How Do You Unclog a Portable Toilet

How do you unclog a portable toilet? is a question I frequently receive as an experienced porta potty expert, and the short answer is: You can unclog a portable toilet by using a plunger, auger, or chemical unclogger depending on the severity of the clog.

In this article, I’ll walk through the main causes of clogs, signs of a blockage, steps to prepare for unclogging, the proper plunger method, when to use an auger, chemical uncloggers, and how to prevent future clogs.

Follow these tips and you’ll have that portable toilet flushing freely again in no time!

Top Unclogging Tips

• A plunger creates suction to dislodge clogs if used with proper sealing technique and forceful plunging motion.
• For stubborn clogs, a drain snake/auger can bore through and hook debris when the plunger suction isn’t enough.
• Chemical uncloggers help dissolve tough clogs when physical means fail. Caustic, enzymatic, foaming agents or air blasting may be needed.

Main Causes of Clogs in Portable Toilets

As an experienced porta potty expert, I’ve seen my fair share of clogged-up portable toilets over the years.

In my experience, three main culprits tend to cause most toilet clogs:

1. Toilet Paper Buildup – This is the number one cause of clogs based on my experience. Too much toilet paper used per flush can quickly accumulate and cause a blockage. Most portable toilets are designed for only 1-2 sheets of toilet paper per flush. But people often use way more, with the average being 8-10 sheets per visit according to industry data. That’s up to 5 times more than these toilets are designed to handle!
2. Foreign Objects – You wouldn’t believe some of the odd things I’ve found clogging up portable toilets – paper towels, trash, cigarette butts, you name it. Any foreign object that finds its way into the toilet has the potential to get lodged and cause a clog. I’ve seen everything from plastic bottles and food wrappers to cell phones and tools dropped down the toilet. Pro tip: nothing but natural waste and a modest amount of toilet paper should ever go into these units.
3. Waste Accumulation Over Time – Even with proper use, over time waste residue and paper buildup can accumulate. If the portable toilet tank isn’t emptied and the bowl isn’t cleaned regularly, the gradual buildup can start to narrow pipes and eventually cause a clog. That’s why regular maintenance cleaning is so important.

So there you have it, the three usual suspects when it comes to most portable toilet clogs.

Being aware of these common causes is the first step in preventing and removing clogs when they happen.

Now let’s get into actually unclogging them…

Signs You Have a Clogged Portable Toilet

Once a portable toilet is clogged, how can you tell?

Some clear signs indicate you’ve got a blockage:

• Backed-up bowl – The most obvious sign is when the bowl starts to fill with an abnormal amount of waste and water. If the bowl level continues to rise or doesn’t go down after flushing, there’s likely a drain blockage preventing proper outflow.
• Slow flushing – Normally these toilets flush relatively quickly and forcefully. If you notice the water seems to drain slowly or weakly, that’s a red flag. The clog is impeding the normal flush flow.
• Gurgling noises – Listen closely after flushing. Gurgling noises point to an air or water blockage in the system. The clog is causing improper drainage and airflow.
• Foul odors – A stench coming from the toilet, worse than usual, can indicate sitting water and waste not fully draining. Clogs lead to buildup that causes stronger unpleasant smells.
• Tank not filling – In some cases, the clog may prevent the tank from refilling properly after flushing. If you notice the tank level staying low, the drain pipes could be blocked.

Once you spot these warning signs, it’s time to take action to get that portable toilet unclogged.

The sooner you can remove the blockage, the better to restore proper flushing and drainage.

Ignoring the issue will only make the clog worse over time!

Prep Work Before Unclogging

Before I start trying to actively unclog a portable toilet, there are some important steps I take to prepare.

Properly setting up for the job will make the unclogging process easier and more effective.

