How to clean a toilet if it's clogged. The toilet is clogged: how to clean it yourself using household chemicals, soda, vinegar and mechanical devices. Preventing blockages in the sewer system

Unclog the toilet sometimes it can be quite difficult. Often, many people prefer to immediately call a specialist without understanding the causes of the blockage. And the reason, most often, is a person. Agree, you have had the experience of pouring leftover food, missing clogs, paper, or any other products into the toilet that were not intended for disposal through the toilet. Sometimes the cause of blockage may be the deposition of salts on the walls of the pipes or their overgrowing. In this case, there is no human fault.

However, when the toilet is clogged, it must be cleaned immediately, otherwise a bad smell is at least guaranteed. Let's first take a closer look at the causes of a clogged toilet:

    toilet paper;

    organic waste products, such as food thrown down the toilet;

    construction waste, such as sand, lime, cement, etc.;

    household waste;

    animal waste, such as cat litter, food for parrots, hamsters, and the like;

    formation of salt deposits inside pipes.

In fact, it would seem that everything is simple. Don't throw anything down the toilet that isn't meant for it, and you won't have any problems. But no, some manage to fill it with the most unimaginable rubbish. In the best case, you can get rid of the blockage in the toilet yourself. In the worst case, it will have to be dismantled and a new one installed. And if a blockage does occur, now we need to find out its extent in order to know how to proceed further.

Degree of toilet blockage

In order to determine the degree of clogged toilet, you need to take a liter jar of water and pour it into the toilet, and then watch how the water goes away. Under no circumstances use the tank for this purpose! Since the water will not have time to leave and will begin to flow out over the edges, causing a whole flood in the toilet.

After this, you need to open the taps in the bathroom and kitchen to find out exactly where the blockage occurred. If the water drains the same way both there and there, it means the problem is in the toilet itself and it will be a little easier to clear the blockage . Well, if, both in the kitchen and in the bathroom, the water drains as slowly as in the toilet, then the situation is very bad and the blockage is not in the toilet, but in the common pipe. You can try to clear such a blockage with your own hands, and if it doesn’t work, call a specialist.

How to unclog a toilet at home?

Once you know the extent of the blockage, you need to clean the toilet. There are many ways to do this at home, but they do not always help everyone. It depends on the reason why the blockage occurred. Let's look at the options for cleaning the toilet yourself and find out which one will help in your situation.

    If you know exactly what exactly caused the blockage, and if this “something” is a vegetable, a toy or a rag, then getting rid of this problem is very simple, although unpleasant. To do this, you will need a rubber glove and a gauze bandage. Put a bandage on your face, a glove on your hand, and go explore the depths of the toilet, after scooping up the water from the bowl. Examine the pipe with your hand and if you find a blockage, pull it towards you. You can use wire if you can't reach it with your hand. In this case, do not even think about blowing air out of the blockage, as this will only make the situation worse.

    If the water is draining a little at a time and you're not sure you know what could be causing the clog, then it's time to get out the good old plunger. You probably know the principle of its operation: by manipulating a rubber bowl, you create pressure above the blockage, which forces it to move through the pipe. And when you pull the bowl up, the pressure pushes the clog towards the plunger, causing it to collapse and flow down the pipe along with the water.
    The rubber bowl of the plunger should be larger in diameter than the toilet flush hole. At the same time, when cleaning the toilet in this way, it is advisable to close the drains in all sinks in the house.
    You can repeat the procedure for clearing the blockage with a plunger several times if the water does not go away immediately.

    If the first two methods do not suit you, then try to get rid of the blockage folk remedies . Take half a pack of regular soda, scoop out more water from the toilet and pour the soda into the drain hole. Then add a glass of vinegar and after 20 minutes pour in about a liter of boiling water.
    When performing these steps, you should take into account the material from which the connecting corrugation in your toilet is made. If it is made of thin plastic, then boiling water cannot be used. Replace it simply hot water. As a result of these actions, the blockage should be destroyed by the action of acid.

    You always have the option to use household chemicals. Fortunately, now there is very big choice toilet cleaners. Here are some of them: “Mole”, “Mr. Muscle”, “Pothan”, “Tiret”, “Floop” and many others. Their effectiveness is very relative, the same product can have different effects on blockages, so choose at your own discretion.

