A clogged toilet is one of the most frustrating plumbing problems to handle. We’ve all been there—flush after flush, only to watch the water rise with no sign of relief. While minor clogs can often be resolved with a simple plunger, there are times when the blockage is more stubborn and requires a smarter approach. In this blog, our Long Beach Plumbers will dive into the right way to deal with stubborn clogged toilets, offering practical tips and solutions to get your bathroom back in working order without causing further damage.

Step 1: Don’t Keep Flushing

If your toilet is clogged, resist the urge to keep flushing. This will only cause the bowl to fill up with more water, increasing the risk of an overflow. Instead, stop flushing and assess the situation.

Step 2: Use a Plunger Correctly

The plunger is often the first tool people reach for when dealing with clogged toilets—and for good reason. However, using it correctly is key to its effectiveness.

• Choose the Right Plunger: A toilet plunger (with a flange) creates a better seal than a flat plunger designed for sinks.
• Technique: Place the plunger over the drain, ensuring a tight seal, and use firm, steady thrusts. Start slowly to avoid splashing and then increase the pressure. Repeat this process several times to dislodge the blockage.

Step 3: Try Hot Water and Dish Soap

If plunging doesn’t work, try a simple DIY solution.

• Pour hot (not boiling) water into the toilet bowl to help soften the clog.
• Add a few squirts of dish soap, which can act as a lubricant to break up grease or debris causing the blockage.
• Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes, then try flushing.

Step 4: Use a Plumbing Snake

For more stubborn clogs that plunging and hot water can’t fix, a plumbing snake (or toilet auger) is your next best option.

• Insert the snake into the toilet drain and rotate it to break up or hook onto the clog.
• Carefully pull out the snake to remove the blockage and flush the toilet to ensure the drain is clear.

Step 5: Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Chemical drain cleaners may seem like a quick fix, but they can do more harm than good. These products can damage your toilet bowl, pipes, and septic system over time. Stick to safer, mechanical methods like plunging or snaking.

Step 6: Call a Professional

If you’ve tried the methods above and your toilet is still clogged, it’s time to call a professional plumber. Persistent clogs may indicate a deeper issue in your plumbing system, such as a blockage in the sewer line, and require expert tools and knowledge to fix.

Conclusion

Dealing with a stubborn clogged toilet can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can resolve most blockages without damaging your plumbing. Start with simple tools like a plunger or hot water and dish soap, and escalate to a plumbing snake if necessary. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can cause long-term issues.If all else fails, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber to handle the problem. A clogged toilet is often a sign of a larger plumbing issue, and addressing it correctly will save you time, money, and headaches in the long run. With these tips, you’ll be prepared to tackle your next clogged toilet the right way!