How to Know if Toilet is Clogged and How to Fix It

How do I know if the toilet is clogged? Maybe you attempted to flush and the water level is rapidly increasing, or maybe your child flung their stuffed toy into the bowl and it’s securely trapped in the drain. Your toilet can become stuck in a variety of ways.

Nobody wants to go to the bathroom and discover that they have a clogged toilet.

You may be in a scenario where you can’t wait for a plumber to arrive, or you may wish to try to clear the clog yourself. Here are some home clogged toilet hacks you can do when you encounter a clogged toilet.

Signs That You Have a Clogged Toilet

Overflowing toilets and showers, damage to pipework and foul smells can all be the result of a blocked toilet and a sure sign you need to call your licensed local plumbing professionals to fix your problem ASAP. We will delve further into the signs of a clogged toilet.

1. Toilet With a Slow Drain

The sluggish draining of water from the toilet bowl after you flush it is a solid indicator that your toilet is stuck and your drains are backing up.

The water level in the bowl may often take substantially longer than usual to decrease, and the level may even drop lower than usual due to the suction effect of a clogged drain.

Both are frequent indications of a clogged toilet and must be addressed immediately to prevent further harm. Your toilet should flush at the same pace every time, and any variation is a clue that something is wrong.

Common Causes

Low Water Level in the Tank:
One of the primary reasons for a slow-draining toilet is insufficient water in the tank. If the water level is below the recommended mark, it can significantly reduce flushing power, leading to slow drainage. This can result from leaks, evaporation, or malfunctioning components like a broken fill valve or a damaged flush tube.
Clogs in the Toilet or Drain:
Blockages within the toilet or the drain line can impede the flow of water. This can occur from flushing inappropriate items, such as wipes or excessive toilet paper, or from buildup of debris. To check for clogs, pouring a gallon of water into the toilet can help; if the water rises quickly, a clog is likely present.
Mineral Buildup:
Over time, minerals like calcium can accumulate around the rim jets of the toilet, which are responsible for directing water during a flush. This buildup can restrict water flow, causing the toilet to drain slowly. Regular cleaning can help prevent this issue.
Faulty Flush Mechanisms:
Problems with the flush flapper, chain, or handle can also lead to slow drainage. If these components are damaged or not functioning correctly, they may not allow enough water to flow into the bowl during a flush, resulting in inadequate drainage

2. Full or Overflowing Toilet Bowl

If your toilet bowl fills up after flushing, your toilet is clogged. A full bowl after flushing is the most reliable symptom of a clogged toilet. The most common reason is too much toilet paper or something foreign flushed down the toilet, such as a toilet deodorizer or children’s toys.

This usually indicates that the obstruction is limited to the toilet trap and that the rest of your sewage drains are operating normally. However, do not flush your toilet again, since this will result in a huge mess on your toilet floor.

Common Causes of an Overflowing Toilet

Clogged Drain:
The most frequent cause of an overflowing toilet is a blockage in the drain line. This can occur from flushing inappropriate items such as excessive toilet paper, non-flushable products (like wipes and feminine hygiene products), or foreign objects. When the drain is obstructed, the water has nowhere to go, leading to overflow during a flush.
Blocked Vent Pipe:
Plumbing vent pipes allow air to enter the plumbing system, which is essential for proper drainage. If these vents become blocked by debris, such as leaves or nests, it can create a vacuum that prevents wastewater from flowing smoothly, causing the toilet to overflow.
Sewage Backup:
Issues in the main sewer line, such as tree roots infiltrating the pipes or significant blockages, can cause sewage to back up into the home. This often results in toilets overflowing, particularly if multiple fixtures are affected.
Full Septic Tank:
An overflowing toilet can indicate a full or malfunctioning septic tank for homes with septic systems. If the tank is full, it cannot process waste, leading to backflow into the toilet.
Faulty Fill Valve:
If the toilet tank’s fill valve is malfunctioning, it may allow too much water into the tank, leading to overflow. This can happen if the float mechanism is set too high or the valve is faulty.
Misaligned Overflow Tube:
The overflow tube in the toilet tank prevents water from spilling over by redirecting excess water back into the bowl. If this tube is misaligned or set too high, it can cause the tank to overflow.

3. Gurgling Sounds

A gurgling sound from other fixtures in your house and bathroom might also indicate that your toilet is blocked. When drains get clogged, the ratio of liquid to air within the drain changes, allowing sewage gases to escape via water seals and vents in your sewer system.

If you hear these noises, don’t ignore them; contact a plumbing specialist immediately before the situation worsens. These sounds are an excellent early warning indicator, and the obstruction can typically be eliminated swiftly at this point.

4. Foul Odors

The presence of foul odors is an evident symptom that your toilet is clogged. Bad odors emanating from your bathroom, kitchen sink, or toilet are all signs that your toilet drains are clogged.

