Will a Clogged Toilet Unclog Itself?

Posted by Spencer | September 30, 2023 | Reading Time:

No one enjoys dealing with a clogged toilet. Toilet blockages are incredibly inconvenient. Many people don’t want to handle the unsanitary unclogging process, hoping the blockage clears on its own.

But... will a clogged toilet unclog itself?

Toilets clog for multiple reasons. Some experience blockages due to excess debris within pipes, while foreign objects like toys, jewelry, and Q-tips fall into others. Many busy homeowners don’t have time to unclog their toilets right away and hope the issue will eventually resolve on its own.

Whether or not a clogged toilet will unclog itself depends on the clog.

Clogs consisting of degradable materials like waste and toilet paper could clear on their own over time. These substances break down within water and don’t always require you to take action to eliminate blockages.

However, non-degradable clogs won’t resolve on their own and can lead to other serious issues. They create severe clogs that can reduce your home’s water pressure and require professional services to clear effectively. The following are some common non-degradable substances to avoid flushing down your toilet:

Nails
Hair
Sanitary pads
Q-tips
Tampons
Diapers
Cloth
Cigarette butts
Wet wipes

How To Eliminate Toilet Clogs: Three Methods

Although degradable blockages can unclog on their own, they often take time to resolve. Fortunately, clearing these clogs is relatively easy once you understand the proper techniques. Below are a few ways to eliminate toilet clogs.

1. Use a Plunger

Plungers are helpful plumbing tools that eliminate minor to moderate toilet and drain clogs. They utilize pressure to eradicate blockages and restore water flow within piping systems.

To remove a clog with a plunger, place the tool over the toilet’s drain hole and move it up and down to loosen the blockage. Continue working the clog until you hear gurgling as the clog loosens and flushes away.

Keep in mind that plungers aren’t always effective, especially when clearing severe clogs. You may need to utilize another method or contact a professional plumber to clear serious clogs.

2. Use a Plumbing Snake

Like plungers, plumbing snakes are effective tools designed to clear vexing pipe clogs and blockages. They are long, flexible cords typically shaped like a corkscrew that drill into clogs and eliminate them without delay. Some plumbing snakes have built-in motors, while others feature hand cranks that require manual operation.

Although plumbing snakes aren’t as common as plungers, they are readily available at most home improvement stores.

Once you purchase your plumbing snake, feed its cord into the toilet until it reaches the blockage. Activate the device’s motor or use the crank to drill into the clog until the debris flows down the pipe, restoring water flow.

3. Create a DIY Drain Cleaner

Many Phoenix homeowners use store-bought chemical drain cleaners to remove clogs from their pipes and sewer lines. However, these cleaners can erode your pipes and accelerate deterioration. Fortunately, you can create a pipe-safe drain cleaner with a few common household supplies.

If your toilet has enough room within its bowl, pour one part baking soda and two parts vinegar into the commode and wait around 20 minutes. After that time has elapsed, the solution should break down the clog and restore your piping system.

However, the best way to remove clogs from your property’s drain lines is to hire a professional plumber. The plumbers at Rainforest Plumbing & Air have extensive experience eradicating toilet clogs and offer outstanding plumbing services across the greater Phoenix area.

Contact Rainforest Plumbing & Air for First-Class Plumbing Services

If your toilet is clogged and leaves you asking, “Will a clogged toilet unclog itself?” contact Rainforest Plumbing & Air. Our plumbers will make your clogged toilet a thing of the past while ensuring your plumbing system operates at its highest efficiency level. Whether you need professional plumbing repair or want to know why running toilets cause high water bills, Rainforest Plumbing & Air is here to help.

Still have questions about your plumbing and service options? Contact Rainforest Plumbing & Air today!