A clogged toilet is one of the top 5 most common plumbing problems. We’ve all been there. Knowing what to do when a toilet is clogged is a top concern of homeowners and businesses alike. It is a distasteful task but a necessary one.
A clogged toilet may happen for any number of reasons. You tried to flush too much toilet paper down and the water alarmingly is rising instead of going down. Maybe your child put a toy in the toilet and it’s lodged in the drain.
Sometimes you do not even know why your toilet is clogged. But if you know what to do when the toilet becomes clogged, you can solve this minor inconvenience before it becomes a major problem.
How to Unclog a Toilet Yourself
A clogged toilet is often a problem you can fix yourself. The most common method is to use a plunger. A plunger is a a tool used to clear blockages in drains and pipes. It consists of a rubber suction cup attached to a stick usually made of wood or plastic. A different bellows-like design also exists, usually constructed of plastic. Ideally you will always want to have a plunger in your home and it is convenient to have one per bathroom.
To unclog the toilet with a plunger, place the plunger in the toilet bowl over the hole and push it down gently to create a seal. Then pump the plunger up and down with some force, but be sure to keep the seal. Then pull up sharply, breaking the seal, and the water should flow down the drain.
If you don’t have a plunger, we recommend buying a beehive, bellows-style, or traditional flange plunger for use in these situations. All operate on the same basic principle and come in a variety of colors and styles.
If you don’t have a plunger, try these methods:
● Hot water: If the clog doesn’t seem too bad, try heating up a pot of water, but do not use boiling water. Boiling water could melt or crack the toilet bowl. Pour hot water from the waist level into the bowl. This will often help dislodge minor clogs.
● Dish soap: Dish soap can unclog a toilet by lubricating and loosening the clog. Pour about ¼ cup of dish soap into the bowl followed by a lot of hot, but not boiling, water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then try flushing.
● Baking soda and vinegar: The chemical reaction from mixing baking soda and vinegar should break apart the clog. Pour one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl. Then, add one cup of vinegar to the bowl. Close the toilet lid and let it sit for 10-20 minutes. It should bubble and froth- that means it’s working. Finally, pour hot water into the bowl and flush.
If none of these methods work or you simply are unsure if you want to mess with a clogged toilet, consider getting a plumber.
When to Call a Plumber
It’s also important to know when to call a plumber to properly solve the problem. Bring in the professionals for a clogged toilet when:
● The plunger and home solutions aren’t working
● The toilet is overflowing
● The toilet is clogged with a foreign object
● The toilet won’t stop running
● The sewer drain is leaking
If you have a serious clog or your toilet gets clogged often, call a professional plumber. They have specialized tools to deal with clogged toilets. They also have a wealth of knowledge and experience to recognize and resolve the problem. You do not want to damage your toilet, your pipes, or your bathroom by your own clumsy methods.
How to Avoid Clogged Toilets
Unless you have a more serious plumbing problem, clogged toilets are often avoidable. Try these tips to avoid the uncomfortable situation of a clogged toilet.
● Use less toilet paper
● Keep the toilet lid closed
● Don’t flush baby wipes or feminine hygiene products
● Don’t flush kitty litter
In general you do not want to treat your toilet as a garbage can. That means do not flush food or other foreign objects. Avoid flushing anything but human waste.
For help with clogged toilets, drain cleaning, leak repair, or any other plumbing services in the Baltimore area, call or text the experts at Ace Plumbing at (410) 207-7837.
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