Can I unclog my toilet myself?

Question

I accidentally dropped a ballpoint pen in my toilet and now it's clogging up. I tried calling a plumber to see how much it would cost to get it fixed and was told $100+ if it went well and like $300 if it didn't. This seemed a bit outrageous to me for such a simply problem, so I was wondering if there was a way I could do it myself. A plunger doesn't seem to be getting the job done. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Sure you can. Since you know what the problem is, the cure cant be too bad. Before you start, go to a hardware store and buy another wax ring for the toilet. Turn the water off, and flush the toilet, then scoop out the rest of the water. When you have gotten all the water out of the bowl and the tank that you can, pull the water line off and loosen the nuts holding the toilet to the floor. They will be under the little cups at the base.

With everything clear lift the toilet straight up to remove it, now you can get to both sides of the toilet and start searching for the ball point pen. Wiggle it, shake it, until you can hear it rattle. You may get lucky and it will fall right out. You could also take the thing outside and run the garden hose up from the bottom and try to flush it out backwards. When you do get it out, then scrape all the old wax ring away and install the new one. Makr sure the toilet is lined up so you can drop it straight down on the studs. Don't overtighten the nuts or you can break the toilet. Just snug them up firmly, until the toilet doesn't rock. Hook up the water line and give it a try. Good luck.

Answer 2

Remove Toilet Clog

Answer 3

You need a toilet plunger not a flat sink plunger. If that won't clear it then buy a toilet auger ($25-$50). It is a metal snake with a handle to turn it, a padded section to keep from scraping the porcelain, and a sharp point on the toilet end. Twist it and use it to either hook the pen or dislodge it so it falls down into the main drain. If that doesn't work then get a new wax gasket ($3) , remove the toilet bolts, reach into the toilet from the bottom end to clear it, and then put the toilet back with the new gasket. Your expenses for all of that together are less than the plumber's minimum charge.

Answer 4

Well first I would try the toilet plunger. That just might do the trick. If not then invest in the toilet auger and the cheapie is fine. For simple clogs as you describe the the plunger is all you will need. The plunger's are cheap...under 8 bucks.

Answer 5

All a plumber will do is open the pipe up at the back and have a look, or reach into the u bend to find the pen. If you have a strong stomach and plenty of soap and water, nothing stops you doing the task yourself. I'm surprised a plunger did not shift a pen though.

Answer 6

You can rent an electric snake to bust up tough clogs like that. Now I'm no plumber, but it seems to me like that might do a number on your toilet's porcelain enamel. However it would kill that pen.

You might also consider shutting off your water and removing your toilet from the floor. It's possible the pen got wedged close enough to the surface that you can just rip it out with your hands. (Please wear gloves if you do that though...the pen won't be clean! hehe)

Answer 7

You can buy a snake at home depot that attaches to your drill and try to unclog it but it's going to be some dirty work.

Answer 8

hi
you can do it
all you need is a
ajustable wrench
shot hassaw blade
i new wax seal
new toilet bowl bolts
here check this how to
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/knowhow/bath/article/0,16417,202149,00.html
good luck

Answer 9

Try draining the water and using a plunger. If its close to the trap you might be able to suction it out. But if its gone deeper you will need to replace the toilet if you know how it is cheaper than using a plumber.

Answer 10

simply tell that ball point pen come out time's up lol