Dealing with a clogged toilet is one of the most stressful plumbing troubles you can imagine. It doesn’t only disrupt your daily routine, but it also exposes you to severe health risks.
The good news? Many toilet clogs are easy to handle on your own. But how do you figure out when a simple plunger will do the trick and when it’s best to call in a pro? Don’t worry—Cornwell Plumbing has you covered. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the common signs of when a clogged toilet is a DIY fix and when it’s best to leave it to the pros.
When to DIY
Before you grab your phone to call a plumber, consider if the issue is something you can handle yourself. Many toilet clogs are minor and can be fixed quickly without professional help. If you catch the problem early, you may save yourself a service call. Here are some DIY-worthy clogged toilet repairs:
- Simple Toilet Paper Clog
A simple toilet paper clog is one of the most common toilet issues. If you’ve used a bit too much toilet paper, the toilet may have trouble flushing everything down. Luckily, this is an easy fix.
A good plunger can usually clear the clog. Just make sure the plunger is properly positioned to get a tight seal around the drain. After several firm plunges, the clog should break free, and the toilet should flush again.
- Clogs Due to Waste
A waste clog happens when too much solid waste builds up and blocks the drain. This can be a bit trickier than a simple paper clog, but it’s still something you can usually handle.
Start by trying to plunge the toilet. If that doesn’t solve the problem, grab a toilet auger to break up the blockage. This tool is great for grabbing or breaking up the waste in the pipes.
When to Call a Pro
Sometimes a clog is too stubborn, too big, or too dangerous to handle on your own. While DIY methods work in many cases, there are some situations where calling a plumber is your best bet. If the problem persists or seems more complicated than a simple clog, it’s time to reach out for an expert clogged toilet repair.
- Overflowing Toilet
A toilet overflow is one of the most pressing plumbing emergencies you can encounter. If the water level keeps rising and threatens to flood the bathroom, don’t wait. You should turn off the water supply to prevent further damage.
Trying to fix an overflowing toilet without professional help can make things worse. Call a plumber immediately to get the issue sorted out and prevent potential water damage.
- Recurring Clogs
If you’re dealing with recurring clogs, it’s a sign that there’s an underlying issue with your plumbing. Sometimes a simple blockage can happen once, but when it happens repeatedly, it may indicate a more serious problem.
It could be a clog in the pipes that keeps coming back or an issue deeper in your main sewer line. A plumber can inspect the pipes and use tools like a drain camera to locate the real cause of the recurring clogs.
- Unsure What’s Causing the Clog
If you don’t know what’s causing the clog, it’s better to call a professional. Sometimes a clog is caused by something more than just toilet paper or waste. It could be a foreign object that got flushed by accident. If you can’t see or remove the object yourself, a plumber has the right tools to locate and remove it without causing damage to your pipes.
- Clogs Due to Septic Tank Problem
If you have a septic tank, a clog could be caused by a problem with your system. A septic tank issue can cause multiple drains to back up at once, not just your toilet. If your toilet is clogged and you notice that your sinks, showers, or other drains are also slow, it could be a septic tank backup. This is not something you can fix with a plunger. Call a plumber who specializes in septic systems to inspect and resolve the issue.
Toilet Clogs That Are Beyond DIY Repairs? Call Cornwell Plumbing for Fast Toilet Repairs
If your DIY attempts haven’t solved the problem, it’s time to call in the pros. Toilet clogs can be tricky, and when they’re beyond a simple plunger fix, you need a trusted expert on the job.
At Cornwell Plumbing, we specialize in fast and effective toilet repairs. Whether it’s a stubborn clog, a blockage in the pipes, or a more serious issue, our experienced team has the right tools to get your toilet working again in no time. We provide a comprehensive clogged toilet repair that ensures your toilet plumbing problems will go away for good.
Call Cornwell Plumbing today for reliable, speedy service!
Andrew and Austin Cornwell stepped into leadership, bringing with them not just their plumbing licenses and two decades of experience each, but a vision for even better customer service.
Emergency Plumbing?
Contact the plumber or plumbing company to schedule a service call. Be prepared to provide help about the problem.
Testimonials What Our Customers Say About Us