    If all previous methods have failed, then it’s time to resort to drastic measures. Use a special plumbing cable to clean pipes. This simple device is directed into the drain hole, and by rotating the handle, they help it pass into the pipe. When you have pushed the cable to the maximum, begin to remove it little by little. But be prepared for what comes bad smell.To ensure that it does not remain on your hands, immediately as you remove the cable, wipe it with an old rag coated with dishwashing detergent.

If none of the above methods help, then the situation is much more serious and you should call a specialist.

To prevent such unpleasant situations from arising, it is enough to simply follow the rules for using the toilet and not dispose of anything that is not intended for this purpose. Treat your plumbing fixtures responsibly and they will serve you for a long time.
We hope our article helped you solve the problem and you won’t have it in the future.

Anyone can face the unexpected problem of a stagnant toilet. There is no point in putting off fixing plumbing problems. Let's look at the signs and causes of a clog in the toilet and learn how to remove a clog in the toilet with your own hands.

You can understand that the toilet is faulty by the following signs:

  • dirty water does not leave the toilet completely after flushing;
  • unpleasant odors appeared in the toilet;
  • when flushing, the water fills the toilet bowl approximately halfway;
  • The water goes down the drain very slowly.

If at least one of the listed signs is present in your toilet, we can confidently state that it is clogged and the drain needs to be cleaned.

Causes of a clogged toilet

  • Foreign objects got into the toilet. For example, at the same time it was washed away a large number of toilet paper or the toilet is clogged with cat litter.
  • Incorrect installation of plumbing equipment.
  • Manufacturer's mistakes in the manufacture of the toilet. Poor design of the sewer system.
  • The toilet does not have the necessary valves or drain pipe.

What to do first

If the toilet is clogged, you need to call the emergency service and call a plumber so that he can help professional equipment cleaned plumbing equipment and the sewerage system.

Or try to remove the blockage in the toilet yourself with your own hands.

Cleaning a clogged toilet using a plunger

Clearing a blockage with a plunger refers to mechanical method and is suitable for removing cork. If you suspect that a foreign object (child's toy, rag) has gotten into the toilet, it is better to remove it before you start working with the plunger.

You can remove objects by wearing rubber gloves. Otherwise, there is a risk of pushing debris further down the pipe and blocking the sewer system. A plunger is an effective remedy for clogged toilets.

  • Before starting work, close all drains (bathtub, sinks).
  • Place the plunger into the toilet drain hole. Pour five to six liters of water on top so that the rubber part of the plunger is completely covered.
  • Pump the plunger at least ten times up and down. Movements should be sharp, but uniform. If the water goes away, then everything is done correctly.

Clearing a toilet blockage with a plastic bottle

You can quickly get rid of a clog in the toilet using improvised means. For example, using a regular plastic bottle with the bottom cut off and the cap tightly screwed on.

  • The device must be carefully and slowly inserted into the drain.
  • As soon as you feel the air pushing the bottle back, push it sharply to the very end of the drain hole. After this, remove the bottle from the drain with a sharp movement.

The water will go away and the congestion will be eliminated if the procedure is repeated two or three times.


Clean the toilet with a solution of baking soda and vinegar

Vinegar and baking soda will help break through simple clogs in the toilet. Should not be used this method cleaning, if the corrugation (connection of the toilet bowl and pipe) is made of plastic. Hot water with baking soda and vinegar can ruin thin plastic.

Using vinegar and soda, you can quickly and effectively clean the toilet from contaminants such as grease plugs and food waste.

  • Take half a packet of baking soda and pour it into the drain hole.
  • Prepare one glass of vinegar and pour it into the toilet bowl.
  • Wait half an hour and pour 3-5 liters of boiling water into the drain.

Night cleaning of the toilet with baking soda

Baking soda can clean toilets and sewer systems.

  • In the evening, pour a packet of baking soda into the toilet.
  • Fill the contents of the toilet with boiling water.
  • Plug the drain using a stopper or a wet rag.
  • In the morning, rinse the drain with hot water.

How to break through a blockage with a cable

Using a special sewer cable will help you get rid of the blockage quickly and efficiently. It is better to do the work together.

