Everybody can relate to this awkward situation of a clogged toilet. Fortunately, it is an easy fix if you know the right methods to unclog your toilet effectively. Whether you are a homeowner, guest or someone who is in a hurry and wants to know how to unclog a toilet, you are at the right place. This guide will help you identify the cause of a clogged toilet and walk you through proven DIY solutions both with and without a plunger.
What causes a Toilet to Clog
The most observable cause of a clogged toilet is the overuse of toilet paper. Flushing non-flushable items such as feminine products and insufficient water pressure may also be the reason behind a clogged toilet. Let’s learn how to unclog your toilet step by step.
5 Methods to Unclog Toilet
Use a Plunger
The best way to clear a clogged toilet is to use a plunger. Place it in the bowl in such a way it completely cover the hole. Press gently to prevent splashes and push continuously down. There are also other methods that can unclog your toilet without even using a plunger. These methods are as follows.
Using Hot Water
It is very easy to unblock a toilet with water. Hot water can soften the clog and make it drain easily. Take a bucket of hot but not boiling water and pour it into the bowl. Let it rest for 10-15, minutes. After that flush the Toilet and clean it. Don’t use boiling water on porcelain as it can cause cracks.
Dish Soap
People use detergents and dish soap for unclogging toilets. Dish soap can lubricate the pipes, making the clog slide down easily. In order to unblock a toilet, simply take half cup of liquid dish soap and pour it into the bowl. Wait for 10-20 minutes, and then flush out with hot water.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Method
People usually use baking soda with vinegar to unclog the toilet. Just pour half to one cup of baking soda into the bowl and then 1-2 cups of vinegar. Let them rest for 30 minutes then flush them out. Don’t forget to wear gloves while cleaning your bathroom.
Unusual but Handy Tools
Sometime a coat hanger and a plastic bottle can be used to unclog your toilet. Straighten the hanger and use it to push down the clog. Add some water and then flush your toilet. A plastic bottle can be used if you don’t have a plunger at home. Cut the opening of the bottle with a kitchen knife and place the opened part on the hole of the bowl. Press and release the bottle manually just like a plunger. It will create a vacuum pressure, which pushes the clog down the pipe.
Additional Tips for Unclogging Toilet
As you have cleared the clog, now it is time to follow tips to prevent that trouble in the future
- Do not flush non-flushable materials, baby wipes, cotton pads etc
- Use less toilet paper and flush it gradually
- Educate your children on what to flush and what don’t
- Use hot water to clear small clogs regularly once a month
- Do not use drano for toilets, as it is not safe for pipes
- Use enzyme based cleaners for your toilets
When the Toilet won’t flush not clogged
Sometimes, your Toilet is not clogged. It is just not flushing out properly which indicates that the problem is with the tank, not the drain. First inspect the flapper (the bottom rubber seal inside tank) and check whether it is sealing. A flush can also fail to occur due to a faulty chain, insufficient water or a disconnected handle. Only frequent cleaning with some repair can fix it.
When to call a plumber
If you notice multiple clogs in multiple drains and all the above mentioned tips don’t work then don’t hesitate to call us. We offer professional toilet installation and repair you can rely on.
Conclusion
A clogged toilet is not difficult to handle and you know it can easily done with the right instruments and a little knowledge. Whether you choose a plunger or hot water, dish soap or baking soda with vinegar, there are many easy ways of bringing things back to motion. Be aware of caustic cleaners such as Drano for toilets unless it explicitly works in the toilet. Adopt preventive tips to avoid blockage issues in the future. In case the problem still exists, then call a plumber.
