How to Unclog Low Water Flush Toilets
Unclogging a low water flush toilet is the same as unclogging any other toilet. Depending on what is causing the clog, different tools may be required to clear the blockage. If the toilet flushes perfectly with only water but clogs with toilet paper, then a solid object, such as a toy, is causing the problem. The toilet clogs when the toilet paper catches on the item. If any suggested fix does not unclog the toilet, then proceed to the next step. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Plumber's helper (plunger)
- Hand-cranked auger (pipe snake)
- 1 1/2 inch Expandable bladder
- Garden hose
- Bolt grabber (available at automotive stores) or bent coat hanger
- Fish hook grabber
Instructions
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Unclogging Your Low Water Flush Toilet
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1
Use a plumber's helper, also called a plunger, to force air into the pipe, dislodging the blockage. Place the plunger in the bowl, making sure that the bottom edge is covered in water. If there is not enough water in the toilet bowl to cover the bottom of the plunger, pour additional water in the bowl. Push down on the plunger to force air into the pipes. Repeat as needed.
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2
Try a hand-cranked auger, also called a pipe snake. Insert the auger end into the toilet bowl, pushing the auger so that it follows the waterway in the toilet. Turn the handle to aid the insertion. If you feel an obstruction, turn the handle until the auger breaks up the blockage. The auger will be able to break up a blockage of toilet paper, but if the obstacle is a solid item, such as a toy or toothbrush, the auger will not solve the problem.
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3
Seal off the opening and force a high-pressure stream of water into the pipes using an expandable bladder. Attach the expandable bladder to a garden hose, or a hose attached to the sink faucet. Insert the bladder halfway into the toilet bowl opening and turn the water on. This will cause the bladder to expand. Some water may come back up around the bladder, so watch the bowl to see if it is going to overflow.
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4
Assume at this point that the blockage is a solid item. Insert a bolt grabber or bent coat hanger and try to grab onto the object and pull it out.
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5
Try to dislodge the item from the other end of the toilet. Drain the toilet tank and bowl, unhook the water line, pull out the toilet and flip it carefully, making sure not to break it. If you see the obstruction, insert a fish-hook remover to grab the item. If you cannot see the object, insert a bolt grabber, which has a longer reach.
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6
Take the toilet outside. Use the hand-cranked auger inserted from the bottom of the toilet up to the bowl. If possible, while you use the auger, insert a water hose into the bowl and turn on the water. If this fails, replace the toilet with a new one.
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