Prepare unnecessary rags, oilcloth, a bucket or basin with water and dishwashing detergent.

  • Roll out the oilcloth on the floor and cover the walls.
  • Place the end of the cable into the drain hole and slowly move it down using a rotating motion.
  • Once the cable has stopped and won’t go any further, move it back and forth.
  • Remove the cable by lowering it onto the oilcloth. Clean with a cloth soaked in dishwashing liquid to remove unpleasant odors.

What to do if the toilet is clogged with paper or cat litter


It is better to remove the plug from the contents of cat litter or compacted toilet paper using a plunger. Before cleaning the toilet, it is recommended to remove the debris with gloved hands and pour five to ten liters of boiling water into the toilet bowl. The hot liquid will partially dissolve the dirt.

Removing congestion with a sandbag

Using a thick bag filled with sand, you can break through the blockage that has formed in the drain.

  • Tie the sandbag securely and tie a strong rope to it.
  • Lower the bag into the drain, draining all the water from the tank. At the same time, release the tied rope so that the water carries the bag into the drain hole.
  • With a sharp movement, pull the bag out of the toilet hole.
  • Once the tank is full again, repeat the procedure.

We use chemicals

If it is not possible to remove the blockage in the toilet using gentle methods, you will have to use chemicals.

When using a particular product to clean the toilet, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Depending on the type of pipes in the toilet (plastic or metal), choose the appropriate product.

If the above folk methods do not help eliminate stagnation in the toilet bowl, immediately contact a specialist!

  • Do not throw foreign objects, household waste or leftover food into the drain.
  • It is not recommended to throw used paper down the toilet.
  • Do not drain water with construction debris floating in it.
  • Use preventive measures to prevent congestion.
  • Replace old rusted pipes in a timely manner.

Not really

Is your toilet clogged? No joke?... Then read this article carefully. About how to break through a clogged toilet and what to do to prevent the toilet from clogging.

If the toilet is clogged, then you have 3 methods at your disposal, which can roughly be called this:

  1. Chemical.
  2. Domestic.
  3. Plumbing.

The choice of methods or their combination depends on what clogged the toilet.
(Remember what could have clogged the toilet and an action plan will immediately appear.)

There are the following blockages, for which these cleaning methods are used.

1. Clogging with organic matter.
The first option for a clogged toilet is a clog with only organic waste. If you know that the toilet contains only (or mostly!) organic matter, then you need to use the appropriate chemistry to dissolve it. That's all.

For sale special means for cleaning toilets and sewer pipes. They contain alkalis and acids that destroy organic matter. Contact the store and they will tell you....

But you can also use what you probably have on hand.

— Whiteness — alkaline solution for cleaning the toilet. It is also suitable in high concentration for removing organic blockages. And no worse than a special means for cleaning sewers. Since they are most likely made on the same basis. Pour Whiteness into the toilet compacted with organic matter and wait.

Lemon acid, is also an aggressive substance. But, again, a lot of concentration is needed. Remove excess water from the toilet and immediately pour out 5 bags.


- Just soda. Ordinary soda also corrodes organic matter. Pour more baking soda into the toilet if you don't have anything more effective on hand.

If the chemical has worked and it is obvious that water is leaving the toilet, do not rush to flush. Let the acid work even longer. Add more funds to restore lost concentration. Rinse off after waiting time.

2. The toilet is clogged with small debris.
If the toilet is clogged not with organic matter, but with loose small debris, for example sand and pebbles, then we try the usual folk method cleaning the toilet - water hammer.


It can be created with a plunger, i.e. a common device used to push water not only in toilets, but also in sinks and bathtubs. By periodically pushing the plunger towards the drain, you create a high blood pressure water. By pulling back after a push, you create a vacuum. With consistent movements you can stir up a pile of debris.

If there is no such miracle device as a plunger, then you need to try to find a replacement for it. A simple rag will help. Place a rag in the toilet so that it covers the drain, then take a stick and push the rag in the water. The water hammer should be even worse... Don't have a rag? Well then it's empty plastic bottle there will definitely be one. Cut off the bottom, grab the neck (with the plug!) and use it as the same piston. And the toilet passage will serve as a cylinder... In general, you need something area that would push the water and create a water hammer. With a high probability, by pushing the water you will be able to push a bunch of debris and it will come off with the water.

