Ask a Goshen Plumber: How to Clean Out a Clogged Toilet

If Plunging and Snaking Don’t Work, You May Have a Bigger Problem

There are multiple ways a toilet in your home can become clogged – too much toilet paper, foreign objects accidentally being flushed, or feminine hygiene products getting stuck. Sometimes, though, it’s an even bigger problem like tree roots stopping up the entire line.

If you have multiple toilets that are all blocked, that’s a good indication that your main line has a serious clog in it that needs repairing as soon as possible. But, if you just can’t seem to get one toilet to flush properly, there are some things you can try.

How to Fix a Clogged Toilet

1. Plunge away. This may seem like an obvious first step, and you may have already done it, but we need to make sure you try all avenues first. Believe it or not, there is a little trick to this. Your first plunge should be gentle, but use a hard thrust to force air back around the seal. Once the air is out, continuously plunge forcefully to loosen the clog. Just be patient, as this is typically the only thing you’ll need to get rid of the clog.
2. But, if that doesn’t work it’s time to bring out the plumber’s snake. Put the long wired snake into the drain so it can use its corkscrew motion to break up the debris that’s clogging the line. The most common thing we find when we come out to clear toilet clogs is toys that were flushed, so if that’s what you see don’t be alarmed! Snaking the toilet drain should be enough, but if it’s not continue on to number three.
3. Some clogs, as previously mentioned, are extremely tough. If this is what you are experiencing, you may have to pull up the entire toilet. This is a pretty intense and time consuming process so you’ll probably want an extra set of hands. Before you do this, though, take a look at other drains in your home. If they are blocked or causing problems, chances are you have an issue farther down the line.

If the clog persists despite your best efforts, Goshen’s plumbing experts here at Jones Services are here to help. Call us today!