How to Clear a Slow Draining Toilet in 3 Easy Steps

How to Clear a Slow Draining Toilet

A slow draining toilet can be a major inconvenience, especially if it’s happening at a time when you really need to use the bathroom. There are a few different things that could be causing the problem, and luckily, there are also a few different ways to fix it.

In this article, we’ll discuss the most common causes of a slow draining toilet, and we’ll walk you through the steps on how to clear a slow draining toilet. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent future problems.

So if you’re dealing with a slow draining toilet, read on for all the information you need to know!

How To Clear A Slow Draining Toilet?

| Step | Action | Explanation |
|—|—|—|
| 1 | Remove the toilet tank lid. | This will give you access to the inside of the tank. |
| 2 | Locate the float and the fill valve. | The float is a small, plastic ball that floats on top of the water in the tank. The fill valve is a small, metal valve that controls the flow of water into the tank. |
| 3 | Lift the float up and hold it there for a few seconds. | This will allow the water to drain out of the tank and into the bowl. |
| 4 | Release the float and let the tank fill back up. | The water should now drain quickly down the drain. |
| 5 | If the toilet is still draining slowly, you may need to clean the drainpipe. | You can do this by using a plunger or a drain snake. |
| 6 | If the toilet is still draining slowly after you have cleaned the drainpipe, you may need to replace the fill valve. | You can find a replacement fill valve at your local hardware store. |

A slow draining toilet can be a major inconvenience, especially if it’s the only one in your home. There are a number of possible causes for a slow drain, and the best way to fix the problem is to identify the cause.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different causes of a slow draining toilet and how to fix them. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent future clogs.

Identifying the Cause of the Slow Drain

The first step in fixing a slow draining toilet is to identify the cause of the problem. There are a number of possible causes, including:

  • Clogged Drain – The most common cause of a slow draining toilet is a clogged drain. This can be caused by a build-up of hair, soap scum, or other debris.
  • Bent or Broken Pipe – Another possible cause of a slow draining toilet is a bent or broken pipe. This can be caused by a number of things, such as tree roots, shifting soil, or construction damage.
  • Foreign Object in the Drain – A foreign object, such as a toy, can also cause a slow draining toilet.
  • Buildup of Grease or Soap Scum – A buildup of grease or soap scum can also cause a slow draining toilet. This is more common in older toilets that don’t have a built-in water softener.

Solving the Problem

Once you’ve identified the cause of the slow drain, you can begin to fix the problem. Here are a few tips:

  • Chemical Drain Cleaners – If the drain is clogged with hair, soap scum, or other debris, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner. Be sure to follow the directions on the product label carefully.
  • Mechanical Drain Cleaners – If a chemical drain cleaner doesn’t work, you can try using a mechanical drain cleaner. These cleaners are available in a variety of forms, including snakes, augers, and plungers.
  • Plungers – A plunger is a simple but effective way to clear a clogged toilet drain. To use a plunger, place the cup of the plunger over the drain and push and pull the plunger up and down. This will create a suction that will help to loosen the clog and push it through the drain.
  • DIY Solutions – There are a number of DIY solutions that you can try to clear a slow draining toilet. These solutions include using baking soda and vinegar, boiling water, or a mixture of dish soap and hot water.

A slow draining toilet can be a major inconvenience, but it’s usually a simple problem to fix. By following the tips in this article, you can quickly and easily clear the clog and get your toilet draining smoothly again.

Clogged Drain

The most common cause of a slow draining toilet is a clogged drain. This can be caused by a build-up of hair, soap scum, or other debris. To fix a clogged drain, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner, a mechanical drain cleaner, or a plunger.

Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners are available in a variety of forms, including liquids, gels, and powders. They work by dissolving the clog and breaking it down so that it can be flushed away. Be sure to follow the directions on the product label carefully.

Mechanical Drain Cleaners

Mechanical drain cleaners are available in a variety of forms, including snakes, augers, and plungers. Snakes and augers are long, flexible tools that are inserted into the drain to loosen and remove the clog. A plunger is a simple but effective tool that can be used to create a suction that will help to loosen the clog and push it through the drain.

Plungers

A plunger is a simple but effective tool that can be used to clear a clogged toilet drain. To use a plunger, place the cup of the plunger over the drain and push and pull the plunger up and down. This will create a suction that will help to loosen the clog and push it through the drain.

DIY Solutions

There are a number of DIY solutions that you can try to clear a slow draining toilet. These solutions include using baking soda and vinegar, boiling water, or a mixture of dish soap and hot water.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar is a popular DIY solution for clearing a clogged toilet drain. To use this solution, pour 1 cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl and then follow it with 1 cup of vinegar. The baking soda and vinegar will react together to create a fizzy solution that will help to loosen the clog. Let the solution sit for 15 minutes, then flush the toilet.

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How to Clear a Slow Draining Toilet?

