The gurgling sound of a clogged toilet can be quite unpleasant to the ear. It can create frustration in any household, especially if you live in a big one. This issue may arise for several reasons, such as flushing too much toilet paper down the toilet or even items that should not be thrown there, such as sanctuary pads. The issue could also be directed to the toilet rather than your actions.
Regardless of the cause, however, the problem is a stressful one. If you have found yourself in this situation and do not know how to fix it, don’t worry! You could always attempt to fix the issue by yourself. However, if it seems too tedious, calling a plumber may seem like the smart decision to save time and effort.
So let’s start by figuring out the cause of why your toilet is not unclogging and then discussing some tips to help you fix it!
Clogged drain
A clogged drain is one of the most common reasons for a clogged toilet. This could result from an accumulation of waste, foreign objects, or even mineral deposits that creates a blockage in the drains, disallowing the proper flow of water and waste.
Unwanted items causing this blockage could be too much waste, toilet paper, sanitary pads, and other items that you may be flushing down the toilet in bulk or that you are not meant to.
Furthermore, there could be clogging elsewhere in your pipe system, not your toilet drains. Since your pipes and drains are interconnected, a blockage caused by some other drain could impact your toilet’s train, causing it to get clogged up.
Flapper valve
Of course, as mentioned above, the problem could be the toilet. The flapper valve, to be more exact, could be faulty, causing the flush to work inadequately. The flapper valve is located at the bottom of the toilet’s tank and is lifted by the chain connected to the flush when you press it down and allow the flushing process to occur.
If the flapper valve is broken and not flushing, this may very well be the reason for your clogged toilet. You will need to contact a plumber to fix the problem.
Chain
The chain above that is connected to the flush and flapper valve could also be another culprit. If the chain is broken or too long or short, it will not lift the flapper valve well enough to flush out the waste.
Low water level
The water level in the toilet’s tank could be running low, inhibiting the flushing process from going through as it should. The lack of necessary water does not create the pressure to flush the waste out. This may happen if the water supply to your toilet has been restricted.
Now that we have gone through some possible reasons why your toilet will not unclog let’s move on to some tips on how to fix it and return to a normal and functional toilet!
Refrain from flushing items down the toilet
If you’ve gotten into the habit of flushing items such as pads or wipes down your toilet, this is your sign of stopping. As previously explained, flushing these items down causes build-up and blockages in your drains.
Also, refrain from flushing down excess toilet paper, as while that is safe to flush, and it is not recommended to do so in large quantities.
Plunger
A simple way to unclog your clogged toilet is by using a plunger. This method keeps your hands clean and your toilet unclogged. The plunger’s suction will help remove the gunk choking your pipes. When using this, ensure enough water is in the toilet bowl, push it down gently and pull up quickly. Repeat this motion several times until you manage to unclog the toilet.
Snake
A snake is a tool that can also help you get the unclogged results you need and is incredibly easy to use! Insert the snake into the drain and rotate it to break up the clog. Once you have done so, pull it back out and test the flush to ensure you have obtained your desired results.
Chemical drain cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners are another lifesaver and practically do all our work for us! The chemicals in this help to dissolve and deteriorate the clog in the drain. Check the container for the drainer’s instructions and pour the recommended amount down the bowl.
After waiting for the recommended amount, flush the toilet to see if the clog has dissolved. However, one note to make on this is to use it cautiously and only use it if necessary. These chemicals can damage the environment and are not the ideal choice.
Call a plumber
If you have tried various methods and none seems to be working, it is time to pick up your phone and call for help. Allow the plumbers to do this job for you so you can sit back and relax instead of working on it yourself!
