How do I unclog a toilet that was clogged with cat litter?
By Cea from Houston, TX
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Cat litter is usually made, part or all, of clay and clay expands in water. So if clay litter is dumped into the toilet, it will expand and can cause very difficult problems, even cracked pipes. You can try a toilet snake yourself but the best plan is to call in a plumber who will have better tools, knowledge and experience to work with the problem.
Never flush cat litter down the toilet, not even flushable litter. Never put anything but toilet paper down the toilet (not even flushable wipes). It will save lots of problems and some big plumber's bills.
I agree with other posters. If plunging doesn't work, and a snake doesn't work (or you don't know how to use it), call a plumber. I am sure that this is something that most plumbers will have dealt with, and they will get your toilet running again.
I am thrilled with the boiling water and dish soap tip. Worked like a charm.
Thanks to the advice below, I tried all remedies starting with the snake. That did not work because of the shape of the back of the toilet bowl; if it is an S shape, the snake does not work. Mouthwash did not work. Vinigar did not work. BUT finally, LOTS OF HOT WATER and DISH SOAP ! I poured boiling water from my the largest two pots I have for making pasta PLUS alot of dish soap (COSTCO's environmentally sound soap worked just find).
I have S-shaped pipes and the snake worked. You have to get one of the expensive ones, not the cheap plastic snakes. A good snake will have a crank one one end and a bore/drill on the other. Turning the crank will push the snake slowly forward and the tip of the snake will drill right through any litter and when it does the clump will collapse on itself and pass through.
I boiled lots of water and poured it down with dish soap -- it worked! Thank you!
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