Asked on Jul 23, 2020

How do I unclog our toilet without harming our septic system?

Darlene
by Darlene
  18 answers
  • FrugalFamilyTimes.com FrugalFamilyTimes.com on Jul 23, 2020

    Have you tried using a toilet snake?

  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Jul 23, 2020

    You can purchase a better plunger for the job. Do a search for toilet plunger on Amazon etc and you'll see several that are shaped differently then the classic toilet plunger.

  • Janice Janice on Jul 23, 2020

    Hi Darlene, here's some info I found for you. I hope it is helpful.

    https://www.septicsafe.com/blog/how-do-you-unclog-a-drain-if-you-have-a-septic-system/

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jul 23, 2020

    Some of the things I have done is after the plunger not doing the job, is to pour dish soap around the water rim of the toilet and let it set at least 10 minutes, then flush. If no results, you can try this again.

    Another thing to do is get some warmed water in a pail, not too hot because you do not want to melt your wax ring, position the pail of water several feet over the toilet and let the pressure from the stream of water force the clog down and out.

    If these fail you, then go for the toilet snake, if no luck, call the plumber. Best to you.


  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Jul 23, 2020

    Plunger, then snake, then plumber.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Jul 23, 2020

    Hello what have you done so far? A plunger is probably the first thing to try.

    • See 1 previous
    • Darlene Darlene on Jul 23, 2020

      Tried the plunger, I am not strong enough to stand there & plunge. We are getting a new septic system in the next couple of weeks. So, I am not going to pay a plumber.

  • Oliva Oliva on Jul 23, 2020

    Septic systems can be very finicky re: what you can put down them. Have you had your leach field cleaned out? Have you any idea what caused the clog? You may need a plumber if the aforementioned suggestions don't work.

    In the future, you may need to be more vigilant about the products used in your home.

    • Darlene Darlene on Jul 23, 2020

      Not going to pay a plumber, when in the next couple of weeks we are getting a new system.

  • Laura washington Laura washington on Jul 23, 2020

    I read somewhere to pour hot sudsy water down drain. Use a soap that is septic friendly. repeat until you see results. Hope that helps.

  • Maura White Maura White on Jul 23, 2020

    We are on a septic system and I still use Drano no problem and it works!

  • Peggy L Burnette Peggy L Burnette on Jul 24, 2020

    Hi Darlene, yes we have a septic system and we don't want to harm them. I hope this information helps you.

    Unclogging a Drain or Toilet Attached to a Septic System ...

    www.thriftyfun.com › tf58579304.tip.html


    Unclogging a toilet on a septic system usually involves taking care to not use chemicals that can harm the septic system. That said it can still usually be done by ...

  • Patty Patty on Jul 24, 2020

    I have used vinegar, then baking soda, then boiling water. If you are on a septic system use RidX regularly.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Jul 24, 2020

    Plunging is the best method. It's a tedious task but if you keep at it, you should be able to move the obstruction. You could also "snake" the toilet but that would involve purchasing or renting a tool.

    For the long run, use "green gobbler" products. This is what I've been using for a couple of years. I switch toilets each month and use a different one so that it helps with the pipes all the way to the septic tank. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WMW6LR4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

  • Sharon Sharon on Jul 24, 2020

    Once its flushable, I would start using Roebic products to maintain your septic system. They do have an Emergency additive I used once on my client's system to get it working again - saved her the $6,000 the septic guy quoted her. I use their Drain Cleaner down my toliet 2x a year.

  • Darlene Darlene on Jul 24, 2020

    Thank you Sharon, I was able to unclog it.

  • Em Em on Mar 07, 2021

    A plunger use the correct way should do it. Most people just plop it in and start punching away. The object is to trap air in the bulb and slowly lower in to cover the hole. Keep it in place and you want the air bubble to be forced into the hole and force the clog out. Try it several times. Also do the same and try to suck the clog loose by pulling the water created by the air in the plunger out with a sucking upward motion. Also try pouring a bucket of water into the hole directly from a distance above. Often times this will force the clog down.

  • Charles Kivia Charles Kivia on Apr 07, 2021

    How to unclog a Toilet Using a Plunger


    First, plunge the toilet with the rubber flange pulled out to get a better seal. Push in and out vigorously, keeping enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger. As always, towels handy to wipe up any water that splashes out.

    Plunging Tips


    A toilet plunger fits over and seals the toilet drain. Wear rubber gloves — things can get messy— and follow these plunging tips:


    Make your first plunge a gentle one. Initially, the bell will be full of air. A hard thrust will force the air back around the seal and blow water all over the bathroom and you!

    Once you force out the air, plunge vigorously in and out, maintaining the seal. You'll be forcing water in both directions in the drain, which will effectively loosen most clogs. Stick with it, plunging 15 to 20 times if necessary.

    Be patient. Try alternating between steady strokes and occasional monster heaves.

    Keep enough water in the bowl so the toilet plunger stays covered. Trying to force air through the toilet trap won't generate much pressure.


    Most of the time, plunging is all it takes to clear the clog. But for tougher clogs, try using a toilet snake.


    Here is another helpful tips that can help you dissolve hard poop stuck in toilet