The buildup of sewage waste in your pipes creates gases, which are driven out by the buildup of pressure in your pipes produced by the clogged drain. These gases are expelled via fixtures and vent pipes throughout your house.

5. Gully Trap Overflowing

Your toilet is stuck if you discover toilet paper and water on the ground near your overflow relief gully or gully trap outside your home.

These gully traps are meant to serve as an escape point for your wastewater if your property’s sewer drains get clogged, preventing the sewer from draining into your home instead of discharging outdoors.

6. Toilet Backs Up Into the Shower

The most common cause of your toilet backing up into your shower is a sewer line clog. Because of the connectivity of your drains, pipes, and sewer lines, a minor clog could cause problems in more than one place.

Common Causes of Toilet Backing Up Into Shower

Clogged Sewer Line: The most frequent cause is a blockage in the main sewer line, which can be due to various factors:
Foreign Objects: Items like toys, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels can obstruct the flow of wastewater.
Tree Roots: Roots from nearby trees may infiltrate sewer lines in search of moisture, leading to significant blockages.
Hair Buildup: Accumulated hair in the shower drain can contribute to clogs, particularly if not managed regularly.
Grease and FOG (Fats, Oils, Grease): These substances can solidify in pipes, creating blockages that affect drainage systems.
Blocked Vent Pipe: A clogged vent pipe can disrupt the air pressure needed for proper drainage, potentially causing backups in connected fixtures.

Home Remedies for a Clogged Toilet

1. Plunger

While this gadget may look simple, it is nevertheless the most effective technique to unclog a toilet.

When utilizing this instrument, insert the plunger in the toilet bowl and gently press it down.

The first step is to get rid of the air. If you press too hard, you can end up splashing dirty water all over yourself.

Once you’ve achieved a good seal, aggressively pump the plunger down and up while maintaining the seal.

Finally, break the air seal by pulling the tool up sharply. The water will be flowing down the drain. If the obstruction persists, continue the techniques until the plug loosens.

2. Baking Soda with Vinegar

If your toilet won’t flush and you don’t have a plunger, you may use vinegar and baking soda, both of which are non-toxic home cleaners. You undoubtedly already know that vinegar and baking soda are fantastic for cleaning a variety of surfaces, acting as deodorizers, and aiding in the smooth operation of drains.

Because vinegar and baking soda usually react to generate bubbles, pour gently and carefully to avoid the toilet water spilling or splashing. Allow for a few minutes for the baking soda and vinegar combination to work. To determine whether the blockage has been eliminated, flush your toilet.

3. Bleach

Household bleach, like soap, aids in the breakdown of waste. The method is similar to that of using dish soap.

Simply substitute 2-3 cups of bleach for the solid or liquid dishwashing soap. Pour one cup of powdered soap after one or two minutes. Flush your toilet after 10–15 minutes. For a severely blocked toilet, you’ll find that this method is more effective.

4. Dish Soap and Hot Water

While the water is heating up, put a gallon of hot water on the stove and sprinkle some dish soap into your toilet. Pour the water into the toilet gently when it is really hot but not boiling.

Wait for the dish soap and hot water to soften the blockage, which should take around 10–15 minutes. The toilet will unclog and flush freely once you’ve done so.

How to Unclog a Toilet When Nothing Works

1. The Snake

A toilet snake may be purchased for about $25. You only need to buy it once, and you won’t have to use any chemicals. You may thread the gadget and then wind it around until the obstruction is removed. While a little dirty, it’s preferable to use your hands. When the clog is deeper than the bowl, this procedure is quite useful.

2. Call a Professional Plumber Near You

While this method is straightforward, it is perhaps the simplest and most dependable technique to clear a clogged toilet.

This critical issue can only be diagnosed and fixed by a skilled plumber.

If your toilet is gurgling and you haven’t flushed it recently, there might be an underlying issue, such as a clogged vent stack or clogged sewer line.

It’s also time to hire a plumber for your blocked toilet if you’ve tried corrosive solutions to clear the blockage and they didn’t work. If your toilet or pipes are exposed to these caustic chemicals regularly, they might be damaged.

A toilet is an essential component of every household, especially when there is only one in the entire house. If this is the case, you may be dealing with a plumbing issue. While plumbers generally advise people to possess plungers, the system may not always be able to move what is flushed through.

More From Tom’s Plumber

How To Know When it is Time for Water Heater Repair
Getting Rid of Roots on Your Sewer Line

Tom’s Plumbing and Drain Service, LLC is a family-owned, full-service company offering plumbing, draining, and repairs in New Orleans, Louisiana.

With 20 years of experience, our professional and certified New Orleans plumbers can handle all of your sewer line service needs. If you have a plumbing question or would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

For more information regarding our sewer and drain cleaning services, contact Tom’s Plumbing and Drain Service, LLC. Call 504-732-1733 to schedule your appointment with us.