Hello homeowners, let’s dive into the not-so-glamorous topic of clogged toilets. We’ve all been there, and it’s not a pleasant situation. But before you start to panic, let’s discuss what you can do to tackle this issue yourself and when it’s time to call in the professionals.
Foreign Objects Are the Culprit
Got kids? First things first, teach them to remember the three “P’s” that are safe to flush down the toilet: (toilet) paper, pee, and poop. (Pardon our language, but anything beyond these three can lead to trouble, but for those little ones, it is easy to remember and understand. If they’ve confessed to dropping something solid or toy-like in the toilet, check if they flushed it. Even seemingly small items like a Lego block can cause plumbing havoc.
If you catch it before it’s flushed, you can try retrieving the object with a plumber’s snake (also known as an auger). But if that doesn’t work, it’s time to bring in a professional because they might need to disassemble the hardware! Our team of expert drain cleaners could help in no time, simply give us a call 24/7 at (888) 834-3655!
Lost Something Precious?
Now, let’s say you’ve dropped something valuable like jewelry down the toilet. Usually, these items end up in sinks, and they’re easier to retrieve since they often sink to the bottom of the sink’s P-trap. This is the P-shaped pipe that connects sinks to the drain line.
Toilets also have P-traps, but the force of a flush is strong enough to whisk away small items into the drain pipes. So, if you’ve accidentally dropped something valuable, don’t flush the toilet. Instead, use a plumber’s snake to try to retrieve it. Be prepared for an unpleasant surprise, as you might retrieve more than your lost item!
If the snake doesn’t do the trick, it’s time to call in for professional help, especially if your precious item is still in the toilet.
DIY Plunging Fails
There are various types of plungers, and for toilets, you should use a flange plunger. These have a cup similar to sink plungers but also feature an extra rubber flap to fit over toilet drain openings.
Start by running the cup of the plunger under hot water to soften the rubber, allowing it to create a better seal over the toilet’s drain hole. Then, position the cup directly over the drain opening, ensuring the flap goes inside the hole. Push the plunger’s handle gently to create a seal.
Now, it’s time for some elbow grease. Rapidly push and pull the plunger with force for about 20 to 30 seconds. Afterward, lift the plunger cautiously to avoid getting splattered with toilet water. Try flushing the toilet to check if your plunging efforts worked.
If the water still doesn’t go down, and you don’t have a plumber’s snake, then pick up the phone to give our services a try!
DIY Toilet Snaking Issues
Maybe you already have a plumber’s snake from dealing with common sink problems. Can you use the same tool on your clogged toilet? Technically, you can, but there’s a risk of damaging the toilet’s porcelain materials.
Manufacturers make augers specifically for toilets to prevent this kind of damage. If you don’t have one, you can pick it up at a hardware or home improvement store.
Here’s how to use it: insert the end of the snake’s metal cable into the toilet bowl and feed it into the drain opening. Turn the handle to advance the line until you feel resistance, indicating you’ve reached the clog.
Once you feel resistance, carefully retract the cable by turning the handle the other way. If you’re successful, the clog should come out or become dislodged. You can then run the snake into the toilet again to ensure the blockage is gone.
If there’s no more resistance, retract the snake, clean and disinfect it, and try flushing the toilet again. If it still won’t flush, don’t escalate your attempts, call in for the right help.
Multiple Clogged Toilets
If you have more than one clogged toilet at home, it’s a sign of a bigger issue – potentially in your main drain or sewer lateral.
The main drain is a single pipe that connects all your other drain pipes within your home. It usually runs under the basement or foundation slab, carrying wastewater to the municipal sewer line. Your sewer lateral is a short pipe that extends from your main sewer, typically running under your lawn.
Unless you have a private septic tank, you’re likely using municipal sewers. So, if multiple toilets aren’t flushing correctly, it’s time to call for help to take a closer look.
Clogged Drains Galore
Keep in mind that all your plumbing fixtures have drains that connect to your sewer drain, including floor drains, showers, tubs, and sinks. Even your washing machine has a separate line that dumps water into the main drain.
So, a clog in your main sewer line can affect multiple toilets and drains. However, symptoms often appear first on fixtures at lower points, such as showers, tubs, and floor drains. So, if you notice these signs, begin to search for local contractors that you can trust, like us here at Always Clear Sewer and Drain.
Toilet Backs up Into the Shower
If flushing your toilet results in a gurgling sound from your shower or tub drain, or if wastewater starts coming out of those drains, you likely have a severe issue affecting your main sewer line. This means the clog is forcing wastewater back into your home.
Please, avoid using the shower or tub to try and resolve the issue on your own. You’re dealing with wastewater, and it can carry diseases. Instead, call an emergency drain cleaning service right away. Let the professionals handle the drain cleaning and waste cleanup, any time of the day (we provide emergency help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!).
Your Bathroom Smells Like the Sewer
Sewer smells in your bathroom, especially when accompanied by a clogged toilet, likely mean a blocked line. This blockage could have trapped waste material in the pipe, causing it to decay and release those foul sewer gases.
Sewer gases are not only unpleasant but can also be harmful. They can cause eye and nose irritation, breathing difficulties, dizziness, and nausea.
So, if you encounter these odors along with a clogged toilet, don’t hesitate to take action with the help of a professional.
How All Clear Sewer and Drain Can Help
While there are some instances where you can try DIY fixes for a clogged toilet, it’s essential to know when to call in the pros. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you’re dealing with a stubborn clog or when multiple plumbing fixtures are affected. Drain and sewer issues can escalate quickly, and it’s best to leave them in the hands of experienced contractors. So, stay proactive and keep those drains flowing smoothly by calling us at (888) 834-3655 today!