5 Responses to “What are different ways to unclog a toliet (besides the plunger) at home before calling the plumber?”

1. FRANKLIN on March 14th, 2009 3:18 pm

   BORIS

   use some dissolvent , it may clear whatever in clogging the pipes , but first see if it will damage the pipes too or not, if you have pvc pipes it should not be a problem.

2. ABRAHAM on March 15th, 2009 10:46 am

   NOAH

   ZZZZzzzzz, call the plumber before u hurt urself

3. BLAIR on March 16th, 2009 2:34 am

   VALENTIN

   The toilet needs to be removed..there is something clogged in the elbow.
   1/ Turn off water line
   2/Disconnect water line by turning plastic nut at rear of tank(connected to water line), in a counter-clockwise motion.
   3/On each side of toilet will be a plastic cap(at base). Pop off cap with screwdriver, remove nut(1 on each side).
   4/Lift toilet straight up…there is a wax seal gasket at the base, be careful not to destroy this when lifting.
   5/Its gross, but, scoop all the liquid out of toilet…you could do this first if you like…
   6/Turn toilet over, put on some gloves and remove the obstruction from the elbow of the toilet…you may need a flashlight to do this…seeing is a ******.
   7/After removal of object reinstall in reverse fashion of these instructions…being very careful not to destroy the wax seal.(a new one is $2.00 at any walmart)

4. ERIC on March 17th, 2009 9:50 pm

   ERNESTO

   Before you give up on the plunger, make sure that the plunger cup is fully seated over the drain opening. Get the strongest person available to plunge vigorously.

   If that doesn’t work, next try the toilet snake. You can get this at any home supply place like Lowes or Home Depot. It’s like a long springy cable that can be pushed down to a clog. Follow the second link below to get further instructions for the snake.

   Only as a last resport should you use something like liquid plumber. If you have the wrong kind of pipes, it can cause serious damage.

   Be sure also to keep such products out of the reach of children. A little drop from inside the childproof cap got on my toddler’s tummy a couple of years ago. It left a 3 1/2 inch scar where it ran down his stomach - obviously it was a very painful injury for him. The childproof cap makes it safer, but don’t trust that, it’s not safe enough.

   You might have to resort to Myron’s advice above if these steps don’t work. I’ve had to remove a toilet once before too (toy stuck in the elbow…kids). Anyway, it’s a nasty job that requires some muscle. Toilets are heavy in a awkward way.

   One thing: I’ve never been able to remove a toilet without messing up the wax seal. I’ve replaced the wax seal every time I’ve done this.

5. LINDSEY on March 19th, 2009 1:59 pm

   KENDALL

   Fill a bucket with hot soapy water (washing up liquid fine) then pour contents RAPIDLY into bowl. Repeat if necessary when level has gone down.