Dealing with a toilet that refuses to flush properly can be a frustrating experience, especially when waste becomes lodged in the bowl. Understanding how to effectively dissolve and remove the blockage is essential for maintaining a clean and functional bathroom.
This guide will provide you with how to dissolve poop stuck in toilet, ensuring that you can tackle the problem quickly and efficiently. From household remedies to commercial solutions, we’ll explore various options to help you restore your toilet’s functionality with minimal hassle.
Causes of Poop Getting Stuck in the Toilet
There are several reasons why feces may become stuck in the toilet bowl, leading to clogs and flushing issues. One common cause is the size or consistency of the stool; larger or denser bowel movements may not break apart easily, especially if the toilet has a low flow rate. Additionally, inadequate flushing power, which can stem from a blocked toilet trap or low water levels in the tank, can contribute to incomplete waste removal.
Furthermore, using too much toilet paper or flushing non-degradable items can exacerbate clogs, making it more difficult for the toilet to handle waste efficiently. Understanding these causes can help homeowners prevent future blockages and maintain a smoothly functioning toilet.
Tools and Materials Needed
To effectively dissolve poop stuck in the toilet, you’ll need a few essential tools and materials. Here’s what you should gather before attempting to fix the blockage:
- Plunger: A standard toilet plunger is crucial for dislodging clogs and creating suction to help push waste through the pipes.
- Toilet Auger: Also known as a plumbing snake, this tool can reach deeper clogs that a plunger may not resolve.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: These household staples can be combined to create a natural cleaning solution that helps break down waste.
- Hot Water: Boiling water can be poured into the toilet to help soften and dissolve stubborn waste.
- Rubber Gloves: It’s important to wear gloves to maintain hygiene and protect your hands during the cleaning process.
- Disinfectant Cleaner: A good disinfectant will help sanitize the area after you’ve resolved the blockage.
Having these tools and materials on hand will prepare you for tackling the task effectively and efficiently.
10 Methods How to Dissolve Poop Stuck in Toilet
1. Hot Water Method
One of the simplest and most effective ways to dissolve poop stuck in the toilet is by using hot water. Begin by boiling water in a kettle or pot, then carefully pour it into the toilet bowl from waist height. The hot water helps to soften and break down the poop, making it easier to flush.
Be cautious not to pour boiling water directly into the bowl, as this can crack the porcelain. Allow the water to sit for a few minutes to let the heat work on dissolving the waste. Afterward, flush the toilet to see if the blockage has cleared.
2. Dish Soap Method
Dish soap is an excellent option for loosening poop stuck in the toilet because it acts as a lubricant. Start by squirting a generous amount of liquid dish soap directly into the toilet bowl, ensuring that it coats the blockage. Allow the soap to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the soap will break down the waste and lubricate the pipes, making it easier for the obstruction to slide through. After the soap has had time to work, pour hot water (but not boiling) into the bowl to help dissolve the poop further. Finally, flush the toilet to see if the clog has cleared.
3. Baking Soda and Vinegar Method
Baking soda and vinegar are a powerful combination that can help dissolve poop stuck in the toilet. First, pour about one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl, followed by two cups of white vinegar.
The mixture will create a fizzy, bubbling reaction that helps break down organic matter, including waste. Allow the solution to sit and fizz for 15 to 30 minutes. Afterward, pour hot water into the bowl to flush away the softened waste. This natural and non-toxic method is effective for minor clogs and doesn’t require harsh chemicals.
4. Plunger Method
A plunger is one of the most common tools used to dislodge stuck waste in a toilet. For the best results, use a flange plunger, which is designed specifically for toilets and creates a better seal. Position the plunger over the toilet drain, ensuring that the flange is inserted into the hole. Press down firmly to create suction, then push and pull the plunger vigorously to force water into the pipes and break up the poop. After a few plunges, lift the plunger and try flushing the toilet. If successful, the suction and pressure will have dislodged the blockage.
5. Enzyme Drain Cleaners
Enzyme-based drain cleaners are an eco-friendly option for dissolving organic waste in toilets. These cleaners contain bacteria and enzymes that break down waste material, making them effective for clogs caused by poop. To use an enzyme cleaner, pour the recommended amount into the toilet bowl and let it sit overnight.
The enzymes will work to dissolve the waste gradually, allowing it to pass through the pipes without damaging your plumbing. The next day, flush the toilet to see if the blockage has cleared. This method is ideal for toilets with recurring clogs and is safe for septic systems.
6. Toilet Auger (Plumber’s Snake)
For more stubborn clogs that can’t be dissolved easily, a toilet auger or plumber’s snake may be necessary. A toilet auger is a flexible, long tool with a rotating handle that is designed to navigate through toilet pipes and break up clogs. Insert the auger into the toilet drain and crank the handle to push the snake through the pipes. As it moves through the pipe, it will break up or hook onto the stuck poop, allowing you to pull it out or push it through the plumbing system. After using the auger, flush the toilet to see if the blockage is gone.
7. Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners are a last-resort solution for dissolving poop stuck in a toilet. These cleaners contain powerful chemicals, such as sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid, that can break down organic material quickly. However, they should be used with caution, as they can damage pipes if overused or misused. To use a chemical drain cleaner, follow the instructions on the product carefully. Pour the recommended amount into the toilet bowl and let it sit for the specified time. The chemicals will work to dissolve the poop and clear the clog. Once the time has passed, flush the toilet with plenty of water.
8. Use a Wire Coat Hanger
If you don’t have a plumber’s snake handy, a wire coat hanger can serve as a makeshift tool for breaking up stuck poop. Straighten the coat hanger, leaving a small hook at one end. Insert the hooked end into the toilet drain and carefully maneuver it to break up the obstruction. This method works best when the clog is located near the drain opening and doesn’t require too much force. Be careful not to scratch the porcelain with the wire. Once you’ve loosened the poop, flush the toilet to wash away the waste.
9. Wet/Dry Vacuum
A wet/dry vacuum (shop vac) can be an unconventional but effective method for removing poop clogs from a toilet. First, ensure the vacuum is set to wet mode, and use a hose attachment that fits securely into the toilet drain. Create a seal with the vacuum hose over the drain, and turn on the vacuum to suck out the water and the poop clog. Be sure to empty the vacuum canister outside or in a safe location. After removing the waste, flush the toilet to check if the clog is completely cleared. This method works well for larger clogs that can’t be dissolved easily.
10. Wait and Try Again
Sometimes, a clog caused by poop can resolve itself with a bit of time and patience. If you’ve tried multiple methods without success, allowing the toilet to sit for a few hours or overnight may help. During this time, the water in the bowl will naturally soften the poop, making it easier to flush later. After waiting, try using one of the previous methods, such as pouring hot water or using a plunger, to dislodge the waste. This method is often effective for minor blockages that don’t require more aggressive techniques.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a variety of methods to dissolve poop stuck in a toilet, ranging from simple hot water and dish soap solutions to more advanced tools like plungers and toilet augers. By carefully choosing the right method for the severity of the clog, you can avoid damaging your plumbing and quickly restore your toilet to working order. Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how to dissolve poop stuck in toilet!