• Closing the lid – I’ll close the lid and give the toilet some time before I come back to attempt plunging. This allows some pressure to build up in the bowl which can help push through and dislodge the clog. Typically 15-30 minutes is enough time for this pressure to accumulate.
• Putting on protective gear – It’s going to get messy, so I always gear up with gloves, eye protection, and boots or shoe covers. A mask or respirator also isn’t a bad idea if you have one. Safety comes first with this dirty job.
• Providing ventilation – If working indoors, I’ll turn on fans or open doors/windows to get fresh airflow. Proper ventilation is key when dealing with foul odors and potential splashing.
• Gathering supplies – Before I start, I round up all the supplies I’ll need like my heavy-duty plunger, auger, bucket, hot water, etc. Having everything ready to go makes the process more efficient.
• Screening the tank – As a precaution, I’ll screen the inside of the tank and make sure no foreign objects have fallen in that could interfere with plunging. Removing any debris ahead of time gives me the best chance of success.

Taking these simple prep steps allows me to go into the unclogging process smoothly.

I’m protected, the scene is set up properly, and I have all the right tools – now it’s time to put them to work!

Using a Plunger to Unclog

When tackling a clogged portable toilet, my go-to tool is a heavy-duty plunger.

Using the right technique is crucial to get the suction you need to dislodge the blockage.

Here is my proven process for effective plunging:

• Get a tight seal – I’ll remove any excess water or waste from the bowl first. Then I position the plunger over the drain hole to create an airtight seal. Quick, forceful downward pressure seals the plunger bell to the drain opening.
• Apply steady pressure – Once sealed, I bear down on the plunger to apply continuous downward pressure. This compresses the air and builds up needed force. I’ll hold for 15-20 seconds to generate enough suction power.
• Quickly pull up – In one rapid motion, I pull the plunger directly up to create strong suction. This works to vacuum up the clog and pull it from the drain pipes. Repeating quick ups and downs churns up the water and waste to break up the blockage.
• Give a few twists – At the height of each upward stroke, I’ll twist the plunger back and forth a few times. This adds a spiral churning action to fully dislodge and draw up the clog into the plunger.
• Check progress – Between strokes, I remove the plunger to see if the water is draining properly. I may need to repeat the plunging process several times before the clog is cleared.

With the right seal and technique, a thorough plunging can remove even stubborn clogs.

A little elbow grease saves having to bring in stronger drain-cleaning machinery.

Give it some serious umph and that should get things flowing freely again!

When to Use an Auger/Drain Snake

Sometimes a plunger just won’t cut it and I need to bring in the big guns – an auger or drain snake.

As an experienced porta potty pro, I rely on my trusty auger for really tough clogs that resist plunging.

I usually try the plunger first, but if I’m still not getting proper drainage after several attempts, the clog is too solidly wedged to pull free with suction alone.

That’s when I grab my auger for some mechanical snaking action.

• An auger has a long, flexible metal cable that can be fed down into the drain pipe. At the end is a spiral rotating tip to help break up and hook into the clog.
• I’ll slowly feed the rotating auger down the toilet drain until I hit the blockage. Gentle pressure and boring motions work to snag and break up the clog.
• Rotating and slowly retracting the auger chews up the blockage as it’s withdrawn back up the pipe.
• I’ll repeat the process as needed until the cable comes back up free of debris and waste is draining freely again.
• For severely stubborn clogs, I may need to attach different auger heads to fully penetrate and clear out the blockage.

Getting in there with an auger allows me to power through a clog that is stuck too far down the pipe for a plunger to reach.

A little mechanical help can make quick work of even the toughest clogs that want to put up a fight!

Chemical Unclogging Options

When simple physics fails, I break out the chemicals!

Chemical uncloggers are a great option when dealing with especially stubborn clogs or buildup in portable toilets.

I keep a variety of commercial strength products on hand for tough jobs.

