Almost every home is equipped with a toilet. While it’s a simple device, it can become easily clogged. This article will explore more behind what causes toilet clogs and a few ways you can unblock them. Back in April, I was featured in a Press Democrat article talking about this very issue.

What Causes a Clogged Toilet?

There are many things that could cause a clogged toilet. These include:

  • Flushing too much toilet paper down the drain
  • Flushing incorrect debris down it, like paper towels or cotton balls
  • A hidden jam in the toilet’s trap
  • Your toilet doesn’t have enough water

4 Tips for Unclogging a Toilet

  1. Use a Plunger: One of the easiest ways to unclog a toilet is to use a plunger. Despite its plain design, pushing down on the plunger applies pressure to the drain. This pressure helps loosen up the debris clogging the toilet. While you might need to push down on it a few times, eventually it will break-up the problem.
  2. Pour Hot Water Down It: Another option to unclog a toilet is to use hot water. You can fill a pan with hot water (not boiling) and then pour it down the toilet. After you do so, wait a few minutes so the water can release the clog. The hot water will slightly melt and put force on the debris causing it to disintegrate.
  3. Apply a Vinegar and Baking Soda Mixture: You could also mix some vinegar and baking soda together to loosen a clog. To do so, pour about one cup of vinegar and one cup of baking soda into the toilet. As these ingredients react together, they will create strong bubbles that put heavy pressure on the clog. This will help to flush it out of the drain.
  4. Use a Plumbing Snake: A plumbing snake is a flexible wire coil that’s connected to an auger. As you glide it down the toilet’s trap, the snake will push the debris so it gets flushed.

If you use this method you’ll need to clean the plumbing snake off after using it to prevent the spread of bacteria. You can do this by filling a bucket with hot water, adding a bit of antibacterial detergent to it, and then letting the snake sit in it for a few minutes.

Toilet clogs can be common in some Santa Rosa, CA homes but there are plenty of methods you can use to help remove them. If you’re concerned that your toilet might be having too many clogs or just want to make sure it’s in good working condition, give Redwood Sewer & Drain a call. We can inspect the device to ensure it’s functioning correctly.