But after the initial cleaning, be sure to rinse the toilet with a couple of buckets of water.

3. Clogging of the toilet with large objects and viscous substances.
Lumpy or too large - fabric, clay, putty, lids, broken glass, stones, cellophane...

Now you will have to retrain as a real plumber and find out how he earns his living. You will need two accessories - long gloves and a plumbing rope.

A plumbing cable is a flexible cable with a neat tip on one side and a handle for rotation on the other. The only purpose it was created for is to clear clogged sewer pipes. Sold in stores.

If you have plastic sewer pipes, then you should not use wire or cables with scratchy ends or burrs along their length to clean them! You will definitely scratch the inside of the pipes with such a tool, and they will become overgrown with sediment. Or you will make holes altogether. Or undo the pipes. It is necessary to use a cable with a tip.

It is easier to work with a plumbing cable with two people. One worker pushes the cable forward, the second rotates the handle.
First, you need to break through the blockage with a cable so that the water begins to drain. After this, you need to work with your own hands wearing gloves, trying to remove from the toilet what is in it in a wedged state.

If the water does not go away, then it needs to be scooped out. Pour in and scoop out again to brighten it.

Carefully! There may be broken glass or other sharp objects in the toilet. Rubber gloves can be easily cut with them. Don't get hurt.

Combinations of the “Plunger”, “Cable”, “Plumber’s Hands” methods can cope with clearing a clogged toilet in 90 percent of cases. What happens in the remaining 9.5%?

It may not be possible to remove objects that are clogged from the front of the toilet. Then there is no need to relax, we will continue to work. We approach the toilet from the other side, disconnect the drain pipe and climb into the toilet from behind. Rather, the issue can be resolved this way. Can't you approach the toilet from behind? Then we dismantle it and turn it back to front...

It is possible that the toilet is tightly clogged with an adhesive-hardening substance - cement, epoxy, putty, paint. Well, you know...

Here is a video showing a sewer cleaning cable. It becomes clear, at least what he looks like... but no more...

Why does the toilet clog?
The answer is obvious, and it is (almost) the only one. Because they flushed (threw) down the toilet something that should not be thrown there. Here are the prizes for the trash that most often ends up in the toilet and which should not be thrown into the toilet.

What should I do to prevent the toilet from clogging?

  • 1. Place a bucket next to the toilet for toilet paper and any other garbage. Now the garbage that you want to throw in the toilet will need to be thrown into a bucket.
  • 2. Try to be vigilant about the toilet. Remember that many substances (cement, sand, glue, paint, gypsum, lime...) cannot be poured down the drain. They need to be thrown in the trash.
  • 3. Treat the toilet with acidic substances that corrode limescale. This plaque narrows the toilet opening and increases the risk of clogging.

Waste that contains not heavy (like stone) but light! solids can be flushed into the toilet. But not in cluttered portions, but little by little, with the obligatory intermediate draining of water from the tank.

A clogged toilet is an unpleasant situation that requires urgent attention. To find out how to clear a clog in the toilet, you need to determine the cause of its formation. This may be due to the formation of a plug of dirt and debris or the quality of the water.

We'll tell you about effective ways eliminating blockages in the most popular type of plumbing. The article we presented describes in detail chemical compositions and mechanical measures used in the control of congestion and persistent sediment. Here you will learn how to prevent such troubles.

The build-up of residues on the pipe walls makes it difficult for water to pass through. Soon the drain becomes clogged and forms a plug, thereby causing a blockage. To determine the location of the plug, you can use a proven method. Try opening the faucet in the kitchen and bathroom at the same time.

If the water runs out as usual, then the problem is in the toilet. If liquid drainage is difficult in the bathroom and kitchen, this indicates problems with the pipe.

As soon as you discover a clogged toilet, do not rush to drain the water from the tank. You should know that its volume is more than 3 liters. It's better to just turn off the tap. This action will protect you from water leaking onto the floor.

One of the main reasons for the formation of plugs in plumbing fixtures is improper operation. Often, the residents of the house themselves can flush various objects and food residues down the toilet, hoping that they will quietly pass into the drain hole.