• Enzymatic cleaners help break down and dissolve organic matter like food waste, grease, tissue paper, etc. I’ll pour a bottle down and let it work on food particle buildup overnight before attempting to plunge.
• Caustic drain openers containing lye or sulfuric acid help dissolve and corrode thicker clogs. They come in both liquid and granular forms. These harsh chemicals need to be handled with extreme care.
• Oxidizing agents like chloride salts break down waste residue through an oxidation reaction. They also help deodorize the portable toilet.
• High-foaming agents act as lubricants to slide clogs along the pipe. The surfactants penetrate and loosen blockages. I’ll apply it and let soak for 15-30 minutes before flushing.
• Compressed air partners well with chemical uncloggers by helping blast away any loosened debris after the chemicals go to work.

I’m careful to always follow usage directions with any chemical unclogger.

But they can be miracle workers when I run into a particularly nasty clog situation that physical means alone can’t seem to resolve.

A little chemistry saves this porta potty pro from having to get a complete replacement!

Calling a Professional Plumber

I’ll be the first to admit – even experienced porta potty pros like myself can’t clear every clog solo.

Sometimes you need to call in the big guns in the form of a professional plumber.

As much as I try to handle toilet troubles myself, there are a few cases where I know it’s best to turn the job over to a licensed pro:

• If I’ve tried plunging, snaking, and chemicals to no avail, the clog may require commercial hydro-jetting equipment to clear fully. This specialized high-pressure water jet can blast through the toughest obstructions.
• If the clog led to an overflow that caused interior damage, I’ll bring in a pro. They can assess and repair any leaks or water damage inside the tank walls or piping.
• For potential clogs beyond the toilet trap like in the exterior drainage hoses, a pro’s specialty camera equipment can inspect the full line and pinpoint the issue.
• If there are signs of a failing pump, septic issues, or electrical problems, I call the experts. A full system diagnostic is needed.
• For rental units, most service contracts require any repairs to be done by authorized technicians anyway. Always good to follow proper protocols.

At the first sign of major mechanical issues, severe backups, or repeat clogging, I know it’s time to pass the torch.

A pro plumber has the skills and equipment to tackle serious clogs I can’t handle on my own.

Preventing Future Clogs

The best way I can help my clients is to not just unclog their portable toilets, but prevent those clogs from returning.

Here are my top tips for avoiding clogs based on years of porta potty experience:

• Only flush toilet paper – and limit usage to just 1-2 sheets per flush. Any other paper products like napkins or paper towels will clog fast.
• Never flush feminine products, diapers, cigarette butts, or trash down the toilet. Only human waste and toilet paper should go down.
• Avoid overuse of cleaning chemicals – Too much chemical cleaner residue over time can react and cause blockages.
• Check that the exterior drainage hoses are emptied and flowing freely – Kinks or blockages in the drain lines can back up the toilet.
• Stick to the recommended pumping schedule for the portable tank – every 3-5 days for heavy-use units. Letting waste accumulate causes clogs.
• Inspect the toilet weekly and look for leaks, damage, or improper drainage that could lead to clogging issues if not addressed early.
• For cold weather climates, use RV antifreeze in the tank and water lines to prevent ice blockages during winter months.
• Consider installing an inline strainer or filter that traps debris before entering the toilet. This stops foreign objects from going down the pipe.

The time I spend preventing recurrences saves endless hours plunging and snaking down the road.

A little proactive maintenance goes a long way for clog-free portable sanitation!

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I empty the waste tank?

You should empty the portable toilet waste tank at least every 3-5 days with regular usage. Allowing waste to accumulate for too long is a leading cause of clogs.

What PSI pressure is needed to clear a clog?

Most residential plungers provide 60-90 PSI, while heavy-duty plungers offer 90-120 PSI for max plunging power. Severe clogs may require commercial hydro-jetters that exceed 1500 PSI.

Is using hot water effective for unclogging?

Yes, heating water to 140-212°F helps dissolve grease and waste buildup. Carefully pour down the bowl and let soak for 15-30 minutes before plunging. Don’t splash yourself with hot water.