Toilet Backed Up? Immediate Steps to Take at Home

According to a survey of 773 individuals by Consumer Affairs, plumbing is the most common home repair issue. Almost 28 percent of respondents cited a plumbing repair in the previous year, beating out heating, air, refrigerators, and other appliance issues.

There are many plumbing problems that require the attention of a professional. Fortunately, there are others–like a toilet backed up–that have many potential DIY fixes.

This article covers some basic steps to take if you face a backed-up toilet. Keep reading for DIY plumbing solutions that can get your toilet back up and running properly.

Plunging

Most people are familiar with this method, but it is worth mentioning simply because it is one of the best ways to address a toilet backed up. What many people do not know is that there are different types of plungers, and each has unique benefits. The three main ones are:

• Cup plungers
• Flange plungers
• Accordion plungers

Cup plungers are the most common type and the one most people are familiar with. They have a straight handle with a simple rubber cup on the end.

Cup plungers are best for sinks, bathtubs, or other drains that are surrounded by a flat surface. It is possible they can be used to unclog a toilet, but the other two options are preferable.

A flange plunger is very similar to a cup plunger, only it has an extra rubber flap (“flange”) that protrudes from the inside of the cup. The flange fits perfectly into most toilet drains, creating better suction and force that can be used to unblock a clog.

Accordion plungers are designed specifically for unclogging toilet drains. These are very similar to flange plungers but, as the name suggests, the cup portion is replaced with an accordion-like design. This lets the user create more force during the plunging action.

Note that accordion plungers may require greater strength to use effectively. If this is a concern, pick up a flange plunger instead.

Solutions To Break Down the Clog

If plunging alone does not do the trick, the next step is to try to break down the clog. There are several solutions (that you probably already have access to the ingredients) that can be very effective. These are:

• Hot water
• Dish soap
• Baking soda and vinegar

These materials are cheap, accessible, and safe for your plumbing. They are also preferable to many store-bought drain cleaners, which often contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your piping, the good bacteria in your septic tank, and the environment in general.

Hot water is one of the simplest quick fixes available. The water does not need to be boiling, but close to it (be careful not to scald yourself) to dissolve whatever is clogging the toilet. Pour a small bucket of hot water into the toilet and wait a few minutes to see if it works.

The next homemade solution to try is dish soap. It can do the same to clogs as it does when breaking down food particles when washing dishes. Squeeze about a fourth of a cup into the toilet and let it soak for 30 minutes, then flush with more hot water.

Did you ever make an erupting volcano science project as a kid? If so, the same chemical reaction created by combining baking soda and vinegar can be used to unclog a toilet.

Add approximately one cup each to the toilet bowl. Stir, then wait a half hour then flush with hot water.

Note that the reaction creates carbon dioxide very quickly, which makes the fizzing sensation. For this reason, we do not recommend using this if the toilet bowl is very full, as it could overflow.

Snaking

Snaking a clogged toilet is the most technical and potentially challenging options on this list (which is why we left it until the end), but it also can be the most effective. That is because it directly attacks the clog.

A simple homemade snaking device can be constructed out of an unfolded wire coathanger. Bend a hook onto the end to help clasp and dislodge clogged materials. The most important thing to remember with this method is to avoid using too much force and potentially scratching the toilet bowl or damaging the pipes.

A dedicated toilet auger, which can be purchased at local hardware stores, is preferable. These have several advantages.

One is that they are coated with rubber or other soft material that keeps them from scratching the porcelain or damaging piping. Next, augers move in a circular motion, which can dislodge clogs without the use of too much force.

Using a toilet auger is simple. Place it into the drain and turn the crank. Once you feel pressure, you have reached the clog.

Try to push the auger snake through the clog, which should dislodge it (at least partly). Reverse the auger and remove it. Finally, try flushing to see if the remainder of the clog dislodges.

Avoiding Clogs

In addition to these simple toilet unclogging tips, there are a few things you can do to prevent clogs in the first place. One is to avoid flushing feminine hygiene products, such as plastic applicators or pads, down the toilet. Likewise, do not flush baby wipes and paper towels.

Some ultra-thick toilet paper is more likely to cause clogs. You do not have to stop buying quality plush toilet paper but, if you keep experiencing clogs, flushing smaller amounts multiple times can help avoid clogging.

Learn More About Addressing a Toilet Backed Up

A toilet backed up can be a major hassle, but following the home plumbing emergency guide above will fix most minor issues. If these toilet unclogging tips do not do the trick, the next thing to do is call a professional.

Plumbing Outfitters is your guide to all things plumbing in Austin and the surrounding areas. Our team of 21 licensed technicians brings more than five decades of cumulative plumbing experience, and in a variety of services. Reach out to us today for help resolving toilet backups or other issues.

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