[noplumbexp]

My toilet became clogged with a large hard stool and a lot of toilet paper. I plunged it and the water easily plunges through but it never actually clears and starts to flush properly. I have used chemical clog removers (liquid/gel mr. plumber) twice. The second time plunging it partway through then leaving the rest and letting it sit for over an hour. Then when I plunge it again the water plunges through more easily, but it doesn't open to flush. I tried a "snake" but can not seem to get it through the "U" shaped area of the toilet drain. (yes I was willing to stick my arm into the toilet... yukk) I really cannot afford to call a plumber at this time please help, thanks:confused:

[speedball1]

I tried a "snake" but can not seem to get it through the "U" shaped area of the toilet

Snakes aren't made to clear toilet clogs.
Closet augers are, (see image). Pick one up at your hardware store. This is a ntool every homeowner should have. Good luck, Tom,

[noplumbexp]

I posted a question earlier "wont flush" and was told to get an auger rather than trying to use the snake... the picture that came with that suggestion looks like the tool I have.. anyway does the problem sound like the auger is actually the answer? As I stated the water is very easily plunged through. However when the water is left to sit in the bowl the level does not get any lower as it sits and when I have plunged the water through and then let the tank fill half way and then test flush, the toilet initially makes a suction sound that doesn't seem to really have any suction and the water does not go down at all.:confused:

[speedball1]

yes I was willing to stick my arm into the toilet...

How about your finger? Look down at the bottom of the bowl. If there is a small hole, then that is a jet that starts the syphon action. If it's clogged the water will just swirl around and slowly go down leaving solids behind. Take your finger,(UGH! ) and run it around the inside of the opening. Over the years minerals build up and cut down on the syphon (flush) action. If it is rough or you feel build up, take a table knife and put a bend in it to get around the curve in the bowl and chip and scrap it clear. Next take a coathanger and clear out the holes around the rim. They start the swirling action. And last, check the water level in the tank. It should be 1/2" below the top of the over flow tube. And speaking of the overflow tube, Make sure the small 1/8" tube from the ballcock to the white overflow tube is connected so it discharges in it and that it's flowing when the ballcock fills. This is what raises the water level in the bowl. For a good solid flush they all have to work together. Hope this helps . Tom

[noplumbexp]

Well I stuck my finger in the dime sized hole it did not have any build-up (I was actually hoping it did because it would have provided an answer.) I scraped around a little anyway but there was no material to dislodge, same for holes around rim. I test plunged a wad of toilet paper through the toilet drain and it appears to have gone through. There are no bits returning into the bowl even during subsequent attempts at plunging. This leads me to believe that at least a portion of the drain is not clogged. Could this be preventing me from getting the suction necessary to get the toilet to syphon? Ps does this sound like a problem that you would use an auger on?

[speedball1]

Then if you can flush with a bucket It sounds like the bowl's clear. Let's check the adjustments.Here is your toilet tank,(see image). Check the tank water level, it should be at the mark in the tank or 3/8 to 1/2" below the top of the over flow tube. Now look at the flapper, If it has wavy edges on the flat surface, replace it. The linkage between the flapper and the flush lever should have 1/4" play when the tank is filled. Also, check the small tube coming out of the top of the ballcock and make sure it's connect to and draining into the white overflow tube. Let me iknow oif any of these needed adjusting. Good luck, Tom

[noplumbexp]

I cannot flush it with a bucket of water, I can release water into the tank and easily plunge it through, but the water level does not go down when it is left to sit. I did however chech the "anatomy" of my toilet as you outlined and all the parts are attached and seemingly functioning as they ought to. Once more I ask does this sound like a problem that one would use the auger to solve?

[mygirlsdad77]

Sounds like your problem is in the toilet itself. If you do indeed have a closet auger, then you should be able to get it through the toilet(have to use some force, some times a lot of force while cranking the handle) If you can't get it through, then you need to pull the toilet and try running the auger in from the bottom side. Also , while you have the toilet pulled. Dump five gallons of water down your drain and see if it backs up at all. Your drain should be able to take the five gallons as fast as you can dump it. If it back up at all, you have a drain clog problem.
Hope this help, and please let me know what you find.

[noplumbexp]

Thanks, I do have afriend coming to help "pull the toilet" yukk what next!

[speedball1]

I cannot flush it with a bucket of water,

What do you mean? That when you pour a bucket of water in the bowl that it overflows instead of draining out? Please explain. Tpm

[noplumbexp]

Sort of yes, it would overflow if I were to keep on pouring, but not wanting to mop the floor again I only pour an amount that is about 1/2 the capacity of my toilet tank. Once again just as when I manually empty the tank I only allow the tank to fill 1/2 then use the lever to flush, as I am intending to avoid the overflow onto the floor. The results are very similar in both cases... the toilet makes the 'right' sort of syphoning sound but then the syphoning action does not accompany or follow. It starts swirling when the water is released but the water does not flow down the drain. I have used another type of drain cleaner, this one intended to get rid of built up debris. It requires three applications and a six hour wait after applying the product. As it is I have to use the plunger to get the chemical into the drainage system of the toilet. Again the water plunges effortlessly through but it must be plunged, the release of the 1/2 tank of water does not facilitate subsequent flushing of the toilet.