How to Unclog a Slow Draining Toilet in 5 Easy Steps

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How to Unclog a Slow Draining Toilet

A slow draining toilet is a common problem, but it can be a major inconvenience. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be a health hazard. When waste water backs up into the toilet bowl, it can create a breeding ground for bacteria. If you’re dealing with a slow draining toilet, don’t despair. There are a few simple things you can do to fix the problem yourself.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different causes of a slow draining toilet and how to fix them. We’ll also provide tips on how to prevent future clogs. So if you’re ready to get your toilet back to normal, read on!

Step Instructions Image
1 Pour a cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl.
2 Follow up with a cup of vinegar.
3 Cover the bowl with a lid and let it sit for 30 minutes.
4 Flush the toilet.

How To Unclog A Slow Draining Toilet?

Identifying the Cause of the Slow Drain

The first step to unclogging a slow draining toilet is to identify the cause of the clog. There are a few different things that could be causing the toilet to drain slowly, including:

  • A blockage in the toilet bowl. This is the most common cause of a slow draining toilet. A blockage can be caused by anything from toilet paper to toys.
  • A blockage in the toilet trap. The toilet trap is a U-shaped pipe that connects the toilet bowl to the sewer line. A blockage in the trap can prevent water from flowing freely out of the toilet.
  • A blockage in the sewer line. A blockage in the sewer line can also cause a slow draining toilet. This type of blockage is usually caused by tree roots or other debris.

Once you have identified the cause of the clog, you can begin to take steps to fix it.

Removal of Solid Objects

If the clog is caused by a solid object, such as toilet paper or a toy, you can usually remove it yourself using a plunger or a toilet auger.

To use a plunger, first fill the toilet bowl with about 1 inch of water. Then, place the plunger over the drain and push down and pull up on the plunger handle several times. The suction created by the plunger should help to loosen the clog and allow it to be flushed away.

If the plunger does not work, you can try 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 help to break up the clog and remove it.

To use a toilet auger, first insert the auger into the toilet drain until you reach the clog. Then, turn the auger handle clockwise to rotate the auger. The auger will break up the clog and help to remove it.

Once the clog has been removed, flush the toilet several times to make sure that the water is draining freely.

Other Causes of a Slow Draining Toilet

If you have tried to remove the clog yourself and the toilet is still draining slowly, there may be another cause of the problem. Some other possible causes of a slow draining toilet include:

  • A broken toilet flapper. The toilet flapper is a rubber disk that seals the opening to the toilet bowl when the toilet is flushed. If the flapper is broken, it can allow water to leak back into the bowl and cause the toilet to drain slowly.
  • A clogged toilet drain line. The toilet drain line is the pipe that connects the toilet to the sewer line. If the drain line is clogged, it can prevent water from flowing freely out of the toilet.
  • A frozen toilet. If the toilet is located in an area that experiences cold weather, the water in the toilet bowl can freeze and cause the toilet to drain slowly.

If you think that the slow drain is caused by one of these problems, you should call a plumber to fix the problem.

Preventing Slow Draining Toilets

You can help to prevent slow draining toilets by following these tips:

  • Flush only toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Do not flush anything else, such as diapers, feminine hygiene products, or food scraps.
  • Keep the toilet bowl clean. Scrub the toilet bowl regularly to remove any buildup of dirt and grime.
  • Replace the toilet flapper regularly. The toilet flapper should be replaced every 5-7 years.
  • Inspect the toilet drain line for clogs. If you notice that the toilet is draining slowly, check the drain line for clogs.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your toilet draining freely and avoid the hassle of a slow draining toilet.

A slow draining toilet can be a nuisance, but it is usually easy to fix. By identifying the cause of the clog and taking steps to remove it, you can get your toilet draining freely again in no time.

Chemical Solutions

Chemical solutions are a quick and easy way to unclog a slow draining toilet. However, they are not always the most effective, and they can be harmful to the environment.

If you decide to use a chemical solution, be sure to read the label carefully and follow the directions exactly. Never mix different chemicals together, and be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands.

Some of the most common chemical solutions for unclogging toilets include:

  • Drano
  • Liquid Plumber
  • Baking soda and vinegar
  • Bleach

Drano and Liquid Plumber are both commercial products that contain harsh chemicals that can dissolve clogs. They are effective at clearing most clogs, but they can also be harmful to the environment.

Baking soda and vinegar is a natural solution that is safe for the environment. However, it is not as effective as Drano or Liquid Plumber.

