The most common cause of a clogged toilet after the use of a plunger is the presence of an obstruction in the drainpipe. Obstructions in the toilet can be caused by a variety of things such as a build-up of toilet paper, excess amounts of tissue or foreign objects like toys, hair ties or pieces of clothing that have been flushed down the toilet.
Additionally, corrosion or calcification in the drainpipe can lead to obstructions that can be difficult to clear. In some cases, the clog may be in the sewer line, so a high-pressure water jetting may be needed to remove the obstruction.
It is also possible that the toilet has a mechanical issue, such as a broken flapper or fill valve, that needs to be repaired in order to restore normal function. If you are unable to clear the clog after several attempts with the plunger, it is best to contact a professional plumber to assess the issue and recommend the best course of action.
Can a plunger make a toilet clog worse?
Yes, a plunger can make a toilet clog worse if it is used incorrectly. Typically a plunger should be used to push the object further into the pipe, however if the plunger is used in the opposite direction, it can actually push the object further into the pipe and cause the clog to become worse.
Additionally, if the plunger is too small or too large, it can be ineffective at pushing the object out of the pipe, further obstructing it, and making the clog worse. So, it is important to use the proper size plunger and ensure that it is used in the correct direction when attempting to unclog a toilet.
How do you fix a toilet that keeps clogging?
If your toilet keeps clogging, there are several steps you can take to try to fix the issue. First, check for any foreign objects that may be clogging the toilet, such as toys, feminine hygiene products, etc.
If you see a foreign object, try to remove it using a pair of tongs or a toilet snake. If this doesn’t work, you’ll likely need to use a plunger. Make sure to cover the overflow tube in the toilet with a towel, then place the plunger over the hole of the toilet and push up and down several times.
If the clog still won’t budge, make sure to contact a plumber as soon as possible.
How many plunges does it take to unclog a toilet?
It depends on the cause of the clog. If it is caused by an excessive amount of toilet paper, it may take multiple plunges to eventually clear the clog. If the culprit is a more solid blockage such as a toy, it may take more vigorous plunges over a longer period of time.
If a plunger is not able to successfully unclog the toilet, a toilet auger may be necessary to dislodge the offending item.
Can you unclog a toilet by repeatedly flushing it?
No, repeatedly flushing a toilet is not an effective way of unclogging it. It can actually make the clog worse if the flush power is weak and not strong enough to break through the clog. If a clog is minor then the repeated flushing may be able to dislodge it, however, more than likely it will not.
The more effective methods for unclogging a toilet include using a plunger or sink auger. The plunger is the more common of the two, unclogging roughly 80% of toilets with just a few minutes of plunging.
If the plunger does not work then a sink auger may be better suited for the task. A sink auger is a long wire with a crank handle that is used to snake through the drain and break up the clog. If these methods don’t work then you may need to hire a plumber.
What causes constant toilet clogging?
Clogged toilets are usually caused by discarded items that are not supposed to be flushed in the toilet, such as hygiene products, diapers, paper towels, and feminine products. Other common causes of clogs include building materials such as cement, sand, and grout that can build up and form a blockage.
In some cases, clogs can be caused by larger objects such as toys, bottle caps, and chunks of plaster that get flushed down the toilet. Tree roots can also grow into a drain and cause a blockage. Poorly installed pipes, obstructed vents, or plumbing that has shifted or settled can also lead to clogged toilets.
Finally, mineral deposits, grease, and soap scum can build up on the walls of the pipes and lead to a blockage.
How do professional plumbers unclog toilet?
Professional plumbers often use a plunger when unclogging a toilet. To start, they turn off the water supply to the toilet and make sure the tank is completely empty. They then place the plunger over the opening in the toilet bowl, creating an airtight seal.
After making sure the plunger is secure, the plumber will proceed to plunge up and down vigorously for several minutes, which pressurizes the clog and forces it down the drain. After the plunging is complete, the plumber will turn the water supply back on and check to make sure the toilet is releasing water as it should.
