Operation Unclog Toilet: DIY Advice from a Plumber

Posted: Jul 17, 2012
Author: Minyard Plumbing, Inc.

Minor blockages (known as soft clogs) can often be rectified by homeowners – in fact, some soft clogs simply require you to wait the problem out for an hour or so. A common cause of soft clogs is the excessive use of toilet paper. The loosening action of water, combined with the force of gravity, may be enough to unclog a toilet.

Speed It Up

If you want to move your “Operation Unclog Toilet” task along a little faster, add a few squirts of biodegradable dishwashing soap into the bowl. Let it sit for a while, and then flush with hot water. Dishwashing soap contains lubricant properties to help detach the clog from the sides of the pipes.

CAUTION: Don’t flush if the water is close to the toilet rim. Toilet bowls are designed to hold a full tank of water, but not much more. If the level does not subside, it’s time to call a plumber.

A More Stubborn Clog

Often, a toilet plunger will do the trick. Make sure that there is some water in the pipes because water doesn’t compress as much as air when put under pressure. When you plunge against water, you create a lot more pressure per push.

If you use a standard sink plunger, you may have a problem with it slipping on the toilet bowl’s curved surface (sink plungers are designed for flat surfaces). Rather use a proper toilet plunger – one like this: 

If you still have no luck in your quest to unclog a toilet, it goes without saying – call your plumber.