It’s happened to all of us at some point – you flush the toilet, and the water starts to rise, threatening to overflow. When this happens, it’s important to know how to unclog a toilet quickly and efficiently.
In this blog post, we’ll outline the steps for removing objects from a toilet trap and offer tips on preventing clogs in the future. So next time your toilet gets clogged, you’ll know what to do!
Most Common Objects Found in Toilet Traps
The most common foreign objects in found toilet traps are feminine hygiene products, such as pads and tampons. Other everyday items include children’s toys, toilet paper, and cotton swabs.
If you have young children in the house, you must be vigilant about what goes down the toilet. Sometimes, an object may be caught in the drainpipe leading from the toilet to the sewer line. This is more common with larger objects, such as children’s toys.
3 Different Ways to Remove Objects from a Toilet Trap
Toilet Plunger
A plunger is the most common way to remove an object from a toilet trap. Plungers are designed to create suction that will loosen and dislodge the clog.
Place a plunger over the drain hole. Push and pull the handle up and down. Keep a tight seal between the plunger and the hole to create the best suction.
You may need to repeat this process before the clog is dislodged.
Toilet Snake
If a plunger does not work, or you cannot get a tight seal around the drain hole, you may need to use a toilet snake.
Toilet snakes are long, flexible rods inserted into the toilet to reach and remove the clog.
To use a toilet snake, insert the rod into the drain hole and push it down until you feel resistance. This is where the clog is located.
Once you’ve found the clog, twist the snake handle to loosen and remove the clog.
Toilet Auger
A toilet auger is a tool designed for removing toilets. It is similar to a toilet snake but has a coiled cable inserted into the drain hole.
To use a toilet auger, insert the cable into the drain hole and turn the handle to rotate the auger. This will allow the auger to reach the clog and break it up so it can be flushed away.
5 Easy Steps for Unclogging a Toilet
- Remove the lid from the toilet tank and flush to empty the water from the bowl.
- Use a plunger to try and dislodge the clog. If this doesn’t work, you may need to use a drain snake or auger.
- Insert the snake or auger into the toilet bowl and turn it clockwise to break up the clog.
- Flush the toilet again to see if the clog has been removed. If not, repeat steps 2-4 until the clog is gone.
- Prevent future clogs by avoiding flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Regularly cleaning your bathroom will also help to keep the toilet from getting clogged.
4 Tips on Preventing Clogs in the Future
- The best way to prevent toilet clogs is to flush human waste and toilet paper.
- Other items, such as feminine hygiene products, diapers, and wipes, should be disposed of in the trash.
- It’s a good idea to clean your bathroom regularly – at least once a week to prevent build-up.
- If you have a septic tank, ensure it is pumped out every few years to avoid overflows.
When You Should Call a Professional
If you’ve tried to remove the clog yourself, but it won’t budge, it’s time to call a professional.
A plumber can quickly and easily remove the clog and get your toilet back up and running. They will also be able to assess the situation and determine if any toilet or plumbing damage needs to be repaired.
Final Thoughts
Clogged toilets are a common problem that can be easily fixed with a plunger, snake, or auger. Call a professional plumber if you cannot remove the clog yourself. Flush only human waste and toilet paper down the drain. Regular bathroom cleaning can also help to keep the toilet from getting clogged.
