Clogged Toilet

[audreymir]

Here are some methods to unclog the toilet:
Use a Plunger
Get a plunger (either ball-shaped or fold out rubber flange). Make sure that the plunger covers the hole and is submerged in water. It is important to do the push and pull with water. Continue pushing and pulling until it drains.
Drain Snake
The tip of the drain snake screws through the clog and helps to break it up. The snakes are short because most obstructions catch in the first s-bend.
Pull up the toilet and check
If both tools (plunger and snake) failed, then pull out the toilet and have a deep check. The block might be down in the main drainpipes. Call a professional plumber and fix the issue

 

[coherent]

I went through the same issue recently. Over the course of months and intermittent clogs and clearing it with small drill snakes, hand snakes and chemicals, I went to Harbour Freight and bought their "commercial" power feed snake. Price was pretty reasonable with the sale price and a 25% off coupon. I pulled the toilet and ran the arrowhead tip. At about 35 ft I finally hit the clog and cleared it. Haven't had the issue repeat itself since. For a HF tool it's extremely heavy and well made. No complaints considering it was cheaper than a single plumber call out and I still have it on hand for future use... or I'm sure I could sell and recoup most of my money making the whole project nearly cost free and less than even rental of a good unit. (other than what I spent on chemicals, and smaller augers). I wish I would have just got one from the start. Good luck. Drain issues and be most frustrating of all home fix-it issues.

 

[mapper]

Years ago when we sold our first home and were waiting for the new one to close we found ourselves in a rental for a couple of months. We had trouble with the toilet from the get go. The landlord was over on pretty much a daily basis, snaking, plunging and finally pulling the stool and hosing it out. The toilet would flush ok a few times then back up again. They finally had to replace the toilet, the new one worked fine. When the old one was broken open they found a soup can sized lid stuck in the trap, it would open to let a snake past but would close when a load of solids hit it.
Turns out the previous occupant was a very eccentric old bag lady to whom they attributed the problem.

 

[Deere Dude]

Still clogged. I did pour some drain cleaner in last night. Getting really nasty now, all other drains work fine. I am the only one who uses it so there are no Q-tips or female items in it.

mark

I would find me a heavy duty wet vac and such everything out of the toilet and out of the tank. Maybe run a little water or bleach water in it and suck it again so it's not so disgusting to work on.

Then take the tank off then the stool and inspect everything. You should be able to find something in the trap or in the line itself. It won't pay to throw more acid in it because it will just make it more hazardous to work with.

 

[Ken]

My first question would be, does anyone else use this toilet? Are you sure the clog is brown in nature? If so, plunging should work. If you are not sure use a toilet auger. If that doesn't work pull the toilet and run a garden hose through it back words. Sooner or later you'll get the toy, Q-tips, tampon keys or whatever else is missing.

This reminds me of a problem a fellow worker was having with his toilet not flushing. .Told him to wrap a old towel around the garden hose and tightly put into the commode. Since hose came in from outside by window he asked wife to turn on the outside water tap. while he was holding the hose . in a short period of time heard his wife begin to use words he didn't know she knew. then saw her run past the window trying to get out of her dress. So he relaxed the pressure on the towel and hose only to get a back flow of crap and water into the bathroom floor. Quickly running out to shut off the hose saw the roof stained by the water flowing out top of vent pipe into a valley and then on to his wife.
Next day he was sullen and wouldn't talk so knew something had gone wrong and at break period asked what was wrong. It was impossible to keep straight face and others laughing at him made a rough day.
ken

 

[TomSeller]

Not NEARLY as bad but when I was on the roof with my backpack blower (200 mph) cleaning the gutters and roof recently I noticed a wasp nest at the top of a vent so I decided to dislodge it. I pointed it down the vent accidentally and coincidently right after my wife had a spell of diarrhea but before she got off the toilet. One big difference, I know my wife knew those words, I have heard them before.

 

[mjarrels]

Wife went in wearing a mask, latex gloves and a plunger and got it open. Still don't know what clogged it up. Back in service for morning duty.

mark

 

[EddieWalker]

Your wife sounds like a great woman!!!!

 

[TomSeller]

Wife went in wearing a mask, latex gloves and a plunger and got it open. Still don't know what clogged it up. Back in service for morning duty.

mark

Does she have a sister?

 

[two_bit_score]

Wife went in wearing a mask, latex gloves and a plunger and got it open. Still don't know what clogged it up. Back in service for morning duty.

mark

Did you tell her she couldn't fix it right before she went in?

That's what I always do to give mine a little more determination. Sure seems to work.


TBS