OK...so, the other day, I think (I say think, because I really don't remember), I used one of those stupid toilet cleaning pad thingies that go on a handle (don't like them, but that's a different story). Well, these particular ones I do NOT believe are supposed to be flushed and I did flush it (I think I did!)
Anyway...this is what's happening now - when the toilet is flushed, the water comes up really high (up to the rim, but not over) and slowly goes out...but it doesn't all go out (leaves about 1/4 of the bowl full). I tried plunging to no avail...my Dad came over yesterday and tried plunging too then tried the "snake"...again, to no avail.
Now what??? Any thoughts???
Luckily I have two bathrooms, but I really gotta fix it!
Help???!!!??? Thanks, Lydia *********************************************************************** 04-26-05, 01:46 PM Georgia85 I'd say you were S.O.L Wink Even flushable cleaning pads can clog a toilet. Dad snaked it, huh? Usually a plumber's snake will get to the clog and remove it.
Questions: Connected to septic tank or connected to sewer system? Brand of product?
Since the plumber's snake didn't help, you can use a drain cleaner as a last resort. You just need to make sure it is safe for porcelain and flush the toilet several times afterwards.
04-26-05, 01:54 PM Lydia Wise ARSE Georgia!!! Big Grin
Yeah...I know that I shouldn't flush that kinda stuff - wasn't even thinking!!
Connected to a sewer system...brand of product? Hmmm...I don't remember, Mom hated them, gave them to me, so I just figured I'd use them. It's not cloth...it's kinda like a plastic meshy kinda thing...I'll see...OK...I think it was THIS (LOL - - notice the part where it says Do not flush the scrubber! Do they make drain cleaner for toilets? I've only used them for sinks...
04-26-05, 02:41 PM Georgia85 Yeah, I notice where it says "Do not flush the scrubber" but did you notice? Big Grin
And yes, there are clog cleaners for toilets. Drano makes one called Build-Up Remover.
Ok, so it looks like the scrubber is a spongey material. That would explain why it's hard to retrieve. First, shut off the water under the toilet (you probably already have) Second, get a bucket and dip out what remaining water you have in the toilet. Third, with the bowl almost empty try a good quality plunger like this one not a cheap one you can pick up at a dollar store. You have to make sure you have a good seal between the plunger and the bowl. You should start plunging slowly and then build up speed. If that doesn't work, take your dad's plumber's snake (hope it's specifically a toilet auger - a reg plumber's snake will scratch your toilet bowl terribly) and try pushing the sponge through the line instead of pulling it back.
Finally, if none of those steps help...and if using the Drano doesn't help there is one more alternative - and not as drastic as taking the toilet apart....you can rent an industrial strength "Wet Vac" and vaccuum the sponge out. Don't laugh - it works. Remember...I've dated 2 maintenance men!
04-26-05, 02:46 PM aminator2002 Lydia... DO NOT use drain cleaner.
DO NOT use drain cleaner.
The reason is that your toilet has parts in it that can be severely damaged by the chemicals in drain cleaner. The other reason is that when you end up needing a rodding service to solve this problem, you will get their wrath with the harsh burning chemicals that you've put into the area that they now need to work. I wouldn't use drain cleaner for any reason in any area of a home. It doesn't work, it's horrible for the environment, and it deteriotes plumbing parts and plumbers delicate skin.
Okay, so what you likely need to do is rod the pipe and the best thing to do is hire someone to do it. It's not that expensive whereas doing it yourself and having to pay for damage is very costly.
I would try to use the snake once more and see if flushing and plunging will remedy before making a call to Roto-Rooter for a quote (I have no idea if that is a national company or not).
04-26-05, 03:06 PM Lydia Believe it or not - they make organic drain cleaner and it works - - I use it occasionally in the sink. I don't like the whole chemical thing, especially when you need to leave it overnight and stuff.
Georgia - - my Dad used a plumber's snake and it does appear that it scratched the bottom of the bowl, but since he was nice enough to try, I really can't scold him for it!
Oy...what to do, what to do. Rotorooter is national I think Ami - have seen trucks for it!
04-26-05, 03:17 PM Georgia85 Lydia, you can remove those scratches with a pumice stone from a hardware store - but not a beauty pumice stone. Of course, that is the least of your worries right now.
Try the Wet Vac. I think Sears rents them.
04-26-05, 03:55 PM Lydia Thanks Georgia and Ami for all the info and suggestions. I'll likely print it off and, well, share it with someone else. I play the damsel in distress far better than I do the role of handy"woman". I can do alot of things, but I tend to leave this kinda stuff to the higher powers!! LOL
Great info girls! (notice the answers were all from girls? I did!! :-)
OK - who wants to be my handy"woman"??? Big Grin
04-26-05, 04:18 PM Georgia85 Lydia, I've tried playing the damsel in distress but none of the men in my life have ever bought that. Both my maintenance men bfs have always said "I know better than that" when I play "dumb"
While the relationships might not have worked out, at least I did learn a thing or 2 about maintenance. Smile
04-26-05, 07:20 PM Walks On Water OK, now a word from a “Maintenance Man”.
What has happened is that pad has lodged it self in the narrow portion of the discharge section of the toilet. The plunger won’t push it out as it is letting the water push by it. The snake won’t grab it as it is just pushing by it. If you use a “Closet Auger” snake, it won’t mark up the bowl as it has a rubber protector on the bottom. Also has a little larger head on it.
If you did not use a closet snake on it before, try one before trying the next hint.
Now there are no guarantees on this hint. Start with an almost emty bowl and put about 3 to 5 feet of TP in the bowl. Remove the lid from the tank and locate the flapper valve. That’s the rubber part the chain hooks to that pops up when you flush.
Now flush the toilet. Be ready to push that flapper down if the water gets to high in the bowl.
Now you have a REAL blockage for your plunger to push against. If that does not remove the blockage, you will have to remove to toilet from the floor to get at the blockage.
We had the same problem in my building. On of my assistants tried everything. Finally, I had him remove the bowl. He found a lid to a jar lodge in there.
DO NOT USE ACIDS OR CAUSTIC AGENTS on any blocked drain. When someone has to work on that blockage, they can get burnt.
04-27-05, 08:08 AM Lydia WOW - - where do you get one of those things?
My Dad mentioned trying what Georgia said (the commercial wet-vac, he has one)...and if that didn't work, likely having to take the bowl up!!
Thanks, you guys - - you're all awesome!! Smile
04-27-05, 11:00 AM Walks On Water Better hardware stores and diy centers should have them.
Be careful with the vacuum trick. Along with being very smelly, sewer gas can be flammble. You suck up the sewer gas, spark from the vac motor, poof. I use that trick just to get the water out of the bowl so I can remove it.
Now I must admit, you have a better chance of winning your states lottery then your chances of this happening
05-05-05, 08:57 AM Lydia Well...we did EVERYTHING...or should I say DAD did it!! Tried all the suggestions and none of them worked. The culprit definitely was the pad from the cleaner brush. He ended up taking up the toilet and could see it to remove. Apparently, it just didn't make the bend and nothing else would get it out.
So - it's all working now!! :-) Thanks for the suggestions all - much appreciated!
05-05-05, 09:27 AM Georgia85 Hey, at least you had your dad around to do that for you. Taking up a toilet can be tricky, messy, and challenging. Good thing he knew what to do and that you didn't have to invest in a plumber coming out.
So, 'bout time to scrub that toilet again....watcha gonna use? Another "disposable" toilet cleaning thingie? Wink
This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,
