Many people are often persuaded to buy flushable wipes just because the package says they are safe for the toilet. However, they can still clog the toilet, and it is better to find a way to get them out instead of trying to get them to pass through. So, how do you unclog a toilet that is clogged with flushable wipes?
In order to unclog a toilet that is clogged with flushable wipes, you should first try using your hands with gloves on it. If the wipes are stuck in an unreachable place, then you should attempt the unclogging with a plunger or a toilet snake. Unless these methods work, you should opt for a plunger and leave the matter to professionals.
A clogged toilet is a common occurrence, even when people are extremely careful and tend to use only flushable wipes. To be able to deal with this unpleasant situation, it is important to learn methods that can help and resolve the clogging issue. Therefore, if you are interested in the ways that enable you to unclog a toilet clogged with flushable wipes, you should keep reading!
What To Do When The Toilet Is Clogged With Flushable Wipes?
It is a common fact that many people rely entirely on the things that are put on the package of a particular product. So, when they flush flushable wipes down the toilet, they expect that they will safely pass through the system. However, it often happens that the toilet gets clogged even with flushable wipes, and it is necessary to react immediately in order to avoid greater damage.
To avoid waiting for a professional to come and resolve the issue, you can try some ways and handle the situation on your own. There are four methods that can help you unclog a toilet that is clogged with flushable wipes.
- Use your hands.
- Use a toilet snake.
- Use a plunger.
- Call a professional plunger.
Use Your Hands
This usually seems like the most unpleasant method considering that you have to put your hand in the toilet. Not many people feel comfortable doing this, so they always try to find a way that will help them avoid unclogging the toilet using their own hands. However, this is a very simple method, and it can get the issue resolved within minutes.
In order to do this properly, you will have to make sure that you follow some precise steps.
Step 1: Obtain Cleaning Gloves For Your Hands
Before you put your hand in the toilet, ensure to obtain some long-sleeved cleaning gloves. Gloves will help you stay protected from dirt and bacteria, but they will also make the process easier.
Step 2: Reach Into The Toilet
Once you have your gloves on, you can put your hand into the toilet and try to reach as far as you can. If the flushable wipes have not gone far into the pipes, you will be able to see or feel them. You may need to kneel down in front of the toilet in order to get a good position and be able to reach the clog of flushable wipes more easily.
Step 3: Pull The Flushable Wipes Out
Before pulling out the clog, make sure that you achieve a strong grip on the flushable wipes. That is, ensure that you grab most of them before pulling in order to avoid them escaping through the pipes. If this happens, it may cause another clog further in the toilet system.
Once you are sure that you have a strong grip, you should pull the flushable wipes out, and dispose them of in the trash. Check again to make sure that you have got all of them out.
It is important to point out that unclogging the toilet this way might not always be possible if the flushable wipes are stuck in an unreachable place. In other words, if the flushable wipes have clogged the toiled further in the system, a person will not be able to reach and get them out with a hand.
Use A Toilet Snake
When it comes to a clogged toilet with flushable wipes, the toilet snake might be the most useful tool in the house that can ensure successful unclogging. The toilet snake is also known as the toilet auger, and it is made of a flexible wire coil and a head that helps in removing obstructions stuck in pipes. If you decide to use a toilet snake to unclog a toilet, you should follow the steps below.
Step 1: Put The Toilet Snake Inside The Toilet And Find The Clog
If the flushable wipes are clogged deeper, you will not be able to see or feel the clog. You will need to put the toilet snake inside the toilet and find the position of the clog. Bear in mind that you might need to go inside the internal curves of the toilet if the clog is deeper in the pipes.
Step 2: Turn The Head Of The Toilet Snake
Once you find where the flushable wipes are stuck, it is necessary to turn the head of the toilet snake and let the coil spin. This will catch the flushable wipes that are stuck somewhere in the pipes.
Step 3: Pull Out The Toilet Snake
After the coil catches the flushable wipes that have clogged the toilet, the toilet snake should be pulled out. You should dispose of the wipes in the trash. This process might need to be repeated if you do not notice that the level of the water in the toilet has dropped.
Use A Plunger
A plunger is another convenient tool that can help in unclogging a toilet that is clogged with flushable wipes. It is one of the most common tools people have around the house, therefore, it is a pretty useful one. In order to achieve real results in the process of unclogging, you should use the plunger the right way.
Step 1: Place The Plunger In The Right Position
Place the plunger against the hole in the toilet, and make sure that it has sealed properly. This tool will not work unless you ensure that it has created a complete seal against the toilet hole.
Step 2: Plunge
Start plunging with your both hands quickly. You should not make pauses between the plunges because this process should go rapidly and forcefully. It might be necessary to repeat the plunging process several times, and even change the position of the plunger a little bit.
Step 3: Remove The Plunger
After you finished the plunging process, remove the plunger, and see whether water will go through the pipes. If you hear water flowing, that will mean that you have successfully unclogged the toilet.
Call A Professional Plunger
Sometimes, calling a plunger might be your only choice. If you have tried all of the above-mentioned methods, and nothing seems to work, you will need to call in a professional. This might be your only choice to resolve the issue with a clogged toilet and prevent any further damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can One Flushable Wipe Clog The Toilet?
Although it might not happen immediately, it is possible for one flushable wipe to contribute to further clogging of the toilet. Therefore, even one wipe can impose a risk on a toilet.
Are There Any Differences Between Flushable Wipes And Baby Wipes?
There are not any significant differences between the flushable wipes and baby wipes. The only distinction between these two types of wipes is that the latter are usually gentler in relation to scents and chemicals since they are intended for babies.
What Dissolves Flushable Wipes In The Toilet?
There is nothing that can dissolve flushable wipes in the toilet. Cleaning agents do not have any effect on them since manufacturers make them extremely durable. Therefore, you can only remove them manually from the toilet.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this article has provided the answers you were looking for. As you can see, there are several methods that can help in unclogging a toilet that is clogged with flushable wipes. However, if none of them works, you can always rely on professionals that know exactly what to do.
Amos Christen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA. Since 2003, Amos has worked with top interior design professionals in this area, including architects and interior/graphic/lighting designers. As a skilled interior designer, Amos Christen is highly versed in fine arts and crafts and uses that to supplement his main area of expertise. He often publishes articles related to home décor on several websites, including Sprucetoilets.com, Sprucebathroom.com, and Mybesuitedhome.com. He also contributes to leading interior design magazines.