Toilet Clogged with either lots of TP or toy.How do you know if it's in main line?Can I fix a main line issue?

Question

I don't know what my son put in the toilet the other day. OK, so I'm prepared to take the toilet off myself, after calling a plumber and finding out their outrageous price! So, If I figure out that whatever is clogging the toilet is in the main line, is that something that only a plumber can fix, or could I fix it? If it happens to be lots of toilet paper clogging the toilet, would drano do the trick? I've heard that drano type of products are bad for the pipes? TIA!!!!!

Answer 1

Get a string mop and plunge the toilet with it - thats what plumbers fdo to clear a TP blockage.  To find out if its a main drian problem find the outside manhole cover and lift it to check if its blocked.  Also if its main drains blocked you would be having problems with the sinks and bath.  DOnt put ANY crystals etc into the toilet as they can solidify and make matters worse.  Also if you have to remove the toilet you will then be working with caustic chemicals as well as water  x*x

Answer 2

Some toys can not be removed, only a plumber can determine this for certain.

A slow leaking toilet can cause serious damage to your home. Not worth the risk for you to pull or set it as many things can go wrong, including cracking the toilet.

Liquid drain cleaners only offer false hope. They never truly work in the long run and they are dangerous.

You never mentioned the price you were quoted. I am guessing $100.00.

Answer 3

Try dawn dishwashing liquid.  If it is TP or a "natural" clog the dawn and its "grease fighters" will actually soften it and break it up.  squeeze a decent but not crzay amount of the soap in the toilet and let it sit for a few minutes.  Then flush (I am assuming it is not a total block) and as it flushes, squeeze more diswashing liquid.  

I ready about this yesterday, because I had a TP blockage (I think....like you I wasn't sure what was slowing down the water!)  I plunged and that helped, but it still wasn't flushing the way it should.  So, I tried the soap trick and 1st time it was back to its old self!

If that doesn't work......it might be a toy.....then you should call a plumber.  I know it is expensive, but trying to do something like that yourself could cost you more in the long run.