How to Tell if Your Toilet Is Clogged (with Pictures)

How to Know If Your Toilet Is Clogged

There are a few telltale signs that your toilet is clogged. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to take action:

  • The toilet is not flushing all the way.
  • The toilet is making gurgling or bubbling noises.
  • The toilet is overflowing.
  • There is water backing up into the sink or bathtub.

If you’re experiencing any of these problems, don’t panic. Clogged toilets are a common problem, and there are a few simple things you can do to fix it. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to know if your toilet is clogged, and how to unclog it yourself.

Symptom Cause Solution
Slow draining A build-up of hair, soap scum, or other debris Use a plunger to clear the clog. If that doesn’t work, you may need to use a drain snake or call a plumber.
No draining A large clog, such as a tree root or a large object You will need to use a drain snake or call a plumber to clear the clog.
Overflowing A severe clog that is blocking the entire drain You will need to call a plumber to clear the clog.

A clogged toilet is a common problem that can be both frustrating and inconvenient. There are a number of different signs that can indicate that your toilet is clogged, including water not draining properly, the toilet bowl overflowing, and the toilet making gurgling or bubbling sounds. If you suspect that your toilet is clogged, there are a few different things you can do to try to fix the problem. In this article, we will discuss the signs of a clogged toilet, the causes of a clogged toilet, and the different ways to fix a clogged toilet.

Signs of a Clogged Toilet

There are a number of different signs that can indicate that your toilet is clogged. These signs include:

  • Water is not draining properly. If the water in your toilet is not draining properly, this is a sign that the toilet may be clogged. The water may drain slowly, or it may not drain at all.
  • Toilet bowl is overflowing. If the water in your toilet is overflowing, this is a sign that the toilet is definitely clogged. The water may overflow onto the floor, or it may just reach the top of the toilet bowl.
  • Toilet makes gurgling or bubbling sounds. If you hear gurgling or bubbling sounds coming from your toilet, this is a sign that the toilet is clogged. The sounds are caused by the water trying to drain through the clog.
  • Toilet bowl smells bad. If your toilet bowl smells bad, this is a sign that the toilet is clogged. The smell is caused by the bacteria that is growing in the stagnant water.
  • Toilet paper is not flushing down. If you flush the toilet and the toilet paper does not flush down, this is a sign that the toilet is clogged. The toilet paper is getting caught in the clog and preventing it from draining.

Causes of a Clogged Toilet

There are a number of different things that can cause a toilet to become clogged. These include:

  • Too much toilet paper. The most common cause of a clogged toilet is too much toilet paper. When you flush the toilet, the toilet paper should break down and dissolve in the water. However, if you use too much toilet paper, it can clump together and form a clog.
  • Flushable wipes. Flushable wipes are not actually flushable. They can clog your toilet just like toilet paper.
  • Feminine hygiene products. Feminine hygiene products, such as tampons and pads, should not be flushed down the toilet. They can clog your toilet and cause a serious problem.
  • Hair. Hair can also clog your toilet. If you have long hair, it is important to be careful not to flush it down the toilet.
  • Grease. Grease can also clog your toilet. If you pour grease down the drain, it can solidify and form a clog.
  • Toys. Children sometimes flush toys down the toilet. This can cause a serious clog.
  • Other objects. Other objects, such as paper towels, rags, and Q-tips, should not be flushed down the toilet. They can all cause a clog.

How to Fix a Clogged Toilet

There are a number of different ways to fix a clogged toilet. The best way to fix a clogged toilet depends on the cause of the clog.

  • If the clog is caused by too much toilet paper, you can try to fix it by using a plunger. A plunger is a simple tool that can be used to dislodge a clog in a toilet. To use a plunger, place the cup of the plunger over the drain and push down and pull up on the plunger handle several times. This will create a suction that will help to break up the clog and allow the water to drain.
  • If the clog is caused by flushable wipes, you can try to fix it by using a toilet auger. A toilet auger is a long, flexible tool that is inserted into the toilet drain. The auger has a corkscrew-shaped tip that can be used to break up the clog and remove it from the drain.
  • If the clog is caused by feminine hygiene products, you can try to fix it by using a coat hanger. To use a coat hanger, straighten out the hanger and bend the end into a hook. Insert the hook into the toilet drain and try to hook the feminine hygiene product and pull it out.
  • If the clog is caused by hair, you can try to fix it by using a drain snake. A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that is inserted into the toilet drain. The drain snake has a barbed tip that can be used to grab the hair and pull it out of the drain.

* **If the clog is caused by grease, you can try to fix it

How To Know If Toilet Is Clogged?