A slow draining toilet can be a major inconvenience, especially if it’s the only one in your home. There are a few different things you can try to clear a slow drain, and most of them are relatively simple and easy to do.

1. Try Plunger

A plunger is one of the most common and effective ways to clear a slow draining toilet. To use a plunger, first fill the toilet bowl about halfway with water. Then, place the plunger over the drain opening and push down and pull up several times. The suction created by the plunger should help to dislodge any clogs and clear the drain.

If the plunger doesn’t work, you can try using a toilet auger. A toilet auger is a long, flexible tool that is inserted into the drain to break up clogs. To use a toilet auger, first attach the auger to a drill. Then, insert the auger into the drain and turn on the drill. The auger will spin and help to break up the clog.

2. Use a Chemical Drain Cleaner

If the plunger and toilet auger don’t work, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner. Chemical drain cleaners are available at most hardware stores. To use a chemical drain cleaner, follow the directions on the product label. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when using a chemical drain cleaner.

Chemical drain cleaners can be effective at clearing clogs, but they can also be harmful if they are not used properly. Be sure to read and follow the directions on the product label carefully.

3. Prevent Future Slow Drains

The best way to prevent slow drains is to take steps to prevent clogs from forming in the first place. Here are a few tips:

  • Regularly clean your drains. This means flushing them with hot water and vinegar or baking soda and vinegar on a regular basis.
  • Avoid putting grease and food scraps down the drain. Grease and food scraps can build up and clog your drains.
  • Use a drain screen. A drain screen can help to catch hair and other debris that can clog your drains.
  • Install a garbage disposal. A garbage disposal can help to grind up food scraps and prevent them from clogging your drains.

4. When to Call a Professional

If you have tried all of the above methods and your toilet is still slow draining, it’s time to call a professional plumber. A plumber can use specialized tools and equipment to clear a clog that you may not be able to clear yourself.

Here are some signs that you should call a professional plumber:

  • The plunger and toilet auger don’t work.
  • The clog is causing water to overflow from the toilet bowl.
  • You suspect that there is a serious problem with your plumbing system.

A plumber can assess the situation and determine the best course of action. They can also fix any underlying problems that may be causing the slow drain.

A slow draining toilet can be a major inconvenience, but it’s usually easy to fix. By following the tips in this article, you can clear a slow drain yourself. If you have tried all of the above methods and your toilet is still slow draining, it’s time to call a professional plumber.

How do I clear a slow draining toilet?

There are a few things you can try to clear a slow draining toilet. First, try using a plunger. Place the plunger over the drain and push and pull it up and down several times. This should create a seal and help to push the clog through the drain. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner. Follow the directions on the product label carefully. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when using a chemical drain cleaner. If neither of those methods work, you may need to call a plumber.

What are some common causes of a slow draining toilet?

There are a few common causes of a slow draining toilet. The most common cause is a clog in the drain. This can be caused by hair, soap scum, or other debris. Another common cause is a blockage in the vent pipe. The vent pipe allows air to flow into the drain, which helps to create a siphon effect that pulls the water down the drain. If the vent pipe is blocked, this can prevent the water from draining properly. Finally, a faulty toilet flapper can also cause a slow draining toilet. The flapper is a rubber disk that seals the drain when the toilet is flushed. If the flapper is not sealing properly, this can allow water to seep back into the bowl and slow down the draining process.

How can I prevent a slow draining toilet?

There are a few things you can do to prevent a slow draining toilet. First, avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. This includes things like feminine hygiene products, paper towels, and food scraps. Second, clean the toilet regularly. This means scrubbing the inside of the bowl and the rim with a toilet brush and cleaning the drain with a plunger or a drain cleaner. Finally, make sure that the vent pipe is clear. If you suspect that the vent pipe is blocked, you can have a plumber snake it out.

What should I do if a chemical drain cleaner doesn’t work?

If you have tried using a chemical drain cleaner and it hasn’t worked, you should call a plumber. A plumber will be able to identify the cause of the clog and clear it properly. Trying to clear the clog yourself could damage the toilet or make the problem worse.

What should I do if my toilet is overflowing?

If your toilet is overflowing, you should turn off the water supply to the toilet. This is usually located under the sink or behind the toilet. Once you have turned off the water supply, you can try to clear the clog using a plunger or a drain cleaner. If that doesn’t work, you should call a plumber.

How much does it cost to have a plumber clear a slow draining toilet?

The cost of having a plumber clear a slow draining toilet will vary depending on the location and the severity of the clog. In general, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to clear a slow draining toilet. We have covered a variety of methods, including using a plunger, a drain snake, and a chemical drain cleaner. We have also provided tips on how to prevent slow drains in the future.

If you are experiencing a slow draining toilet, we hope that this blog post has helped you to resolve the issue. However, if you are still having trouble, it is best to contact a professional plumber.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.