Clogged Toilet Repair in Houston

A clogged toilet is never convenient, and in a home with only one bathroom it quickly becomes an emergency. Many toilet clogs can be cleared with a plunger, but when the water keeps rising or the clog keeps coming back, it is time to call a professional.

Nick's Plumbing & Air Conditioning has provided clogged toilet repair in Houston since 1979. Our licensed plumbers clear stubborn toilet clogs and find out whether the problem is in the toilet, the drain line, or the main sewer.

What You Can Try First

Most simple clogs are caused by too much toilet paper or waste and can be cleared without a plumber.

• Stop flushing - If the bowl is full, do not flush again. Turn off the water at the valve behind the toilet.
• Use the right plunger - A flange plunger seals into the toilet drain much better than a flat sink plunger
• Plunge with steady strokes - Keep the plunger covered with water and push and pull firmly 10 to 15 times
• Try a toilet auger - A closet auger reaches through the curves of the toilet trap to break up or pull out the clog

Signs You Need a Plumber

• Repeated clogs - The toilet clogs again and again, even after plunging
• Other drains are affected - Sinks, tubs, or other toilets are slow or backing up
• Water comes up in other drains - Flushing sends water into the tub or shower, a sign of a main line blockage
• Strange reactions - The toilet water level rises when you run the sink or washer
• Gurgling and odors - Bubbling in the bowl or sewer smells can point to a vent or sewer line problem
• An object was flushed - Toys, phones, and other solid items need to be retrieved, not pushed further

What Not to Do Before the Plumber Arrives

• Do not keep flushing. An overflow can cause water damage and spread sewage.
• Do not pour chemical drain cleaners into the toilet. They can damage pipes and harm you or the plumber.
• Do not take the toilet apart unless you have experience. Poor reassembly can cause leaks.

How We Fix a Clogged Toilet

1. Assess - We ask how long the problem has been going on, what has been tried, and whether other fixtures are affected
2. Clear the toilet - We use a professional closet auger to clear the clog from the toilet trap
3. Pull the toilet if needed - If an object is stuck or the clog is past the trap, we remove the toilet and clear the drain directly
4. Inspect the line - For recurring clogs, a camera inspection shows what is happening further down the line
5. Clear the main line - If the main sewer is blocked, we use a motorized auger or hydro jetting
6. Reset and test - We reinstall the toilet with a new wax ring if it was removed, flush several times, check for leaks, and clean up

What Not to Flush

Toilets are designed for waste and toilet paper only. These items cause many of the toilet and sewer clogs we see in Houston homes:

• Wipes, including those labeled flushable
• Paper towels and tissues
• Cotton swabs and cotton balls
• Dental floss
• Feminine hygiene products
• Cat litter, grease, and food

When a Clog Is Really a Sewer Line Problem

If more than one drain is slow or backing up at the same time, or if water gurgles up in a tub or shower when you flush a toilet, the blockage is likely in your main sewer line rather than a single fixture. Plunging one drain will not fix it. Our clogged sewer line repair and hydro jetting services clear the main line and restore full flow.

Clogged Toilet Repair Cost in Houston

Clogged toilet repair at Nick's Plumbing typically costs $150-$250. Clogs that require pulling the toilet or clearing the main sewer line cost more. We confirm the price before any work begins.

Is your toilet old, cracked, or clogging constantly? A new high-performance toilet may be the answer. Learn about toilet installation.

Why Houston Homeowners Trust Nick's Plumbing

• Family owned since 1979 - More than 45 years serving Houston homes
• Licensed and insured - Texas Master Plumber License MPL# 38548
• Background-checked technicians - We email you the names and photos of the technicians coming to your home
• Upfront pricing - You approve the price before we start
• VIP members save - Priority scheduling and 10% off with our VIP maintenance plan

Serving The Heights, Montrose, Memorial, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, and surrounding Houston neighborhoods.

Frequently Asked Questions