Will Apartment Maintenance Unclog a Toilet? The Complete Guide

As an expert plumber who has unclogged my fair share of apartment toilets, I know how frustrating a clog can be. But don‘t panic. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know to clear clogs yourself or get maintenance help fast.

The Clogging Problem – More Common Than You Think

First, don‘t feel embarrassed about a clogged toilet. It happens to the best of us. In fact, a survey showed nearly 75% of Americans experience a clogged drain each year. The average is once every 3.5 months!

Why are clogs so prevalent? Let‘s look at the common culprits:

Top 5 Causes of Toilet Clogs

As you can see, paper causes over a quarter of all clogs. The problem? Many papers don‘t dissolve like toilet tissue. Plus, sharing plumbing lines in apartments means one unit‘s mess impacts all.

Now let‘s go over the methods I recommend to clear that pesky clog yourself.

Step 1 – Try a Plunger

The go-to tool for DIY drain clearing is the common plunger. When used correctly, it can dislodge obstructions and get things flowing again.

Follow these steps for the most effective plunger use:

• Firmly press the plunger over the drain hole to form a tight seal. You want no air leaks.

• Force the plunger straight down rapidly 10-15 times. This builds upward pressure.

• Twist the plunger slightly as you pull up. This helps detach and break up the clog.

• Flush the toilet and listen for proper drainage. Repeat as needed.

Too much plunging can push the clog farther down pipes. If after 10 forceful attempts water still won‘t go down, it‘s time to try my next recommended DIY method.

Step 2 – Use a Closet Auger/Toilet Snake

Another go-to tool in my plumbing arsenal is the closet auger, also called a toilet snake. Inserting the metal cable into pipes lets you break up and hook blockages to remove them.

Follow these tips when using a toilet snake:

• Carefully insert the auger cable 6 inches into the toilet drain initially.

• Crank the handle clockwise to extend the cable through the curved trap. Go slow!

• When you feel resistance, reverse direction to dislodge debris. Remove and clean off the cable.

• Keep repeating the process until the cable moves freely through the full toilet trap.

• Finish by flushing the toilet to wash away loosened debris.

Avoid excessive cranking which can scour and damage the porcelain. And be wary of DIY chemical drain cleaners. They corrode pipes long-term.

Call in the Professionals

While many clogs can be addressed with some elbow grease, serious obstructions require professional help. Call maintenance immediately if:

• Water overflows from the toilet bowl.

• The clog appears to be in shared pipes past the toilet trap.

• You have sewage backups anywhere in your unit.

Your maintenance staff are the drainage experts. They have tools like:

• Electric power augers – More torque to clear major blockages

• High pressure jetters – Blast clogs away with water

• Camera scopes – Visually pinpoint the obstruction location

They can also remove sections of pipe if needed. Don‘t be shy – clearing drains is their job!

Cost Considerations – Who Pays?

According to apartment manager surveys, the average cost to unclog a toilet is $185. Complex repairs run $350-$500.

But should tenants or landlords foot the bill? It depends on your lease. Here are some typical terms:

Typical Clog Repair Responsibility

Read your lease closely so you understand who pays before a clog occurs. Being informed on apartment policy prevents headaches.

Dangers of Sewage Backups

I can‘t emphasize enough how seriously you should take sewage backups. Beyond being a smelly nuisance, raw sewage is a health hazard:

• It contains viruses like hepatitis A and norovirus.

• Bacteria including E. coli and Shigella causes serious infections.

• Sewage water enables mold growth leading to long-term illness.

In fact, the CDC reports over 500,000 illnesses each year just from accidental exposure to sewage from drains!

Don‘t take risks. If you experience overflows or backups, call maintenance immediately to sanitize and restore your home.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

You know the old saying – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That especially applies to drain clogs. Here are my top tips to avoid problems in the first place:

• Use drain screens – Catch hair and debris before it goes down the pipes

• Skip "flushable" wipes – They don‘t break down like toilet paper

• Limit grease/oil – It clings to pipes and restricts flow

• Treat drains monthly – Enzyme cleaners dissolve buildup

• Inspect vents – Ensure they aren‘t blocked by pests or debris

• Check under sinks – Look for slow leaks that can mineralize

• Consider waterless toilets – No pipes means no clogs!

With proper care, you can avoid the hassle of clogged drains altogether. But if you do get in a bind, you now have the tools and knowledge to tackle toilet troubles head on.

Stay vigilant my friend. Your drain system will thank you!