’ll need a few basic tools:
- Rubber gloves: Things can get messy, so protect your hands.
- Bucket: Useful for bailing out excess water if needed.
- Old Towels: Just in case
- Plunger: Before you begin, it’s important to make sure you have the right type of plunger for the job. A toilet plunger, also known as a flange plunger, has a narrow, extended rubber flap (flange) that fits snugly into the toilet drain at the bottom of the bowl, creating a better seal for effective plunging. In contrast, other types of plungers, like the cup plunger, have a flat-bottomed design without the flange, making them more suitable for flat surfaces like sinks and showers rather than toilets.
(No plunger in sight? Don’t worry—there are a few methods you can try. One effective technique involves using hot water and dish soap. Start by pouring a generous amount of dish soap into the toilet bowl, then follow it with a bucket of hot (not boiling) water. The heat and soap work together to break down the clog and lubricate the pipes, helping the blockage move through. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then try flushing. If the water begins to drain, repeat the process until the clog clears completely. This method is gentle on your plumbing and can be surprisingly effective for minor clogs.)
- Plumbing Snake (Auger): Another effective tool is a plumbing snake, which can help manually break up the clog. A plumbing snake is a flexible, coiled tool designed to navigate through the curves of a toilet’s drain. By manually rotating the handle, the snake’s tip moves in the pipe, breaking up or hooking onto the clog, allowing you to pull it out or push it down the drain to clear the blockage.
Step 2: Assess the Toilet Clog & Prevent Overflowing
Have all the tools you need? Let’s move on the the next steps- Before you start, check how severe the clog is. If the water is slowly draining, the clog may not be too serious. However, if the water is rising and not going down, you’ll need to act quickly to avoid an overflow.
Here’s what you should do:
- Turn Off the Water Supply: The first step is to stop the flow of water into the toilet. Locate the shut-off valve, which is usually found behind the toilet near the base. Turn the valve clockwise to stop the water from entering the tank.
- Lift the Float in the Tank: If you can’t find the shut-off valve or it’s stuck, you can temporarily stop the water by removing the lid of the toilet tank and lifting the float, which is usually a ball or cup that controls the water flow. This action will stop more water from filling the tank.
- Remove Excess Water: If the water level in the bowl is already close to overflowing, you may need to remove some of it manually. Use your bucket to carefully scoop out excess water and pour it into a nearby sink or bathtub.
- Avoid Flushing: Resist the urge to flush again, as this can cause even more water to back up and overflow.
Step 3: How to Properly Use a Plunger to Unclog Your Toilet
Start with the plunger, which is often all you need for minor clogs:
- Insert the plunger into the toilet bowl: Make sure the rubber flange is fully extended to create a good seal.
- Position the plunger over the drain: Ensure it completely covers the drain hole at the base of your toilet bowl.
- Pump the plunger: Push down gently at first to avoid splashing, then pump vigorously several times.
- Check the water level: After a few pumps, lift the plunger and see if the water drains. If it does, your clog might be resolved.
- Repeat if necessary: Sometimes, it takes a few attempts to clear the blockage.
Step 4: How to Use a Plumbing Snake for Toilet Clogs
If plunging the toilet clog doesn’t work, it’s time to bring out the toilet plumbing snake:
- Insert the snake into the drain: Push it down slowly until you feel resistance. This is likely the clog.
- Rotate the snake: Turn the handle to break up the blockage.
- Push further if needed: Continue to push and rotate until you feel the clog breaking apart.
- Pull out the snake: Once the clog is cleared, pull the snake out and flush the toilet to ensure everything is flowing smoothly.
Step 5: New Habits for Preventing Future Toilet Clogs
Once you’ve successfully unclogged your toilet, take steps to prevent future issues:
- Only flush toilet paper: Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste.
- Use less paper: Encourage family members to use less toilet paper to avoid future clogs.
- Regular maintenance: Consider using a mild, toilet-safe cleaner to keep pipes clear.
What Causes Toilet Clogs?
Some of the most common culprits of toilet clogs and blockages include:
- Too much toilet paper: Even if it’s labeled as “septic safe,” excessive toilet paper can create a blockage.
- Non-flushable items: Baby wipes, sanitary products, and other items that aren’t meant to be flushed can cause significant issues.
- Hard water deposits: Over time, mineral deposits in your toilet can build up and reduce the flow in your pipes.
- Plumbing issues: Sometimes, the clog might be due to an underlying problem with your plumbing system, such as tree roots infiltrating your pipes or a faulty sewer line.
Understanding the potential causes of a blockage will help you choose the most effective method for unclogging your toilet and keeping it that way.
Common Toilet Malfunctions to Look Out For in the Future
Your toilet is one of the most used fixtures in your home, so it’s important to recognize the signs of a potential problem before it turns into a major issue. Here are some common indicators that your toilet might need attention:
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Frequent Clogs: If your toilet clogs regularly, it could be a sign of a deeper issue, such as a blockage in the sewer line or a problem with the toilet’s internal components.
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Running Water: A toilet that constantly runs after flushing can waste a significant amount of water and increase your utility bills. This usually indicates a faulty flapper or an issue with the fill valve.
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Weak Flush: If your toilet isn’t flushing with its usual force, there may be an obstruction in the pipes or a problem with the toilet’s tank mechanism.
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Unusual Noises: Gurgling sounds or other strange noises coming from your toilet, even when not in use, can signal an issue with your plumbing system, such as a venting problem or a partial blockage.
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Water Around the Base: If you notice water pooling around the base of your toilet, this could indicate a leaking seal, which can lead to water damage and the growth of mold or mildew.
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Cracks in the Porcelain: Visible cracks in the toilet bowl or tank can lead to leaks and should be addressed immediately to prevent more severe damage.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
If you’ve tried plunging and snaking without success or if clogs are occurring frequently, it might be time to call in the Houston toilet repair experts. Persistent clogs could indicate a more severe issue, like a blockage in the main sewer line or a problem with the toilet itself.
Unclogging a toilet can be straightforward with the right tools and techniques. However, if you’re ever unsure or the problem persists, don’t hesitate to contact a professional plumber. While DIY fixes are helpful, professional assistance is just a phone call away.
Whether you have an urgent plumbing emergency, need routine maintenance, or require a full toilet replacement, call Mammoth Plumbing at 281-398-1700!
We are proud to be the go-to plumbers in Houston and the surrounding area.
