A clogged toilet is a common household headache, and it can be especially frustrating when the trusty plunger just doesn’t do the trick. Whether you’re facing a stubborn blockage or a toilet that simply won’t flush properly, it’s easy to feel stuck. Fortunately, there are several ways to handle a clogged toilet beyond the basic plunger. In this article, we’ll walk you through expert tips and DIY solutions to tackle even the toughest clogs. And if the problem persists, we’ll also explain when it’s time to call in the professionals at Larratt Bros Plumbing to ensure your toilet—and your plumbing—gets back to working smoothly.
How Do You Unclog a Toilet When the Plunger Won’t Work?
If your plunger is failing to do the job, don’t panic. There are several effective methods you can try to unclog your toilet without calling a plumber right away. Here are some simple yet powerful techniques to get your toilet flowing again:
- Toilet Auger (Snake): A toilet auger is a long, flexible tool specifically designed to break through stubborn blockages. Unlike a plunger, which only works on surface-level clogs, an auger can reach deeper into the pipes. Simply feed the auger into the toilet drain, twist it to catch the obstruction, and gently push or pull until the clog breaks free.
- Hot Water and Dish Soap: If you don’t have an auger on hand, hot water and dish soap can often do the trick. Pour a generous amount of dish soap into the toilet bowl and follow it with a few cups of hot water (not boiling, as that could crack the porcelain). Let the solution sit for 15-20 minutes to loosen the clog. Once the water has had time to work, try flushing again.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: For an eco-friendly solution, pour about a cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes to fizz and break down the clog. After that, try flushing again. This combination not only helps dissolve organic material but also deodorizes the toilet.
- Wet/Dry Vacuum: If you have a wet/dry vacuum, it can be a lifesaver when a plunger isn’t enough. Set the vacuum to “wet” mode and carefully vacuum out the clog. Be sure to cover the vacuum hose with a cloth to prevent any mess, and only use this method if you’re comfortable with the process.
If none of these methods work, it might be time to call in the experts at Larratt Bros Plumbing. We specialize in toilet repair & installation and can quickly resolve even the toughest clogs.
How Do You Unblock a Severely Clogged Toilet?
When your toilet is severely clogged and nothing seems to work, it’s time to step up your efforts. A more serious blockage may require specialized tools or techniques to clear. Here are some methods to help tackle even the most stubborn clogs:
- Heavy-Duty Toilet Auger: If a standard plunger or auger hasn’t done the job, a heavy-duty toilet auger is a game changer. These long, durable tools are designed to break through tougher blockages that are deeper in the pipes. Insert the auger into the drain, twist it, and push it through the clog until it clears the obstruction. This method is much more effective than a regular plunger, especially for larger blockages.
- Check the Toilet Trap: Sometimes, the blockage might be stuck in the toilet’s trap — the curved section of pipe just beneath the bowl. This can be a tricky spot for clogs to get stuck, especially if there’s an accumulation of waste or toilet paper. If your toilet is still clogged after trying an auger, you may need to remove the toilet and clear the trap directly. While this method can be a bit more involved, it’s sometimes necessary for severe blockages.
- Professional Help from Larratt Bros Plumbing: If the clog is still persistent after attempting these methods, it might be time to call in the professionals. At Larratt Bros Plumbing, we specialize in all aspects of toilet repair & installation. Our experienced plumbers can quickly identify the root of the problem and clear the most stubborn blockages, ensuring your toilet and plumbing are functioning like new.
What to Do if the Toilet Is Not Fully Unclogging?
If you’ve tried a plunger, auger, or other DIY methods and your toilet still isn’t fully unclogging, it’s likely that the blockage is deeper or more complicated than expected. Here are a few steps to take if your toilet continues to drain slowly or partially:
- Inspect the Drain Line: A partial clog in the drain line could be the culprit. If your toilet is still slow to drain or repeatedly clogs, the problem may be further down the line, beyond what you can reach with a plunger or auger. In this case, the drain line itself might have accumulated buildup, such as grease, soap scum, or even mineral deposits. To resolve this, you may need to schedule a drain cleaning with a professional plumber.
