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Unclogging A Toilet

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reinard
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20 views2 pages

Unclogging A Toilet

Uploaded by

reinard
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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for do-self repairs

UNCLOGGING YOUR TOILET


There is probably nothing more irritating than a clogged toilet. Usually, the problem is a clog
in the trap that is built into the inside of the stool as part of the water outflow path. You clear the
clog by using a toilet auger or a plunger to dislodge the obstruction and push it through the trap
(see illustrations.) Never use an electric snake or chemical drain cleaners in a toilet, as they can
scar – or even crack – the porcelain.

If the trap is clear, but the waste and water


don't seem to move through as they should, then
there's another possibility to consider. Instead of
a clog in the outflow path, water may not be able
to flow into the stool rapidly enough to start the
flush process. The most common symptom of
this problem is that the water rises up in the bowl,
and then slowly lowers without swirling.
Obstructions can occur at several points in the
water inflow pathway. Many toilets have small
passages built into the toilet stool, openings that
can become clogged. Ordinarily, when the flush
valve opens the passageway from the tank into
the stool, water flows through the rim chamber,
and then out these ports to wash the sides of the
bowl (see illustration.) Some toilet designs also
include a siphon jet that shoots water into the trap
to start the swirling siphon effect that will empty
the bowl quickly.
(continued)
If your toilet trap is clear, but the water still flows out slowly, check the flush valve (lift the
flapper or tank ball) to ensure that the opening is free of obstructions. One of those drop-in-the-
tank cleaners may have clogged the flush valve opening, or small kids may have put something
in the tank.

Once you have ensured that the valve is clear, use a piece of stiff wire (like an old wire coat
hanger that you have straightened out) to ream out each of the rim ports and the siphon jet opening.
This will break up any scale or mineral build-up clogging the openings in the stool, and allow your
toilet to empty once again as it should.

Rarely, blockages can occur in the large drain pipe leading from the toilet, so if none of these
procedures have solved the problem, you may be forced to take the toilet up and use a sewer
snake to clear the obstruction. (See separate handouts on “Snaking Drains” and “Toilet
Installation” for further information.

©2011, Home Repair Resource Center, 2520 Noble Rd., Cleveland Hts., OH 44121 (phone: 216-381-9560)

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