How To Unblock A Toilet
Learn The Right Way To Unblock A Toilet, So You Don't Make A Messy Situation Even Worse
Is there a more ominous feeling than flushing a toilet and not seeing anything going down the drain? Well, possibly seeing the toilet water rise to the overflowing stage is worse.
Toilets can become clogged for many reasons, whether from using too much toilet paper, your child throwing in a toy, or, well- you know, understanding what to do in this situation can save you money and maybe even embarrassment.
There are some blockages that you can clear at home on your own, but there are some that need professional attention. After reading this article, you will know how to unclog a toilet on your own and when you need to give the experts at Bayside Plumbing a call.
Before You Begin
Before you start plugging away, take a peek to see if you can see what is causing the toilet backup. If you can see the clog, put on a pair of rubber gloves and try to remove it. If you do not see the blockage, it is time to start plunging.
Plunger
The tested and true standby for clearing a toilet clog is a plunger. Using a plunger is reasonably straightforward, but make sure you use an actual toilet plunger, also called a flange plunger .
Before plunging, you must ensure water is in the toilet bowl. You need there to be sufficient water that at least surrounds the rim of the plunger cup, ideally submerging the plunger. If there is not enough water, add some.
Once you have enough water, lower the plunger at an angle rather than directly down so as not to trap air in the cup, reducing the plunger’s strength. Cover the toilet’s drain with the plunger creating a seal.
Push the plunger up and down firmly, but not so forcefully that you splash dirty and contaminated toilet water all over the place. After a few pumps, draw the plunger away, breaking the air seal and hopefully removing the clog from the blocked drain .
Repeat the process until water flows down the drain, and the blockage clears.
No Plunger? No Problem!
If you are stuck with a clogged toilet without a plunger, all is not lost. There are several at-home DIY methods to unclog your toilet.
Dish Soap
Believe it or not, some hot water and dish soap can function to fix a badly clogged toilet. First, squeeze a generous portion of dish soap, a little less than half a cup, into the toilet bowl and let it sit.
While the dish soap is absorbing, bring a gallon of water to an extremely hot temperature but not boiling. Boiling water could damage your toilet bowl.
After the soap has set for around 10 minutes, carefully pour the hot water into the toilet bowl and observe as the soap assists in unclogging the toilet.
In most circumstances, the dish soap will act as a lubricant and oil the clog in the toilet drain to get everything rolling again. You may have to wait up to 30 minutes for the clog to empty.
If, after 30 minutes, the toilet still has a blockage, you should call the Bayside Plumbing experts.
(For more practical tips, see our blog that breaks down why your hot water system may be leaking )
Vinegar and Baking Soda
Another excellent at-home solution for a clogged toilet is baking soda and vinegar. First, take a glance at the water level of your toilet. If your toilet is half full (or less), pour one cup of baking soda into the bowl.
For more severe clogs with higher water levels, take out some water and pour in 1/4 cup of baking soda.
Next, it is time for chemistry in action! Pour in an identical portion of vinegar as you did baking soda, so if you used one cup of baking soda, you must use one cup of vinegar. Then observe the foaming and bubbling begin.
Wait and watch as the combination rises but should rapidly decrease in size. Once the reaction ends, grab some hot water and pour it into the toilet bowl.
Adding the water should be the last step in removing the clog. If it works, the toilet will make a sharp sucking noise, and the water should drain; if not, call in the experts .
(Read our other helpful blog piece that provides various ways on how to clear a blocked drain !)
Plumbing Snake/Wire Hanger
If all else fails when attempting to unclog your toilet, and you are fortunate (or handy) enough to have a plumbing snake around, try that before calling the plumber.
A plumbing snake works amazingly for clogs that are too stubborn to be released with a standard plunger or another approach. They are a superb intermediate between plunging and calling in for a professional.
But if you do not happen to have a plumbing snake laying around, you can attempt to use a wire coat hanger instead. Just grab the closest wire coat hanger and unwind until it’s straight, excluding the hook.
Then surround the hook with a small towel or rag to help avert any scratches or damage to the toilet. Don a pair of rubber gloves and gently bend the hanger into the drain until you touch the clog.
Push the hanger around until you dislodge the clog. When the water begins to empty, flush the toilet a couple of times to clear it out completely.
When Should You Call in the Professionals?
There are some clogs that no amount of at-home attention will correct. That is when you require the experts at Bayside Plumbing to come in.
Problems that are out of your control and need you to call in reinforcements might be when you have tried the DIY methods, are nervous about damage to your toilet or pipes, if your toilet clogs regularly, or your toilet is gurgling when you have not flushed it. If this is your situation, call an emergency plumber immediately.
The plumbers at Bayside Plumbing are reliable, friendly, and professional. They have over four decades of experience and are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Give them a call today to help with all plumbing issues and repairs! From construction plumbing , strata plumbing projects, to bathroom renovations !
See our wide range of plumbing blogs that provide helpful tips and industry insights.