My Toilet is Clogged! What Should I Do? Ask a Plumber

What to do if your toilet is clogged

What most people do not know is that the waterway on the inside of a toilet is shaped like a sideways “S” so it has a winding path with many twists and turns. It is a fairly small passageway and the less expensive the toilet, the smaller the passageway, which may be more likely to clog.

To clear a clog, a homeowner can start by trying to use a toilet plunger. Often that will work. A homeowner should never use their hand snake that they would use on a kitchen sink to unclog the toilet. If you use a kitchen hand snake, it will scratch the china inside of the toilet.

A plumber uses a special tool called a closet auger. St Paul Pipeworks plumbers use a larger, heavy-duty closet auger. The tool that St Paul Pipeworks has is not only heavy-duty, but it has a protective plastic coating on the end to protect the china inside of your toilet. Our experienced plumbers can usually tell if the clog is just in the toilet fixture itself or if the clog is further down the line.

Once unclogged the toilet should flush completely. If you are having a problem with your clogged toilet or are just looking for a quality plumber in the St. Paul and Minneapolis metro area, give St Paul Pipeworks a call today.

Yours Truly,
Matthew Dettwiler
Social Media Manager

FAQs

Q: How can I prevent my toilet from getting clogged?

A: You can prevent your toilet from getting clogged by avoiding flushing items that shouldn’t be flushed, such as wet wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and anything else that isn’t toilet paper. You can also use a plunger regularly to help keep the pipes clear.

Q: What should I do if my toilet is clogged and the plunger isn’t working?

A: If your toilet is clogged and the plunger isn’t working, you should call a professional plumber. They have the tools and expertise to clear even the most stubborn clogs and can identify any underlying issues that may be causing the problem.

Q: Can using chemical drain cleaners help unclog a toilet?

A: While chemical drain cleaners can sometimes be effective at clearing minor clogs, they can also cause damage to your pipes and may not be safe for use in a toilet. It’s best to avoid using chemical drain cleaners and instead call a professional plumber if your toilet is clogged.

Q: Why does my toilet keep getting clogged?

A: There are several reasons why a toilet may keep getting clogged, including flushing items that shouldn’t be flushed, a problem with the toilet’s trap, or issues with the plumbing system. A professional plumber can identify the root cause of the problem and recommend the appropriate solution.

Q: How much does it cost to have a plumber unclog a toilet?

A: The cost of having a plumber unclog a toilet can vary depending on the severity of the clog and the location of your home. On average, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 for this service. However, some plumbers may charge more for after-hours or emergency service.