- Hydro Jetting: If you suspect there’s a significant buildup of debris in your drain line, hydro jetting could be the perfect solution. This technique uses high-pressure water to thoroughly clean the inside of your pipes, clearing away blockages, and preventing future clogs. Hydro jetting is effective for both drains and sewers, as it can break up stubborn blockages without damaging your pipes.
- Check for Larger Plumbing Issues: Sometimes, a partial clog can signal a more serious issue, like a problem with your sewers or mainline. If your toilet continues to struggle even after trying to clear it, it might be time to have your entire plumbing system inspected for underlying issues. A plumber can assess whether there are bigger issues with your pipes, like tree root intrusion, pipe corrosion, or even a damaged sewer line that’s contributing to the blockage.
- Call Larratt Bros Plumbing: If you’ve tried everything and your toilet still isn’t fully unclogging, don’t hesitate to reach out to the professionals at Larratt Bros Plumbing. We offer plumbing repairs, leak detection, and drain cleaning services to get your plumbing back in working order. We also provide comprehensive water heater repair & installation, sinks, and faucet services.
How to Unblock a Badly Blocked Toilet Poop?
A toilet clogged with poop can be one of the more frustrating issues to deal with. The good news is that there are several ways to unblock a toilet when you’re facing this type of obstruction. Here are some methods that can help:
- Use a Plunger Effectively: While you may have already tried a plunger, it’s important to use the right technique to clear a poop clog. Make sure the rubber cup of the plunger is fully submerged in the water. Then, with a firm grip, push down gently, followed by a strong upward pull to create suction. Repeat this process several times to break up the clog. Be patient, as it may take a few tries to get the blockage moving.
- Toilet Auger (Snake): If the plunger doesn’t work, a toilet auger may be the solution. A toilet auger is designed to reach further into the drain to break up stubborn clogs. Insert the auger into the toilet drain and twist it to break through the obstruction. Once the clog is cleared, try flushing the toilet again.
- Dish Soap and Hot Water: Another great method to help break down poop clogs is to pour some dish soap into the toilet bowl, followed by a few cups of hot (but not boiling) water. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the soap to lubricate the clog and the hot water to soften it. After the waiting period, try flushing the toilet again.
- Don’t Flush Repeatedly: If the toilet is still clogged, avoid flushing repeatedly, as this can cause the water level to rise and potentially overflow. Instead, wait a few minutes to see if the clog clears with the help of dish soap, hot water, or a plunger.
- Call a Professional Plumber: If you’ve tried these methods and the poop clog still won’t budge, it might be time to call in a professional plumber. At Larratt Bros Plumbing, we specialize in toilet repair & installation and can quickly diagnose and fix stubborn clogs. We also offer services like leak detection, drain cleaning, and more to ensure your plumbing is running smoothly.
Will a Toilet Eventually Unblock?
A common question people ask when dealing with a clogged toilet is whether the blockage will eventually clear on its own. While some minor clogs may resolve themselves with time, most significant blockages require action to prevent further issues. Here’s what you need to know:
- Minor Clogs: Some small clogs caused by toilet paper or light waste may naturally dissolve over time. If the clog isn’t too serious and the water is still draining slowly, you might find that the blockage clears up within a few hours or after a few flushes. However, this is not always the case, and it’s essential to keep an eye on the situation to avoid worsening the clog.
- Persistent Clogs: More severe blockages, especially those caused by large amounts of toilet paper, waste, or foreign objects, won’t likely resolve themselves. If your toilet continues to back up or drain slowly, it’s a clear sign that the clog is deeper or more stubborn. These types of clogs require immediate action to avoid issues like overflowing toilets or damage to your pipes.
- When to Call a Professional: If your toilet isn’t unblocking after several attempts at using a plunger, auger, or other methods, it’s time to call a professional plumber. At Larratt Bros Plumbing, we can help you tackle the toughest clogs. With our expertise in plumbing repairs, drain cleaning, and sewer inspection, we can quickly identify the source of the blockage and fix it before it causes any long-term damage.
How to Get Rid of Poop That Won’t Flush?
A common frustration when dealing with a clogged toilet is when poop refuses to flush. Whether it’s caused by a large amount of waste or a tough blockage, it’s important to act quickly to prevent overflow and other plumbing issues. Here are some helpful steps you can take to get rid of poop that won’t flush:
- Break Up the Clog with a Plunger: If your toilet is clogged with poop, your first go-to tool should still be the plunger. Make sure to cover the drain fully with the rubber cup of the plunger and apply firm, repeated pressure. The goal is to create enough suction to break up the blockage and allow the waste to pass through the pipes. It may take several attempts, so don’t give up too soon.
