Have you ever had that sinking feeling when you flush the toilet and nothing happens? You know the one: you hope against hope that it’s just a momentary hiccup and that it’ll flush in a few seconds, but it never does. That’s usually a tell-tale sign that your toilet is clogged.
But even if you don’t have such an obvious sign, there are other ways to tell if your toilet is clogged. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common signs of a clogged toilet and the steps you can take to unclog it.
How to Tell if Your Toilet is Clogged
The most obvious sign of a clogged toilet is when it doesn’t flush. If you flush the toilet and nothing happens, then it’s likely clogged.
In some cases, the toilet may flush but the water level in the bowl is low. This can be a sign of a partial clog.
Another sign of a clogged toilet is when the bowl begins to fill up with water. This is usually a sign that the clog is beyond the trap, which is the curved pipe connecting the bowl and the drain.
Finally, if you hear a gurgling sound when you flush the toilet, then it’s likely clogged. This is because a clog prevents the water from draining, so it has to go somewhere. In this case, it goes up the pipes and into the toilet bowl, making a gurgling sound.
How to Unclog a Toilet
If your toilet is clogged, you don’t have to call a plumber right away. There are a few things you can do to try and unclog it yourself.
The first thing you should do is use a plunger. Place the plunger over the drain and push it up and down to try and break up the clog. You may have to do this several times before it works.
If the plunger doesn’t work, you can try a toilet auger. This is a special tool that can be used to reach deep into the pipes and break up the clog.
If neither of these methods work, then it’s time to call a plumber.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Tell if Your Toilet is Clogged
What are the signs of a clogged toilet?
The most common signs of a clogged toilet are when it doesn’t flush, the water level in the bowl is low, the bowl begins to fill up with water, or you hear a gurgling sound when you flush.
How do I unclog a toilet?
The first step is to use a plunger. If that doesn’t work, then you can try a toilet auger. If neither of these methods work, then it’s time to call a plumber.
What can I put in a clogged toilet?
There are a few things you can put in a clogged toilet to try and break up the clog. These include baking soda and vinegar, dish soap, or boiling water.
What can I use instead of a plunger?
If you don’t have a plunger, you can use a toilet auger. This is a special tool that can be used to reach deep into the pipes and break up the clog.
Conclusion
If your toilet is clogged, don’t panic. There are a few things you can do to try and unclog it yourself, such as using a plunger or a toilet auger. If these methods don’t work, then it’s time to call a plumber. Knowing the signs of a clogged toilet and how to unclog it can help you avoid costly plumbing bills.