To prevent water from leaking onto the floor, place as many cloths around the toilet as possible. They absorb liquid well, so the toilet coating will not be damaged

Let's look at some tips to avoid such situations:

  1. If you are thinking about changing pipes, you need to select samples that are identical in size.
  2. When repair work The toilet lid should be lowered to prevent debris, dirt and other waste from getting into the toilet.
  3. Avoid flushing items such as kitty litter, rough paper, and other types of debris that can cause a blockage. By doing so, you will extend the life of the plumbing fixture and save a lot of money on replacing the toilet.

Take advantage of these simple tips to avoid problems with cleaning plumbing. By adhering to clear operating rules, you will forget for a long time about such a problem as dealing with blockages:

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Rules for using household chemicals

Using the products daily household chemicals, we rarely think about harmful effects them on the human body. The instructions supplied with the drugs are ignored.

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When choosing plumbing cable It is worth using the service of a sales consultant so that he can help you choose a model that is convenient for use.

Professionals and plumbers prefer classic types cables with a metal tip. They are guided by the fact that this design allows them to penetrate deeply into pipes and push debris through well.

The undeniable advantage of a plumbing cable is its flexibility combined with strength. Such cables are used when cleaning metal pipes various diameters and size.

Removing a blockage in the toilet using a cable is performed as follows:

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At any modern apartment toilet - important element toilet plumbing. Therefore, for apartment owners there is no more unpleasant situation than its clogging, disrupting the operation of the sewer system. After all, they have to, without delay, decide the issue when the toilet is clogged: how to clean it at home. Of course, the easiest way is to call a plumber, but in this case there is the prospect of being left without a toilet for several days. For a family with children, this is a real tragedy. Therefore, it makes sense to learn how to cope with such a problem on your own.

Possible causes of a traffic jam

Before you begin to fix the problem, you need to understand what caused it.

Clogging often occurs for one of the following reasons:

  • installation of a plumbing fixture performed with obvious violations;
  • improper operation and negligent attitude towards the device by household members;
  • a thick layer of sediment, formed due to hard water and insufficient preventive measures, covering the inner walls of the sewer pipe.


Another common cause of clogged plumbing is waste that is stuck in the drain and cannot be disposed of through the drain. For example, you can easily create a blockage in the toilet drain system with one discarded diaper. Inside it there is an absorbent pad, which in the water will begin to swell greatly and increase, as a result the pipe hole will be completely clogged. Likewise, pipes can become clogged when cat litter contents are flushed down the drain. IN similar situations You need to start cleaning the pipe as quickly as possible, before the sewer system stops working.

Remember! To prevent drain clogging - Do not flush food and household waste down the toilet. It's best to use a trash can.

TO possible reasons Frequent blockages can also be attributed to errors made by manufacturers in the manufacture of plumbing fixtures. They often focus on the design of models and equipping them with various devices, without caring about the performance of the entire structure. In this case, you should think about replacing the plumbing.

Checking the location of the blockage will allow you to find out what and where the blockage could be. First you need to check whether the water drains well from the bath and kitchen sink. If the water drains normally in these places, there is no doubt that it is the toilet that is clogged. Now that the cause of the formation and location of the traffic jam have been determined, you can think about how to solve this problem.

To check the degree of clogging of the toilet, do not use draining water from the tank, as there may be enough water for all the contents to spill out. It is enough to pour in just a liter of water to understand whether it is a “solid” blockage or whether the water is still flowing a little inside.

The toilet is clogged: what to do at home

There are three ways to unclog a clogged toilet:

  1. Manual.
  2. Mechanical.
  3. Chemical.

If the design of the toilet allows it, then first you can try to manually remove the blockage by wearing a rubber glove. If you don't have rubber gloves on hand, this will do plastic bag, wearing on hand. This method makes sense if you know exactly what caused the blockage.

