How to Unclog a Slow Draining Toilet in 3 Steps

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How To Unclog a Slow Draining Toilet

A slow draining toilet is a common problem that can be both frustrating and inconvenient. There are a number of different reasons why a toilet might be draining slowly, but the most common cause is a clog in the drainpipe. This can be caused by a build-up of hair, soap scum, or other debris.

If you have a slow draining toilet, there are a few things you can do to try to fix the problem yourself. First, try using a plunger to clear the clog. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner. If you’re still having trouble, you may need to call a plumber.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different causes of a slow draining toilet, and we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to clear a clog using a plunger and a chemical drain cleaner. We’ll also discuss when it’s time to call a plumber.

So, if you’re dealing with a slow draining toilet, read on for help!

Step Materials Instructions
1 Broomstick Use the broomstick to break up any clogs in the toilet bowl.
2 Plunger Place the plunger over the drain and plunge vigorously for several minutes.
3 Drano Follow the directions on the Drano bottle to pour the solution into the toilet bowl.
4 Boiling Water Carefully pour a pot of boiling water down the toilet bowl.
5 Vinegar and Baking Soda Pour a cup of vinegar followed by a cup of baking soda down the toilet bowl.

How To Unclog 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 that can cause a toilet to drain slowly, and the best way to fix the problem will depend on 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.

Identify the Cause of the Clog

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

  • Hair and other organic matter: Hair, soap scum, and other organic matter can build up in the trap of your toilet, causing it to drain slowly.
  • Toilet paper: If you flush too much toilet paper at once, it can cause the paper to clump together and block the drain.
  • Solid objects: Solid objects, such as toys, coins, or feminine hygiene products, can also get stuck in the drain and cause a clog.
  • Pipe blockage: In some cases, the clog may be located further down the drain, in the pipes that connect the toilet to the sewer line.

Once you’ve identified the cause of the clog, you can begin to fix the problem.

Try Simple Solutions First

If the clog is caused by hair, soap scum, or other organic matter, you can usually fix the problem by using a plunger. A plunger works by creating a seal around the drain and forcing air into the clog, which loosens it and allows it to be flushed away.

To use a plunger, follow these steps:

1. Fill the toilet bowl about halfway with water.
2. Place the plunger over the drain and push down firmly.
3. Pull up on the plunger quickly and repeat several times.

If the clog is stubborn, you may need to repeat this process several times. You can also try pouring a cup of hot water down the drain after each plunge to help loosen the clog.

If the clog is caused by toilet paper, you can usually fix the problem by flushing a few wads of crumpled up newspaper down the drain. The newspaper will help to break up the clog and allow it to be flushed away.

If the clog is caused by a solid object, you may need to use a tool to remove it. You can use a coat hanger, a wire hanger, or a plumber’s snake to reach into the drain and dislodge the object.

Use a Chemical Drain Cleaner

If the simple solutions don’t work, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner. Chemical drain cleaners are available at most hardware stores. They work by dissolving the clog, which allows it to be flushed away.

When using a chemical drain cleaner, be sure to follow the directions on the label carefully. Chemical drain cleaners can be harmful if they are not used properly.

Call a Plumber

If you have tried all of the above solutions and the clog is still not fixed, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber will be able to identify the cause of the clog and fix it quickly and efficiently.

Prevent Future Clogs

Once you have fixed the clog, you can take steps to prevent future clogs from happening. Here are a few tips:

  • Don’t flush too much toilet paper at once.
  • Don’t flush anything other than toilet paper and human waste down the toilet.
  • Rinse out food scraps before putting them in the garbage disposal.
  • Keep your drains clean by running hot water and vinegar down them regularly.

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

A slow draining toilet can be a major inconvenience, but it can usually be fixed by following the steps in this article. If the simple solutions don’t work, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner or calling a plumber. By following the tips in this article, you can also help to prevent future clogs from happening.

How To Unclog Slow Draining Toilet?

A slow draining toilet can be a major inconvenience, especially if it’s the only toilet in your home. There are a few simple things you can try to unclog a slow draining toilet before calling a plumber.

1. Use a plunger

A plunger is one of the most effective ways to unclog 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 up several times. The suction created by the plunger should help to loosen the clog and allow the water to drain.

2. Pour hot water down the drain

If the plunger doesn’t work, you can try pouring hot water down the drain. The hot water can help to dissolve the clog and allow it to pass through the drain. To do this, bring a pot of water to a boil and then carefully pour it down the drain. Be careful not to splash any of the hot water on yourself.

3. Use a chemical drain cleaner

If the hot water doesn’t work, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner. Chemical drain cleaners are available at most hardware stores. Be sure to follow the directions on the product label carefully. Chemical drain cleaners can be dangerous if they are not used properly.

