How to Clear a Clogged Toilet

Marcin from ExpressRooter, the official contractor for Mike Holmes, is here to address some of the common questions that many homeowners ask.

How to Clear a Clogged Toilet

A question that home owners often ask is, my toilet is not flushing or draining properly, what do I do? Here are some of the first steps that you can do on your own before you should call in the professionals.

If your toilet is not draining properly, the first step you should take is using a cable auger or a toilet plunger. These are two plumbing tools that homeowners can use to tackle stubborn clogs on their own without doing any damage to the plumbing. Typically, the blockages formed in the toilet are waste and toilet paper buildup, however in some cases an object is dropped and accidentally flushed. Depending on the object, it may not get through the drain system and will remain stuck in the trap of the toilet bowl. If this happens and a toilet auger or plunger doesn’t work, you can try the second step of removing the toilet, flipping it upside down and trying to fish out whatever object has been trapped in the bottom of the toilet. Keep in mind that in order to do that, you will first have to turn the water off, drain the toilet, empty the toilet bowl, undo the bolts, and then proceed to lift the toilet and flip it upside down. Although homeowners can attempt the first step of unclogging a toilet, it is recommend a professional plumber to handle the second as it not only becomes more technical it can also be a little messy.

If you have any questions regarding toilet repairs and toilet maintenance, please call our office at 416-233-2660 or visit our website at expressrooter.ca.