Mechanical cleaning is performed using various devices:

plunger

This simple but effective device Many housewives use it in the kitchen to clean the sink drain hole. It is also indispensable in the toilet when removing blockages that are located shallowly. A plumbing plunger consists of a cup-shaped rubber suction cup placed on an elongated, usually wooden handle. Under the influence of hydraulic pressure created by water and air when pumping the tip of the plunger, most of the contaminants are destroyed and pushed forward.
When using a plunger, the following steps are performed:

  • water is poured into the toilet bowl;
  • bring the suction cup of the plunger to the drain hole, closing it as tightly as possible;
  • do 5–10 pumpings, sharply pressing the plunger handle;
  • After pumping, the suction cup is peeled off.

Sometimes it is not possible to clear a blockage with a plunger immediately, but after several attempts.

Important! To create enough hydraulic pressure, the tip of the plunger should be slightly larger than the drain hole.

Types of plungers: 1. For unclogging the sink 2. For unclogging the toilet.

If you haven’t had time to get a plunger, and your toilet is already clogged, don’t despair, you can replace it with a plastic one and a half liter bottle. First, the empty bottle is tightly capped and the bottom is cut off. Then, holding the bottle by the neck with your hand, insert it into the drain hole until the water begins to resist. After this, they begin to press on the sides of the bottle so that the water pushed out of it puts pressure on the blockage and pushes it forward.

After cleaning, for preventive purposes, it is good to additionally rinse the drain with two buckets warm water with soda.

Plumbing cable

This device is usually used by plumbers, but it is so simple that anyone can handle it. The cable is made of wire that is tightly twisted into the shape of a hollow flexible tube. On one side the cable ends with an L-shaped handle. On the other hand, the wire is twisted in a spiral on a small section; this end of the cable is used as a punch. Technical cables used by plumbers can be up to 50 meters or more in length. In an apartment, you won’t need a very long punch, since you can clean the toilet at home with a three-meter cable.

To clean the drain with a technical cable, you need to perform the following steps:

  • lower the end of the cable with the punch into the toilet drain and push it all the way;
  • then start turning the handle in one direction until the cable manages to pass through the plug;
  • when the blockage begins to move, you should continue to rotate the cable to push it further along the pipe;
  • if the cable, passing through the blockage, could not destroy it, you can try to pull the plug out by pulling the cable towards you.


After completely cleaning the pipe, it is necessary to do additional flushing.

If the toilet clogs regularly and the house still uses old ones for sewerage cast iron pipes, then think about replacing them with more modern plastic ones. U plastic pipes smoother wall surfaces and less prone to clogging.

Sometimes it is better to resort to strong remedies

It may happen that if there is a significant blockage in the pipe, mechanical cleaning will not be enough and you will need to move on to more radical measures, such as cleaning the toilet drain system with a strong chemicals. In stores you can find such products, both expensive and relatively cheap. When choosing chemicals remember that expensive formulations may actually be ineffective.

From those presented on store shelves effective means can be distinguished:

  • "Mole" is a remedy related to budget segment, but it is quite possible to unclog a clogged toilet. The effect of caustic soda in it is enhanced by various additives. Available in two forms: gel and powder. Using this product, it is possible to dissolve fatty deposits and a number of solid biowaste, in particular hair, which often accumulates in the drain hole. At the same time, “Mole” is safe for pipes.
  • Vortex Draft is an expensive product that is only available in liquid form. It consists of caustic soda, chlorine and surfactants; these active ingredients cope well with blockages and do not harm pipes.
  • "Tiret" is a product similar in composition and action to Vortex Draft.


You will be surprised, but you can make your own drain cleaner at home. To do this you will need baking soda and table vinegar. Pour a pack of soda into the toilet, after pumping out the water from it, and add 200 ml of vinegar. Will happen chemical reaction which will clear the blockage. Wait 20–30 minutes, then flush the toilet with two liters hot water(do not use boiling water).

If the methods listed in the article did not help, then most likely the common riser of the house is clogged. In this case, you need to urgently call the organization servicing your home to fix the problem.

Those who are against the use of strong chemicals at home and others can be advised to be careful and try to prevent foreign objects from getting into the toilet. Don't forget about preventive measures, then you won’t have to clean the clogged toilet in emergency mode.

Advice! Maintenance of sewer pipes should be carried out at least once a quarter. For these purposes, industrial pipe cleaning products are used. Simply pour the liquid into the pipe and leave it overnight, and rinse with plenty of water in the morning. This procedure will remove all salt deposits and prevent stone formation in the pipes.