Bleach can be used to kill bacteria and germs in a clogged toilet, but it is not effective at clearing the clog itself.

How to Use Chemical Solutions

To use a chemical solution, follow these steps:

1. First, turn off the water supply to the toilet. This will prevent the solution from overflowing the toilet bowl.
2. Next, pour the chemical solution into the toilet bowl. Be sure to follow the directions on the label for the amount of solution to use.
3. Allow the solution to sit for the amount of time specified on the label.
4. Flush the toilet to see if the clog is cleared.

If the clog is not cleared, you may need to repeat the steps above. If the clog is still not cleared, you may need to call a plumber.

Cautions

When using chemical solutions to unclog a toilet, be sure to take the following precautions:

  • Read the label carefully and follow the directions exactly.
  • Never mix different chemicals together.
  • Wear gloves to protect your hands.
  • Keep children and pets away from the toilet while you are using the chemical solution.
  • Flush the toilet after you have used the chemical solution.

Mechanical Solutions

Mechanical solutions are a more effective way to unclog a slow draining toilet than chemical solutions. However, they can be more time-consuming and difficult.

If you decide to use a mechanical solution, be sure to read the instructions carefully and follow them exactly.

Some of the most common mechanical solutions for unclogging toilets include:

  • Using a plunger
  • Using a toilet auger
  • Using a drain snake

Using a Plunger

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

1. First, fill the toilet bowl with about 1 inch of water.
2. Next, place the plunger over the drain opening and push down firmly.
3. Pull up on the plunger and repeat the steps above several times.

If the clog is not cleared, you may need to repeat the steps above. If the clog is still not cleared, you may need to use a different mechanical solution.

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. First, turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Next, insert the auger into the drain opening and turn it clockwise.
3. Continue turning the auger until the clog is cleared.

If the clog is not cleared, you may need to repeat the steps above. If the clog is still not cleared, you may need to call a plumber.

Using a Drain Snake

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

1. First, turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Next, insert the drain snake into the drain opening and turn it clockwise.
3. Continue turning the drain snake until the clog is cleared.

If the clog is not cleared, you may need to repeat the steps above. If the clog is still not cleared, you may need to call a plumber.

How do I know if my toilet is clogged?

  • A slow draining toilet is a sign that it may be clogged. Other signs include:
  • The toilet bowl doesn’t fill all the way up when you flush
  • The toilet takes a long time to drain
  • The toilet makes gurgling or bubbling noises
  • Water backs up into the toilet bowl or overflows onto the floor

How do I unclog a slow draining toilet?

There are a few different ways to unclog a slow draining toilet. You can try:

  • Using a plunger: A plunger is a simple and effective way to unclog a toilet. To use a plunger, place the cup of the plunger over the drain hole and push down and pull up several times. The suction created by the plunger should help to break up the clog and clear the drain.
  • Using a drain snake: A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that can be used to reach into the drain and dislodge the clog. To use a drain snake, insert the snake into the drain until you reach the clog. Then, slowly turn the snake clockwise while pulling it out. The snake should help to break up the clog and clear the drain.
  • Using a chemical drain cleaner: Chemical drain cleaners are available at most hardware stores. These cleaners are strong acids that can dissolve organic matter, such as hair and soap scum. 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.

What if my toilet is still clogged after trying these methods?

If your toilet is still clogged after trying these methods, you may need to call a professional plumber. A plumber will be able to use specialized tools and equipment to clear the clog.

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 down the toilet. This includes things like paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and food scraps.
  • Rinse out food scraps before putting them in the garbage disposal. This will help to prevent grease and other food particles from clogging the drain.
  • Keep your toilet bowl clean. A dirty toilet bowl can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other contaminants that can clog the drain. Be sure to clean your toilet bowl regularly with a toilet brush and cleaning solution.

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

In this blog post, we have discussed how to unclog a slow draining toilet. We have covered a variety of methods, from the simple and straightforward to the more complex and involved. We hope that you have found this information helpful and that you are now able to unclog your toilet with ease.

Here are the key takeaways from this blog post:

  • The most common cause of a slow draining toilet is a clog in the drainpipe.
  • To clear a clog in the drainpipe, you can use a plunger, a drain snake, or a chemical drain cleaner.
  • If the clog is located in the toilet bowl, you can try using a toilet brush or a plunger.
  • If you are unable to clear the clog yourself, you may need to call a plumber.

We hope that this information has been helpful. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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.