Are you dealing with a stubbornly clogged toilet on an old septic system? It can be tricky to navigate around the complexities of these systems, but it’s not as hard as you may think. While having a plumbing professional come in is certainly the fastest and often safest route, many homeowners are able to unclog their toilets without any expensive interference.
In this blog post, we’ll explain how to unclog a toilet on a septic system using easy-to-follow instructions so that your family can get back to using the bathroom with ease. So let’s get started!
Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Unclog a Toilet on a Septic System
Step 1: Gather the Materials
You’ll Need. These include a plunger, a bucket of hot water, and an auger (or drain snake). If you don’t have an auger, you can use a straightened wire hanger in its place. You’ll also need gloves and safety goggles for protection. That covers all the materials. Remember to don your safety gear before continuing.
Step 2: Remove the Toilet Tank Lid.
This will allow you to access the inside of the tank where your clog is likely located. Place the lid on a towel or newspaper so it won’t get damaged when you remove it. Then use a sponge to remove any water that may have accumulated in the tank. You don’t want that water to spill over when you start plunging.
Step 3: Inspect the Tank.
Look for any foreign objects that could be the cause of your clog, such as toys or other items that may have been flushed down the toilet. That way you can remove the item without needing to use a plunger. You can also check the toilet’s drain flange to make sure it’s not loose. You’ll want to tighten it if it is.
Step 4: Fill the Bucket with Hot Water.
You’ll be using this to flush your toilet after you attempt to unclog it, so make sure it’s filled enough to do the job properly. This will help to break up the clog and allow it to travel through the pipes more easily. You can also add some dish soap to the bucket for added cleaning power.
Step 5: Position the Plunger.
It should be placed firmly over the drain opening at the bottom of your toilet bowl, making sure it’s completely covering the hole and that there is a tight seal between it and the surface of your bowl. Perform several plunging motions in quick succession in order to build up pressure within your septic system pipes. This can help dislodge any clogs or blockages that may have formed within them.
Step 6: Flush the Toilet.
Now that you’ve applied pressure with the plunger, it’s time to flush your toilet in order to further help break up any clogs. If your toilet isn’t already full of water, fill it before flushing. That way you’ll give the water a better chance of pushing through any blockages. It may take a few flushes before the clog is cleared.
Step 7: Use an Auger or Drain Snake if Needed.
If your plunger and flushing aren’t helping to clear the clog, you may need to use an auger or drain snake in order to manually break up whatever is causing the blockage. Insert the device into your toilet until it reaches the clogged area and attempt to break apart whatever is stuck there using a twisting motion followed by pulling motions.
Step 8: Flush the Toilet Again.
Once you’ve attempted to manually break up the clog, flush your toilet again in order to check whether or not it was successful. If not, repeat steps 5-7 until your clog is cleared. You may need to use the auger or drain snake several times before you finally get it unclogged. It could take some patience and persistence!
Step 9: Fill the Bucket with Hot Water Once More.
Fill it up enough to cover the drain opening of your toilet bowl before flushing it once more. This will help remove any leftover bits that were loosened by your auger or drain snake and push them through the pipes and into your septic tank where they belong. You may need to do this multiple times in order to clean out any remaining debris.
Step 10: Monitor Your Toilet for Signs of Improvement.
For a few minutes after flushing, keep an eye on your toilet to make sure it’s draining properly. If it is, then you’ve done it! Your clog has been cleared and you can get back to using your toilet without any further issues. This will also help you avoid any future clogs. If not, repeat steps 5-9 until the clog is gone.
Step 11: De-Clog the Main Septic Line.
Even if the clog in your toilet has been cleared, it’s still possible that a blockage exists in the main septic line leading from your house to your septic tank. To be extra safe and ensure that no future problems arise, de-clog this line with a professional auger or drain snake as well. That way you won’t have to worry about your toilet getting clogged up again.
Step 12: Use Biological Additives as Needed.
If you’re dealing with a recurring clog issue, consider adding some biological additives to your septic system. These can help break down organic matter that has built up over time and prevent future blockages from forming. You can find these products at most hardware stores.
Step 13: Avoid Flushing Non-Biodegradable Objects.
Make sure that everyone in the house knows what is and isn’t safe to flush down the toilet so they don’t make the same mistake twice! Only flush biodegradable items like toilet paper or human waste, as these will break down naturally within your septic tank. It’s also best to avoid flushing large amounts of paper, as this can cause clogs even if your items are biodegradable.
Step 14: Perform Regular Maintenance on Your Toilet and Septic System.
It’s important to remember to perform regular maintenance checks on both your toilet and septic system. This can help to prevent future clogs from forming and will also make it easier for you to identify any issues before they become a major problem. You can do this by inspecting the areas around your toilet for any signs of leaking or blockages, as well as having your septic tank pumped out every few years.
Following these steps on how to unclog a toilet on a septic system should help you unclog your toilet on a septic system quickly and easily, allowing you to get back to using it as usual in no time! Just remember to be careful, use the correct tools for the job, and regularly check your toilet and septic system in order to prevent future problems from arising.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What Do I Do if the Clog is Still There After Flushing the Toilet?
A: If the clog is still there after flushing, you may need to use an auger or drain snake to clear the clog. Repeat steps 5-7 until the clog is cleared.
Q: Is There Anything I Can Do to Prevent Future Clogs?
A: Yes! Regularly inspect the areas around your toilet for any signs of leaking or blockages, as well as having your septic tank pumped out every few years. Additionally, make sure everyone in the house knows what is and isn’t safe to flush down the toilet so they don’t make the same mistake twice.
Q: Are Biological Additives Helpful for Dealing With Clogs?
A: Yes, biological additives can help break down organic matter that has built up over time and prevent future blockages from forming. You can find these products at most hardware stores.
Q: Is It Necessary to De-Clog the Main Septic Line?
A: Even if the clog in your toilet has been cleared, it’s still possible that a blockage exists in the main septic line leading from your house to your septic tank. To be extra safe and ensure that no future problems arise, de-clog this line with a professional auger or drain snake as well.
Do You Need Professionals Support?
Sometimes, it’s best to get professionals to take a look at the problem for you. They have the expertise and knowledge to ensure that your toilet and septic system are running optimally. If you think you need professional help, contact a local plumber or septic tank specialist to come out and assess the situation.
Conclusion
Although it may seem daunting to unclog a toilet in a septic system, there are a few simple measures you can take to get it back up and running. First, you should make sure the water is shut off from the tank so that any overflow can be avoided.
You can do this by disconnecting the line from the wall or simply lifting the lid on top of the tank. After that, use a plunger to dislodge anything stuck within the pipes, or use items such as wire hangers or drain cleaners in order to clear out any shallow clogs. If these things don’t work after numerous attempts, then it’s best to call a professional.
Hopefully, this article on how to unclog a toilet on a septic system has given you some insight into how to tackle clogged toilets in septic systems when they arise and equipped you with the know-how to handle this situation moving forward. Good luck with your plumbing endeavors!