4. Use a drain snake

If the simple solutions don’t work, you can try using a drain snake. A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that is inserted into the drain to loosen the clog. To use a drain snake, first attach the snake to a drill. Then, slowly insert the snake into the drain until you reach the clog. Turn on the drill and allow the snake to loosen the clog. Once the clog is loosened, you should be able to flush the toilet and have it drain normally.

5. Hire a plumber

If you have tried all of the above solutions and the toilet is still not draining properly, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber will be able to identify the cause of the clog and remove it.

If Simple Solutions Don’t Work, Try More Advanced Solutions

If the simple solutions for unclogging a slow draining toilet don’t work, you may need to try more advanced solutions. These solutions can be more effective at removing the clog, but they also carry a greater risk of damage to your toilet.

1. Use a drain snake

A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that is inserted into the drain to loosen the clog. To use a drain snake, first attach the snake to a drill. Then, slowly insert the snake into the drain until you reach the clog. Turn on the drill and allow the snake to loosen the clog. Once the clog is loosened, you should be able to flush the toilet and have it drain normally.

2. Hire a plumber

If you have tried all of the above solutions and the toilet is still not draining properly, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber will be able to identify the cause of the clog and remove it.

Prevent Future Clogs

You can prevent future clogs by following these tips:

  • Keep hair out of the drain

Hair is one of the most common causes of clogs in toilets. To prevent hair from clogging your toilet, try to keep it out of the drain in the first place. You can do this by using a hair catcher in the drain or by brushing your hair over a sink instead of the toilet.

  • Use toilet paper sparingly

Flushing too much toilet paper can also cause clogs. Try to use only the amount of toilet paper that is necessary to clean yourself.

  • Avoid flushing solid objects down the toilet

Flushing solid objects, such as paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or diapers, can also cause clogs. Be sure to only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet.

  • Have your drains cleaned regularly

Having your drains cleaned regularly can help to prevent clogs from forming. You can have your drains cleaned by a professional plumber or you can do it yourself using a drain cleaner.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent future clogs in your toilet.

A slow draining toilet can be a major inconvenience, but it can usually be fixed with a few simple steps. If the simple solutions don’t work, you may need to try more advanced solutions, such as using a drain snake or hiring a plumber. You can also prevent future clogs by keeping hair out of the drain, using toilet paper sparingly, avoiding flushing solid objects down the toilet

How do I know if my toilet is clogged?

  • You may notice that the water is not draining as quickly as usual.
  • The water may be backing up into the bowl.
  • You may hear gurgling or bubbling sounds coming from the toilet.
  • You may see sewage or other debris coming up from the toilet.

How do I unclog a slow draining toilet?

There are a few different ways to unclog a slow draining toilet. Here are a few methods to try:

1. Use a plunger. This is the most common and effective way to unclog a toilet. Place the plunger over the drain and push and pull it up and down several times. The suction created by the plunger should help to break up the clog and push it through the drain.
2. Use a chemical drain cleaner. Chemical drain cleaners can be effective at clearing clogs, but they should be used with caution. Follow the directions on the product label carefully.
3. Use a snake. A snake is a long, flexible tool that can be used to reach into the drain and dislodge the clog. Be sure to use a snake that is long enough to reach the clog.
4. Call a plumber. If you have tried the above methods and the clog is still not cleared, it is best to call a plumber. A plumber will be able to use specialized tools and equipment to clear the clog.

What are some things I can do to prevent my toilet from clogging?

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

  • Don’t flush anything that doesn’t belong in the toilet. This includes things like paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and food scraps.
  • Rinse food scraps before throwing them away. This will help to prevent them from clogging the drain.
  • Don’t overfill the toilet. When you flush the toilet, the water should be able to flow freely down the drain. If the toilet is too full, the water will not be able to flow properly and could cause a clog.
  • Keep the toilet clean. A dirty toilet can be a breeding ground for bacteria and can also lead to clogs. Be sure to clean the toilet regularly with a toilet brush and cleaner.

What should I do if I can’t unclog my toilet?

If you have tried the above methods and the clog is still not cleared, it is best to call a plumber. A plumber will be able to use specialized tools and equipment to clear the clog.

In this article, we discussed how to unclog a slow draining toilet. We first identified the most common causes of a slow drain, including a clogged toilet bowl, a clogged toilet drain line, and a clogged main sewer line. We then provided specific instructions on how to clear each of these clogs. Finally, we offered some tips for preventing future clogs.

We hope that this article has been helpful. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact a professional plumber.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • The most common causes of a slow draining toilet are a clogged toilet bowl, a clogged toilet drain line, and a clogged main sewer line.
  • To clear a clogged toilet bowl, you can use a plunger, a toilet auger, or a chemical drain cleaner.
  • To clear a clogged toilet drain line, you can use a drain snake or a plumber’s snake.
  • To clear a clogged main sewer line, you will need to call a professional plumber.
  • You can prevent future clogs by keeping your toilet clean, flushing only toilet paper and human waste, and not pouring grease or other solids down the drain.

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.