Difficulty Plunging a Kohler Toilet

Written By
Hallie Engel
Hallie Engel
Published: Nov 27, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Like other toilets, however, the Kohler product may clog, requiring home remedies or professional assistance to get it running again.

Basic Plunging

Before calling a plumber for help, ensure you are correctly plunging the Kohler toilet. Place the rubber lip of the plunger over the opening in the center of the toilet bowl and press down firmly to form a tight seal. Next, pull the plunger back firmly, breaking the seal and loosening the clog. Perform this action several times, re-creating the seal to get the necessary suction to remove the blockage.

Avoid Snakes

A plumber's snake is a long cable that can be fed through pipes with an end resembling a corkscrew that shreds clogs. Even if a toilet won't plunge properly, however, refrain from using a plumber's snake to remove the clog. The fine porcelain of Kohler toilets is easily scratched by a plumber's snake, which is typically used in sinks and pipes where superficial scratches aren't problematic. Instead, This Old House recommends a closet auger, a similar device with a specially covered end to prevent scratching.

Advertisement

Replacement Parts

If a Kohler toilet needs replacement parts to prevent clogs or deal with the aftermath of a particularly troublesome one, they are available directly from the company. Ordering directly from Kohler ensures replacement pieces will fit inside and work properly with your toilet model, eliminating guesswork and the need for returns. For all Kohler toilets made after 1990, service part numbers are printed on the underside of the toilet tank lid, making the order of new parts simple.

Alternatives to Chemicals

Though harsh chemical-laden products promising to remove clogs might be tempting to use on a blocked toilet, steer clear of them. If such products fail to destroy the clog in a toilet, the problem is exacerbated by a tank full of water containing corrosive chemicals. Instead, try carefully pouring a pot of boiling water into the toilet, followed by some dish soap. Allow it to sit for a few moments to work on the clog and try plunging it again.

Resources

Hallie Engel

Hallie Engel is a food and lifestyle writer whose work has appeared in several international publications. She served as a restaurant critic for "Time Out Abu Dhabi" and "Time Out Amsterdam" and has also written about food culture in the…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.