In this article, we will discuss how to unclog a toilet?
It’s normal to panic flush when your toilet clogs but get away from the flush lever. Although it’s sometimes our initial response, frequent, frenzied flushing will probably cause your toilet to overflow.
You may use several DIY techniques to unclog toilets without calling a professional. Put on a pair of rubber gloves before you begin. Also, make sure you know where the water source is in case you rapidly stop the water flow.
What causes clogs?
Before knowing how to unclog a toilet you have to learn actually what causes clogs. Similar to the drain in your kitchen sink, toilets may clog. Waste, an item, or even toilet paper can get stuck in the drain and are the typical offenders. You can find a pipe carrying away trash and water by looking under your kitchen or bathroom sink.
Imagine that when you are trying to flush the clog through to the toilet trap, you are trying to drive the clog down the bend. Exactly as the pressure of a flush does when your toilet is regularly operating. That similar shape is included in the porcelain that composes your toilet.
How do I start?
Watch out for a few things when you discover a blockage to prevent a problem. Never let the water level get higher than about halfway up the bowl, and keep it debris-free. When you flush, the toilet can gurgle or have trouble draining. Let’s talk about the worst-case scenario: you flush the toilet, and water begins to fill the bowl immediately.
Open the tank on the toilet’s rear and use your hand to close the flapper. The flapper will resemble a rubber cap covering a hole in a circular shape. Don’t worry if you’re worried that it will overflow. The chain might need to be unlatched to shut momentarily. The water will cease flowing until you flush it one more.
How to Unclog a Toilet
The finest and worst of times are both when toilets clog. Here’s how to unclog a toilet using basic supplies and tools.
1. Employ a plunger
It might seem simple to learn how to plunge a toilet, but there is a secret. Toilet plungers, often flange plungers, feature a large cup that seals the toilet’s opening and exerts pressure.
The basic cup plungers, which are significantly smaller, work well for small drain and sink blockages. Ensure you first get the appropriate plunger for a toilet.
It’s also important to have the proper volume of water in the tank. To prevent dirty water from spilling onto the floor, put on your rubber gloves and place a towel over the edge of the toilet.
Use a cup and bucket to remove some water if it reaches the rim carefully. If the bowl is empty, lightly press the flushing handle to discharge a small amount of water without fully depressing it and starting a flush.
2. Using Vinegar & Baking Soda
If the toilet routinely clogs due to attempting to flush too much waste. Hot water, baking soda, and vinegar mix may usually take the place of a professional drain cleaner. While you finish installing the toilet bowl, boil half a gallon of water and then set it aside to cool.
How to unclog a toilet:
- Add one cup of baking soda and let it rest for a while.
- Add two cups of vinegar next.
- Pour carefully to prevent your toilet from bursting from the frothy chemical reaction these two products induce.
- Give the mixture a few minutes to settle.
- Flush the toilet to determine if the obstruction has been removed.
1. Wire hanger usage
If you don’t have access to one, you may create your drain snake out of a wire coat hanger. Unwind the hanger until it is completely straight, excluding the hook.
Then, while wearing rubber gloves, slowly tilt the hanger down the drain until you reach the blockage. Wrap a small cloth around the hook to protect the porcelain from scratches or damage. Once the water drains, flush the toilet a few times to empty it.
2. Utilize your DIY skills
One of the most reliable do-it-yourself ways to unclog drains is to straighten a wire. It creates a homemade plumbing snake. If you have no other choices, you can utilize several household items to assist in unclogging a toilet.
You may also use a toilet brush to remove a clog quickly. Consider novel possibilities. DIY is often not the ideal choice for your toilet, but occasionally it is essential to take desperate measures.
3. Wet-vac the Clog to Remove It
Using a wet/dry vacuum to remove a clog may be quite effective, albeit this method should only use for the most severe blockages. Wear rubber gloves before starting. After that, to create suction, wrap an old towel around the vacuum hose and place it into the toilet drain.
Then, turn on the vacuum while maintaining a tight grip on the hose, and wait for the blockage to be cleaned out. Be careful to clean and sanitize the vacuum when you’re done. The only device with the special ability to unclog a toilet is a wet-dry vacuum. The use of a standard vacuum should not be attempted in this situation.
How to Avoid Clogging Toilets
We can all agree that inadvertent toilet clogs occur frequently, but there are steps you can take to lessen the likelihood of one. You should only flush toilet paper in the bathroom. The rest should be disposed of in the garbage.
Try doing just what is necessary with the toilet paper while at it. Another effective strategy to prevent clogs is to have a local plumber perform routine plumbing and toilet repair. They can let you know if a professional suspects leaks, poor water pressure, clogged vents, or even problems with the main water line.
Conclusion
Above mentioned tips on how to unclog a toilet is helpful for you. There are several non-messy ways to unclog your toilet using ordinary home products. You will need to consult a specialist to identify and resolve the problem if none of these solutions work for you.
It might be difficult to figure out how to unclog a toilet, particularly if one is overflowing. Your best option is to hire a professional to manage it properly the first time.
Also read: 6 Useful Hacks To Unclog Slow Drain Easily without Calling A Plumber