What To Do When You Have a Clogged Toilet

No one is immune from the occasional toilet clog. It happens to the best of us—whether it’s too much toilet tissue, too much waste, or even a foreign object, clogs can make toilets unusable and if not properly addressed, they can create bigger issues. Fortunately, fixing a clogged toilet is also a fairly simple task. And, when you can’t DIY, you should call a plumber to assist. 

What’s Causing the Clog?

The first step in diagnosing your clogged toilet is finding out what’s causing the clog. If it’s biodegradable or toilet-safe material (tissue, waste, etc.), using a plunger might help break up the clog and move things along. Just be sure not to be too forceful or you could cause further damage. 

If you can’t identify the source of the clog, you’ll want to proceed with caution. The last thing you want is to push a foreign object further down into the sewer drain by trying to remove it on your own. 

Avoid Drain Cleaners 

Drain cleaners and clog removal chemicals are a good emergency fix for sinks and drains that are clogged. However, these products often use oxygen and other ingredients that create chain reactions, like foaming to clean the sides of the pipes. Some of these reactions can be dangerous in toilet bowls. 

If you feel tempted to use some kind of liquid product to clear the clog, consider a home remedy drain cleaner. Of course, the best option will always be to call a professional plumber for assistance so that you don’t make things worse. 

Call a Plumber

The best thing you can do is to call a plumber to address whatever clog you are dealing with. Mind you, if it’s a simple clog you can clear with your plunger, that’s fine to do on your own. However, if it doesn’t clear after a few attempts, you’ll probably need assistance. Plumbers will not only remove the clog, but they will also offer advice on how to prevent a clogged toilet in the future and identify any potential issues that may need to be addressed.