Have you ever faced the nightmare of a clogged toilet full of poop? If yes, then you know how frustrating and disgusting it can be. Not only does it create a foul smell and a mess, but it also prevents you from using the toilet until you fix it.
Fortunately, there are several ways how to unclog a poopy toilet without calling a plumber. In this post, we will show you how to unclog a toilet with poop in it using different methods, tools and products. We will also give you some tips on how to prevent clogs in the future.
What Causes a Toilet to Clog with Poop?
There are many reasons why a toilet can get clogged with poop, but the most common ones are:
- Using too much toilet paper or flushing non-flushable items such as wipes, diapers, tampons, etc.
- Having a low-flow toilet that does not have enough water pressure to flush the waste.
- Having a faulty or old plumbing system that has narrow pipes, bends or obstructions.
- Having hard water that deposits minerals and scale in the pipes and reduces the flow.
- Having a septic tank that is full or not maintained properly.
How to Unclog a Poopy Toilet: 5 Ways to Do It
Depending on the severity of the clog and the tools you have at hand, you can try one or more of the following methods on how to unclog a poopy toilet in it.
Before you start, make sure you have some protective gloves, a bucket, a plastic bag, and some cleaning supplies ready. You may also need a plunger, a plumbing snake, a coat hanger, or some chemical or natural products depending on the method you choose.
Method 1: Use a Plunger
The plunger is the most common and effective tool for unclogging a toilet. It works by creating suction and pressure that dislodges the blockage and allows water to flow through the drain. Here are the steps to use a plunger:
- If the toilet bowl is full of water, scoop out some of it into a bucket until the water level is about halfway up the bowl. This will prevent splashing and overflowing when you plunge.
- Insert the plunger into the toilet bowl and make sure it covers the hole completely. If your plunger has an extension flange, use it to create a better seal.
- Push down gently at first to expel any air from the plunger, then pull up sharply to disturb the clog and loosen it. Repeat this motion vigorously for about 15 to 20 times or until the water starts to drain.
- Flush the toilet to check if the clog is cleared. If not, repeat the plunging process until it is.
- Clean the plunger with bleach and water after use and store it in a plastic bag.
Method 2: Use a Plumbing Snake
A plumbing snake is a flexible metal wire with a corkscrew-like tip that can reach deep into the drain and break up or pull out any obstruction. It is more effective than a plunger for hard or stubborn clogs, but it can also damage your pipes if used incorrectly. Here are the steps to use a plumbing snake for how to unclog a poopy toilet:
- If the toilet bowl is full of water, scoop out some of it into a bucket until the water level is low enough to see the hole.
- Feed the plumbing snake into the toilet bowl and push it gently until you feel some resistance. This means you have reached the clog.
- Twist and move the snake back and forth to break up or hook onto the clog. You may need to apply some force, but be careful not to damage your pipes.
- Pull out the snake slowly and check if any debris comes out with it. If so, dispose of it in a plastic bag.
- Flush the toilet to check if the clog is cleared. If not, repeat the snaking process until it is.
- Clean the snake with dish soap and hot water after use and store it in a dry place.
Method 3: Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are natural ingredients that can create a chemical reaction that dissolves organic matter and produces carbon dioxide gas that can push out the clog. This method is safe for your pipes and environment, but it may not work for severe or non-organic clogs. Here are the steps to use baking soda and vinegar:
- Pour one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl and let it sink to the bottom.
- Slowly pour one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl and watch for fizzing and bubbling.
- Cover the toilet bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it sit for at least 15 minutes or overnight for better results.
- Remove the cover and flush the toilet to check if the clog is cleared. If not, repeat the process or try another method.
Method 4: Use Hot Water and Dish Soap
Hot water and dish soap can also help soften and lubricate the clog and make it easier to flush. This method is simple and cheap, but it may not work for hard or large clogs. Here are the steps to use hot water and dish soap:
- Boil about one gallon of water in a large pot or kettle.
- Add a few squirts of dish soap to the water and stir well.
- Carefully pour the hot water into the toilet bowl from waist level or higher. This will create more force and pressure than pouring from close range.
- Wait for about 15 minutes or until the water level goes down.
- Flush the toilet to check if the clog is cleared. If not, repeat the process or try another method.
Method 5: Use a Coat Hanger
A coat hanger can be used as a makeshift plumbing snake to unclog a toilet. It can reach into the drain and poke or pull out the clog. However, it can also scratch your toilet bowl or pipes, so use it with caution. Here are the steps to use a coat hanger for how to unclog a poopy toilet:
- Unwind a wire coat hanger and straighten it as much as possible.
- Wrap one end of the wire with a rag or duct tape to prevent scratching.
- Insert the wrapped end of the wire into the toilet bowl and push it gently until you feel some resistance. This means you have reached the clog.
- Twist and move the wire back and forth to break up or hook onto the clog. You may need to apply some force, but be careful not to damage your pipes.
- Pull out the wire slowly and check if any debris comes out with it. If so, dispose of it in a plastic bag.
- Flush the toilet to check if the clog is cleared. If not, repeat the process or try another method.
Call a Professional Plumber
If none of the above methods work for you, or if you are unsure about how to unclog your toilet safely and effectively, you may need to call a professional plumber for help. A plumber has the skills, tools, and experience to deal with any kind of toilet clog and fix it quickly and properly.
Conclusion
Knowing how to unclog a poopy toilet is an essential skill that can save you from unnecessary stress and potential embarrassment. With the step-by-step guide provided, you can confidently tackle this common household issue without the need for professional assistance.