A clogged toilet can be a major inconvenience, but it’s usually easy to fix. Here are a few signs that your toilet is clogged:

  • The toilet bowl doesn’t flush all the way, or it takes a long time to do so.
  • The toilet bowl overflows after flushing.
  • You hear gurgling or bubbling sounds coming from the toilet.
  • The toilet bowl is full of water, even after flushing.
  • There is a bad smell coming from the toilet.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s likely that your toilet is clogged. You can try to unclog it yourself using a plunger or a toilet auger, or you can call a plumber to do it for you.

How to Unclog a Toilet

There are a few different ways to unclog a toilet. The best method for you will depend on the type of clog and the tools you have available.

Using a plunger

A plunger is a simple but effective tool for unclogging toilets. To use a plunger, follow these steps:

1. Fill the toilet bowl with about 2 inches of water.
2. Place the plunger over the drain hole and press down firmly.
3. Pull up on the plunger and repeat steps 2 and 3 until the clog is cleared.

Using a toilet auger

A toilet auger is a long, flexible tool that is used to clear clogs in the toilet drain. To use a toilet auger, follow these steps:

1. Attach the auger to a drill.
2. Insert the auger into the toilet drain until you reach the clog.
3. Turn on the drill and slowly rotate the auger until the clog is cleared.

Using a chemical drain cleaner

Chemical drain cleaners are available at most hardware stores. These cleaners are typically made with a strong acid that can dissolve clogs. To use a chemical drain cleaner, follow these steps:

1. Pour the chemical drain cleaner into the toilet bowl.
2. Let the cleaner sit for the amount of time specified on the label.
3. Flush the toilet to rinse the cleaner away.

Hiring a plumber

If you are unable to unclog the toilet yourself, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber will be able to use specialized tools and equipment to clear the clog.

How to Prevent Clogged Toilets

The best way to prevent clogged toilets is to take steps to avoid them in the first place. Here are a few tips:

  • Don’t flush too much toilet paper.
  • Don’t flush flushable wipes.
  • Use a trash can for feminine hygiene products.
  • Keep hair out of the toilet.
  • Don’t pour grease down the drain.
  • Keep toys out of the toilet.
  • Be careful what you flush.

By following these tips, you can help keep your toilets clear and functioning properly.

A clogged toilet can be a nuisance, but it’s usually easy to fix. By following the tips in this article, you can learn how to identify a clogged toilet, how to unclog it yourself, and how to prevent future clogs.

How do I know if my toilet is clogged?

There are a few signs that can indicate that your toilet is clogged. These include:

  • The toilet is not flushing properly or is taking a long time to flush.
  • The toilet bowl is overflowing or bubbling.
  • There is water backing up into the sink or bathtub.
  • You hear gurgling or splashing noises coming from the toilet.
  • The toilet bowl smells bad.

If you notice any of these signs, it is likely that your toilet is clogged.

What can I do to fix a clogged toilet?

There are a few different things you can try to fix a clogged toilet. The most common solution is to use a plunger. To do this, fill the toilet bowl with about 1 inch of water and place the plunger over the drain. Push and pull the plunger up and down several times. This should help to loosen the clog and allow it to be flushed away.

If the plunger does not work, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner. Be sure to follow the directions on the product label carefully. Chemical drain cleaners can be dangerous if they are not used properly.

If you are unable to fix the clog yourself, you may need to call a plumber.

How can I prevent my toilet from clogging?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your toilet from clogging:

  • Don’t flush anything other than toilet paper and human waste. This includes things like paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and food scraps.
  • Rinse out food containers before throwing them away. This will help to prevent grease and food particles from clogging the drain.
  • Don’t overfill the toilet bowl. When you flush the toilet, the water level should be just below the rim of the bowl.
  • Keep the toilet clean. Flush the toilet regularly and scrub the bowl with a toilet brush to remove any buildup of dirt and grime.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your toilet from clogging.

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In this article, we discussed how to know if your toilet is clogged. We covered the following topics:

  • The different signs of a clogged toilet
  • How to troubleshoot a clogged toilet
  • How to prevent future clogs

We hope this information was helpful. If you have any other questions about clogged toilets, please feel free to contact a plumber.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • If your toilet is not flushing properly, is overflowing, or is making gurgling noises, it is likely clogged.
  • You can troubleshoot a clogged toilet by using a plunger, a toilet auger, or a drain snake.
  • To prevent future clogs, avoid flushing non-flushable items down the toilet, and make sure to regularly clean your toilet bowl.

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.