If it is not, the plumber may repeat the plunging process or decide to use a specialized tool such as a toilet auger to free the clog. If no amount of plunging or augering works, the plumber may opt to dismantle the plumbing in the walls to access the clog and remove it manually.
What is the liquid to unclog toilet?
One of the most effective liquids to use to unclog a toilet is a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and hot water. The vinegar and baking soda create a chemical reaction that helps break up the blockage.
To make the mixture, combine 1/3 cup of baking soda with ½ cup of white vinegar. Pour the mixture down the toilet and allow it to sit for 1-2 hours. After it has had time to work, pour a pot of boiling hot water down the drain to help dissolve and flush away the blockage.
If the blockage is stubborn, repeat the process.
Can too much toilet paper clog a sewer line?
Yes, it is possible for too much toilet paper to clog a sewer line. Toilet paper, in and of itself, is not a major issue for clogging a sewer line, but when combined with other sources of debris, it can accumulate and create blockages.
For example, if a large amount of grease, soap, and other debris goes down the drain at the same time as a large amount of toilet paper, a clog can occur. This can happen in both residential and commercial sewer lines.
To avoid clogs, it is important to not flush large amounts of anything, including toilet paper, down the drain. It is important to remember that while toilet paper is a better option than other items, such as sanitary wipes, it should still be flushed in moderation.
Can you flush a toilet multiple times in a row?
Yes, you can flush a toilet multiple times in a row. The best practice is to wait at least 5 seconds between each flush to allow the water to refill and the waste to be adequately moved through the plumbing system.
If you need to flush the toilet multiple times to clear the contents, it is important to make sure there is not something wrong with your toilet if you find yourself constantly flushing it. Poor flushing could be due to a number of issues such as a weak flush, a clogged drain, or a faulty valve.
If you find that none of these issues seem to be the cause, it could be an indication that there is a blockage in the pipes that requires professional diagnosis and repair.
Why do I have to plunge my toilet every time I flush?
You may have to plunge your toilet every time you flush if there is a clog or a blockage present in the drainpipe. When you flush the toilet, all of the wastewater runs down the drainpipe and if the drainpipe is blocked, it will be unable to properly drain, resulting in a slow flush.
If this is the case, using a plunger can help dislodge the blockage, allowing the wastewater to flow freely again. If the clog is particularly stubborn and/or is in a place that is not easily accessible, then you may need to call a plumber to remove it.
How do you know if your toilet is clogged?
If your toilet is clogged, there are several symptoms you can look for to identify the problem. The most obvious symptom will be water that won’t flush or drains slowly. This is often accompanied by a gurgling sound coming from the pipes.
Other signs may include water that rises in the bowl, a toilet that is slow to refill after flushing, or a toilet that overflows when you flush. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should act quickly to unclog your toilet before the problem gets worse.
Can you over plunge a toilet?
Yes, you can over plunge a toilet. This can happen by using too much force when plunging, plunging for too long, or using the wrong type of plunger. Over plunging can lead to cracked porcelain, which can lead to leaks in the bowl or tank.
It can also cause the water to create suction and pull the bowl contents back up when you flush. To prevent over plunging, be sure to use the correct size and type of plunger, use short, firm pressure, and stop when you feel resistance.
Additionally, don’t try to unclog the toilet if it is blocked with a foreign object. If the toilet continues to be blocked, you should call a plumber for professional help.
Will a toilet clog eventually go down?
Yes, a toilet clog will eventually go down. It may take a few hours or days for it to do so, depending on how blocked the toilet is and the type of obstructions causing the blockage. However, if the clog is severe, you may need to use a plunger or auger to help break down the blockage and dislodge the clog.
If the clog consists of serious matter like children’s toys, a professional plumber may be required to remove the clog. It is important to address any toilet clog as soon as possible, so as not to further damage the plumbing system and cause a bigger problem in the future.