A clogged toilet can be a nightmare to deal with, but no need to panic. With some quick fixes and DIY tricks from our expert plumbers, you’ll soon be able to unclog that stubborn toilet and have it running like normal again.
What Is a Clogged Toilet?
A clogged toilet is a plumbing emergency when too much debris or waste has built up in the pipes, preventing water from properly flowing through your pipes. Clogs can also be caused by things outside your control, such as a low-flow toilet not being strong enough to flush the contents down properly or a weak flush due to a problem with the flapper. Whatever the cause, it’s always important to address the issue quickly to avoid further damage and costly repairs.
What Causes a Clogged Toilet?
Clogged toilets are a common plumbing problem faced by many homeowners. Unfortunately, it’s not always clear what the cause is, but understanding the most common causes of toilet clogs can help you avoid them.
Too Much Toilet Paper
Using too much toilet paper at once is one of the most common causes of a clogged toilet. To avoid this problem, limit your use and dispose of multiple sheets in separate flushes if necessary. If you’ve already used more than you should have, don’t worry — you can still take action to unclog your toilet and get it back up and running.
Kids Flushing Toys Down the Toilet
Kids flushing toys or other objects down the toilet is a plumbing emergency many families face. While it might seem like an innocent game for young children, it can easily lead to an expensive plumbing disaster. If you spot your child flushing items down the toilet, stop them immediately and explain why it’s not a good idea. Common items flushed down the toilet to look out for include:
- Small toys
- Keys
- Toothbrushes
- Jewelry
- Coins
Sewer Line and Plumbing Issues
Not all clogs can be prevented. You may have a weak toilet that cannot flush at the force that it needs to, in which case it’s best to replace the toilet. Or perhaps your toilet flapper is broken, or you need to adjust the chain. If you notice a smell coming from your toilet, there’s most likely an issue with the sewer line, causing flushing problems. While some of these can be handled on your own, sewer line and plumbing system issues should be handled by a licensed Las Vegas plumber.
Steps to Take to Unclog a Toilet
If you notice a toilet clog, the first step is to turn off the water supply or close the flapper in the toilet lid. This will prevent your toilet from overflowing. Next, you want to place paper towels around the area to catch any splashes. And finally, we recommend putting on gloves to prevent your hands from getting soiled. Now you’re ready to unclog your toilet using one of the following methods:
Use a Plunger
A plunger is a great tool for unclogging your toilet. It’s simple to use, inexpensive, and available in most grocery stores. When using a plunger, make sure the flange of the plunger is completely sealed around the drain opening. Once it’s sealed, start pumping up and down quickly until you feel that suction has been created. You might need to repeat this process a few times before the clog begins to break up.
Use a Drain Snake
A drain snake, also known as an auger, is a long metal cable with a corkscrew-like tip that can be inserted into the drain to break up a toilet clog. Start by inserting the end of the snake into the toilet bowl and gently pushing it down until you reach the blockage. Once you have found the clog, start cranking the handle clockwise to break up any debris or material causing the blockage. Continue cranking until you feel resistance, then pull out the snake and check for any visible debris in the toilet bowl. If there is still water in your bowl, continue cranking until all of it has been removed.
Make a DIY Drain Cleaner
Mix together equal parts baking soda and white vinegar in a bowl. Pour this mixture down your clogged toilet and let it sit for at least an hour. Combining baking soda and vinegar is one of the most effective ways to break up tough blockages in drains or toilets. If you don’t have those ingredients, you can try using dish soap instead!
How to Prevent a Toilet Clog
Preventing clogged toilets is a lot easier than unclogging them. While there are some emergency situations where you have no choice but to call in a professional plumber, practicing good toilet etiquette can help you avoid future plumbing disasters. This includes ensuring only bathroom-appropriate items get flushed down the toilet, being mindful of how much toilet paper you use, using biodegradable cleaning products to ensure the pipes don’t get damaged from harsh chemicals, and having your toilet and other pipes inspected annually.
When to Call a Plumber to Assist with a Toilet Clog
It’s important to take action quickly when it comes to a clogged toilet. If you wait too long, the blockage can become more difficult to remove and cause further damage to your plumbing system. Additionally, if you attempt to fix the problem yourself without proper knowledge or tools, you risk worsening the situation. If you notice that your toilet is running slowly or not flushing properly, don’t wait until it becomes completely blocked — call a licensed Las Vegas plumber right away for assistance.
Sierra Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to assist those in Las Vegas and the surrounding areas. Their services are of the highest quality and offer 24/7 emergency plumbing repairs. Customer service is unparalleled, and the company has won many awards thanks to its high professionalism and quality work standards.
Contact Sierra Air Conditioning & Plumbing today to handle all your toilet clogs and other plumbing needs!
