Hi everyone!
I'm in dire need of help and guidance as I do not know where to start. We have two American Standard toilets (model 4049-51) in the house and the upstairs one is partially blocked. I don't know what is stuck down there but it is not budging. After some plunging it will flush, but slowly and not completely. It seems to get better after plunging but then later it reclogs and we have to plunge again. I tried all of the unclogging remedies (hot water and soap, plunger, auger, DIY coat hanger auger). I think it is a wash down type toilet? There are two holes in the toilet, one smaller and one bigger. I know the bigger hole is the one I use the auger on, but once I put the auger in, it goes upwards and then it cannot get past the bend. The "coat hanger" auger actually hooked onto the bend and got stuck for a while but I could not get it down to the blockage.
My question is, are there any other unclogging techniques/liquids to get the clog out or should I just give up and replace the whole thing? It's quite an old toilet and has 4 bolts holding it down on the floor. Newer models only have 2 bolts so I don't even know what to do with the extra ones I have. From the wall to the back sets of bolts is about 11" and from there it's another 6" to the front bolts. I've researched around and heard that replacing one of these older toilets can also be quite a challenge because you might not know what you will find when you lift the toilet up. Something about a different flange for older models? What type of toilet do I buy? I suppose those DIY instructions on replacing a toilet might not apply to me in this case.
I consider myself a pretty handy gal, but I've never tried my hands on plumbing before. I'm trying to cut back on expenses as I'm unemployed right now so I want to see if I can get this done myself. But if this really is a job required for a Plumber then I don't want to risk it. Any type of help/suggestions would be much appreciated. Thank you!
I'm in dire need of help and guidance as I do not know where to start. We have two American Standard toilets (model 4049-51) in the house and the upstairs one is partially blocked. I don't know what is stuck down there but it is not budging. After some plunging it will flush, but slowly and not completely. It seems to get better after plunging but then later it reclogs and we have to plunge again. I tried all of the unclogging remedies (hot water and soap, plunger, auger, DIY coat hanger auger). I think it is a wash down type toilet? There are two holes in the toilet, one smaller and one bigger. I know the bigger hole is the one I use the auger on, but once I put the auger in, it goes upwards and then it cannot get past the bend. The "coat hanger" auger actually hooked onto the bend and got stuck for a while but I could not get it down to the blockage.
My question is, are there any other unclogging techniques/liquids to get the clog out or should I just give up and replace the whole thing? It's quite an old toilet and has 4 bolts holding it down on the floor. Newer models only have 2 bolts so I don't even know what to do with the extra ones I have. From the wall to the back sets of bolts is about 11" and from there it's another 6" to the front bolts. I've researched around and heard that replacing one of these older toilets can also be quite a challenge because you might not know what you will find when you lift the toilet up. Something about a different flange for older models? What type of toilet do I buy? I suppose those DIY instructions on replacing a toilet might not apply to me in this case.
I consider myself a pretty handy gal, but I've never tried my hands on plumbing before. I'm trying to cut back on expenses as I'm unemployed right now so I want to see if I can get this done myself. But if this really is a job required for a Plumber then I don't want to risk it. Any type of help/suggestions would be much appreciated. Thank you!
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