- Dish Soap and Hot Water: If the plunger isn’t doing the job, dish soap combined with hot water can help soften the waste and allow it to break down. Pour a generous amount of dish soap into the toilet bowl and follow it up with hot water (but not boiling, as that could crack your toilet). Let it sit for 10-15 minutes. After the waiting period, try flushing again. The soap helps lubricate the pipes, and the hot water helps dissolve the poop.
- Use a Toilet Auger (Snake): For particularly tough or large blockages, a toilet auger (also known as a toilet snake) is your best bet. This tool can reach deep into the toilet’s drain and break apart or remove stubborn waste. Insert the auger into the toilet, turn the handle to break the clog, and pull it out. Once the clog is cleared, try flushing the toilet again.
- Avoid Repeated Flushing: It might be tempting to keep flushing the toilet, but doing so repeatedly can lead to a messy overflow. If the toilet is still clogged, it’s best to wait a bit before trying again, or use the techniques mentioned above to clear the blockage. Over-flushing can also worsen the clog, pushing waste further down the drain and causing more damage.
- Call Larratt Bros Plumbing: If none of these methods clear the clog, it’s time to contact the professionals. At Larratt Bros Plumbing, we offer expert toilet repair & installation services and can clear even the most stubborn blockages. We also handle drain cleaning, leak detection, and plumbing inspections to ensure your system is running smoothly and efficiently.
How Larratt Bros Plumbing Can Help with Your Clogged Toilet and More
While the DIY methods mentioned above can help clear many common clogs, some plumbing issues require professional intervention. That’s where Larratt Bros Plumbing comes in. With over 30 years of experience in providing plumbing repairs, we’re well-equipped to handle everything from routine clogs to more complex plumbing issues. Here’s how we can help:
- Expert Toilet Repair & Installation: If your toilet is constantly clogging or the blockage is due to a mechanical issue, our team can provide expert toilet repair & installation. We can quickly identify and fix problems with the flushing mechanism, tank, or pipes, ensuring your toilet functions smoothly.
- Drain Cleaning Services: Stubborn clogs, especially those deep within the pipes, require professional drain cleaning. Our plumbers use high-quality equipment, including powerful hydro jetting technology, to clear out debris and buildup from your pipes. This helps prevent future clogs and keeps your plumbing in top shape.
- Sewer Inspections & Repairs: If your toilet clog is part of a larger issue with your sewers, such as a backed-up sewer line, we have the tools to perform thorough sewer inspections. We can identify tree root intrusions, pipe blockages, or other problems in your sewer system and offer repair solutions.
- Leak Detection: Sometimes, persistent clogs or slow drains are a sign of hidden leaks within your plumbing system. At Larratt Bros Plumbing, we specialize in leak detection, using advanced tools to pinpoint leaks behind walls, in pipes, or beneath floors. Addressing leaks early can prevent significant water damage.
- Comprehensive Plumbing Services: From water heater repair & installation to faucet repairs and garbage disposal installations, we offer a wide range of plumbing services to keep your home’s plumbing system in excellent working order.
If you’re struggling with a clogged toilet that won’t clear, don’t hesitate to reach out to Larratt Bros Plumbing. Our expert team is ready to solve the problem quickly and efficiently, ensuring your home’s plumbing is back to normal in no time.
Get Your Toilet Unclogged Today with Professional Help
Dealing with a clogged toilet can be a frustrating experience, especially when your plunger isn’t cutting it. From simple DIY methods like using hot water and dish soap to more advanced tools like a toilet auger, there are plenty of ways to tackle a blockage. However, when all else fails and the clog persists, it’s important to recognize when it’s time to call in the experts.
At Larratt Bros Plumbing, we understand how important it is to have a functioning toilet, and we are here to provide fast and reliable solutions for all your plumbing needs. Whether you need toilet repair & installation, drain cleaning, or help with leak detection, our experienced team is ready to assist you.
Don’t let a clogged toilet ruin your day—contact Larratt Bros Plumbing today to get your plumbing back on track!