If you run a business, you already know, a clogged urinal is one of the fastest ways to get complaints. Nothing ruins a restroom quicker than water not draining, bad smells, or worse an overflow during busy hours.
The reality is, urinal clogs are common. But the good news? They’re also preventable if you know what’s going on inside those pipes. Let’s hit some of the most common questions people have about clogged urinals.
What Actually Causes a Urinal to Clog?
Most of the time it comes down to a few things:
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Uric scale buildup – Urine leaves behind crystals that harden and shrink the pipe over time.
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Hard water – Minerals mix with uric scale and make the blockage even tougher.
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Foreign objects – Paper towels, wipes, gum—stuff that shouldn’t be there but ends up in the drain.
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Sludge and biofilm – Bacteria and waste stick to the sides of the pipe and slowly choke it off.
None of these happen overnight, but once things slow down, it only gets worse.
How Do You Know a Urinal Is Starting to Clog?
There are a couple red flags you don’t want to ignore:
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Water is draining slower than usual
- You hear gurgling or bubbling after a flush
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A bad odor coming from the drain
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Standing water that doesn’t clear
If you see those signs, don’t wait until it’s completely blocked.
How Do You Unclog a Urinal?
This is what most people type into Google. Here’s the truth about the methods you’ll find:
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Hot water – Might help with light buildup, but won’t touch uric scale.
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Plunger or auger (snake) – Works if something solid is stuck.
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Enzyme or biological cleaners – Decent for breaking down sludge and organic matter.
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Strong acids/chemicals – Yes, they’ll burn through clogs, but they also create smoke, heat, and can eat pipes.
⚡ My take? If you’re managing a facility, you don’t want to rely on harsh chemicals or wait until things get so bad you need a plumber.
When Do You Call a Plumber?
If nothing you try works, or multiple urinals are backing up, you’ve probably got a main line issue. That’s when you’re looking at $200+ for a plumber to snake the line or jet it out.
But for everyday clogs caused by uric salt? You can handle those in-house.
How Do You Stop Urinals From Clogging in the First Place?
This is where most places go wrong—they only deal with clogs after they happen. A little prevention goes a long way:
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Treat the drains regularly with the right solution
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Don’t let paper towels or wipes end up in urinals
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Use screens or guards to catch debris
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Put urinal treatment on a simple schedule (monthly for busy spots)
The Simple Fix: Javelin Urinal Treatment
This is exactly why we created Javelin Urinal Treatment. It’s what plumbers use, but without the $200 bill.
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Clears urinals in 2–4 hours -
Dissolves uric salt buildup (the #1 cause of slow drains)
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Safe on pipes and doesn’t create smoke or odors
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Used by restaurants, hotels, schools, and even airports
Instead of waiting until it’s an emergency, you can keep urinals clear and avoid the headache altogether.
FAQs About Clogged Urinals
What causes urinals to clog the most?
The main cause is uric scale buildup from urine crystals. Hard water minerals and debris (like paper towels or wipes) make it worse.
Can you unclog a urinal with hot water?
Hot water can help with minor buildup, but it won’t dissolve uric salt or mineral deposits.
What’s the best chemical to unclog a urinal?
You want something that dissolves uric salts safely. Harsh acids work but can damage pipes. A product like Javelin Urinal Treatment is designed specifically for urinals.
Do waterless urinals clog?
Yes—usually from improper maintenance or uric scale in the cartridge or trap.
When should I call a plumber for a clogged urinal?
If multiple urinals are backing up or none of your DIY methods work, it’s time to call a plumber. Otherwise, most single-urinal clogs can be handled with the right treatment.