There is only one Drano® product recommended for use in slow-running toilets: Drano® Max Build-Up Remover. It contains microorganisms that break down organic matter in pipes that can slow water flow. (However, it will not open a completely clogged toilet. For that problem, see How to Unclog a Toilet.)
The three potential causes of a slow flushing toilet are low water level in your tank, a clog in the toilet or a pipe leading out of it, or even a buildup of calcium and other hard minerals.
Experts agree: Drano Max Gel is the best overall drain cleaner because it works quickly to get rid of tough clogs.
Caustic Soda
Caustic soda is a nasty chemical that can burn, but it's very effective for unclogging toilets.
A manual drain snake, also known as a plumber's snake or a drain auger, is a small boring tool that rotates slowly as it's physically pushed through a stubborn clog. The terminal end of the device is a corkscrew-shaped hook that is fed into a clogged drain or toilet.
Pour about half of a cup of baking soda down the drain and then follow up with a pot of boiling water. Let it sit for an hour or two before you try flushing again. It might take several attempts, but this method has been known to work really well in unclogging slow draining toilets.
You can use Drano® Clog Removers to unclog a kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower or clogged bathtub, but DO NOT use them in toilets. For clogged or slow-running drains, apply the product and let it work 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Hot Water and Dish Soap
When the water is extremely hot, but not boiling, pour into the toilet carefully. Wait for 10-15 minutes while the dish soap and hot water soften the clog. Once you do so, the toilet will unclog and flush freely.
Yes, you can use drain cleaner in a toilet. The problem you should know about is that if you use chemical drain cleaners, you will be destroying your pipes along with the pesky clog you're trying to dissolve. It's better to use a natural enzyme drain cleaner if the clog isn't too difficult to dissolve.
This is what you want to do: combine two cups hot water with two cups white vinegar. Pour one cup of baking soda into the clogged toilet, and then chase it with the hot water/vinegar mixture. Leave the volcano mix to do its job, checking in about 30 minutes.
Your common residential commode has a tank that usually holds 2{ to 4 gallons of water. When you push the lever on the tank, this water is what makes the commode flush; water pressure has nothing to do with the ability of the unit to flush.
Mr Muscle® Drain Gel powers through standing water, straight to the blockage. Allow to work for 5 minutes. For tough clogs, leave to work longer. Flush with hot water from the tap.
In a toilet, especially since Drano does not work quickly on toilet clogs, it creates a serious issue. The heat generated from this chemical reaction can crack the porcelain of the toilet or soften the PVC of the pipes. So, not only can Drano hurt you, but it can also hurt your toilet and cause costly damage.
Bleach is an effective way to deal with blocked toilet drains as it is a dilute solution of sodium hypochlorite and also contains a high chlorine concentration. Using bleach by itself or mixing it with boiling water are effective ways to unclog a toilet.
Combined, baking soda and vinegar can sometimes clear a clogged sink, but in many cases, they can also take care of a toilet clog. However, to avoid a small eruption all over the bathroom floor, you'll want to measure them very carefully.
In some cases, it takes more than one dose of bicarb and vinegar to unclog a toilet. So if your first attempt isn't successful, go back to step one and start over. If a repeat treatment is necessary, leave the mixture for 30 minutes so it can really attack that stubborn clog before you add the hot water.
You can use straight or a diluted vinegar cleaning solution for the bathroom to clean bacteria, especially around the toilet. Cleaning with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar in the bathroom can work really well. To clean your toilet with vinegar, pour a cup of vinegar in the toilet bowl and let sit overnight.
To safely and inexpensively clean your toilet bowls, pour a generous glug of vinegar, followed by a heavy sprinkling of baking soda, into the bowl. While the mixture is bubbling up, scrub the bowl (get under the rim, too). Let it soak for 30 minutes and flush. That's it.
Coke and Pepsi are loaded with phosphoric acid, which breaks down the buildup that can clog your drains! Phosphoric acid can even remove lime scale and another tough buildup that regular cleaners struggle with. This is an effective and refreshing home remedy if we ever saw one!