When you have a backed-up or slow-moving toilet you will most likely think to grab a chemical drain cleaner to fix the problem quickly.
One of the most frequent questions we receive is whether it is safe to use a chemical drain cleaning product to unclog a toilet.
The answer to that question is absolutely not!
Avoid using common chemical drain cleaners such as Drano and Liquid-Plumbr. These types of cleaners contain extremely harsh chemicals that can cause damage to your drain pipes.
In addition, drain cleaners can kill the good bacteria in your septic tank, so make sure to stay clear of drain cleaners if you have one.
So, is there a safe drain cleaner that can be used to clean clogged toilets?
Yes, but only drain cleaners that use natural bacteria and enzymes. These types of drain cleaners are not only best for your pipes but for the environment as well.
The one downside with enzyme-based drain cleaners is their inability to work fast to clear clogged toilets. You will often need to let the mixture sit in the toilet overnight.
Baking soda is another natural option. If you have a septic tank, this can also be used safely in your toilet.
Baking soda and vinegar are a common, safe and easy way to fix clogs.
Simply add one cup of baking soda to the toilet bowl. Wait two minutes, and then slowly pour in two cups of white vinegar.
The mixture will explode into bubbles. This is why you should pour slowly.
Wait two minutes after you’ve finished pouring the vinegar. Then flush the toilet. This should clear up your clog.
Are there other options to unclog my toilet?
You can also try these 4 other options to unclog your bathroom toilet.
1) Plunger
A bathroom should always have a plunger handy. Plungers with a flange are the most effective for clearing tough clogs. For even more power, try using the plunger immediately after flushing.
2) Toilet Auger (Drain Snake)
Toilet augers can be a great tool to unclog drains and toilets. However, it is important that you are careful when using a drain snake on your toilet. If you don’t know how auger properly you might cause more harm than good. If you are not sure how to use an auger, or think that the clog is far down into the pipe, then it is best to call a plumber.
3) Soapy Hot Water
Another homemade option that is available is hot soapy water. Place a teaspoon of dish soap into the toilet bowl. Next, heat some water on the stove (not boiling) and then slowly pour it into the toilet bowl. Then wait for two minutes before flushing the toilet.
4) Saran Wrap
You can use saran wrap to unclog your toilet if you don’t own a plunger.
To ensure that the bowl is watertight, cover it several times. Then flush the toilet. Next, use your palm to apply pressure on the wrap. The pressure applied will be greater than the pressure in your drainpipe, and the clog will be forced down the drain. This should clear your toilet.
How to clear a clogged toilet when nothing works?
What should you do if the above suggestions fail to clear your toilet clog? This may be a sign that the clog may be trapped deep with the drain pipe. It doesn’t matter how many times you snake or plunge the toilet, the clog will remain.
At this point the only way to get to the clog will be to remove the toilet. If you don’t have the necessary skills to do this task, you should call a professional plumber. You will save time and avoid headaches, which will outweigh the plumbing cost.
