It’s happened to all of us at one time or another. You go to the bathroom and do your flush, but instead of the water going down, the toilet starts bubbling up like a volcano about to erupt. You quickly realize that you’ve got a clogged toilet on your hands.
Clogged toilets are not only frustrating but can be also embarrassing. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t worry – we’re here to help. In this article, we will discuss unclogging a toilet, and you’ll discover all the fundamental strategies for unclogging a toilet when nothing else seems to work.
The Best Ways to Unclog a Toilet When Nothing Else Seems to Work
When a toilet becomes clogged, it can be extremely frustrating. Clogged toilets can also be embarrassing, especially if you have guests over when it happens. If you’ve tried to unclog your toilet and nothing seems to be working, don’t despair. There are still some things you can try to get your toilet unclogged and working properly again.
1. Use A Plunger
A cup plunger is a perfect tool for unclogging compact and corner toilets. When we look at plungers, normally they have two kinds of design.
It’s up to you which one you’ll choose based on your budget.
The plunger is easy to Use:
1st Step: Wear the Gloves
The first thing you want to do is to put on rubber gloves, this is to protect yourself from the toilet water which might splash on your hands
2nd Step: Grab the Plunger
Get the plunger by the handle and insert its rubber part into the toilet bowl until you achieve a totally airtight vacuum.
3rd Step: Start Pushing Down
Then begin pushing down the plunger slowly while gradually adding more force.
4th Step: Pull Out the Plunger
Do this repeatedly until you achieve a stronger vacuum, then pull out the plunger entirely.
The blockage should easily loosen after you pull out the plunger, allowing everything to flow down the drain.
Subsequent flushes should be smoother and easier. But this simple method might not work depending on the nature of the plug you have.
2. Use a Baking Soda and Vinegar Mixture
If you’ve tried plunging and it doesn’t seem to be doing the trick, don’t worry- there are other ways to unclog a toilet. One effective (and inexpensive) method is using a baking soda and vinegar mixture.
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Gather your materials.
You’ll need vinegar, baking soda, water, and a cup or bowl.
Step 2: Mix the baking soda and water.
Pour one cup of baking soda into the bowl, then add two cups of water. Stir until the baking soda is dissolved.
Step 3: Pour the Mixture & Add Vinegar:
Pour the mixture into the toilet bowl. Add the vinegar. Pour two cups of vinegar into the bowl.
Step 4: Wait a few minutes, then flush the toilet.
The chemical reaction between the baking soda and vinegar will help to loosen the stuck materials, and the water should be able to flow freely again.
3. Unclog-Toilet Using a Plumbing Snake
If your toilet is clogged and nothing seems to be working, don’t worry. There are still a few things you can try to unclog your toilet.
One option is to use a plumbing snake, also known as a closet auger. This is a flexible wire that can be inserted into the toilet to try to push the clog out of the way.
To use a plumbing snake:
Step 1: Put on rubber gloves to avoid getting splashed by water. Insert one end of the plumbing snake into the toilet.
Step 2: Push down on the snake until you feel resistance, then twist it and continue pushing until you feel that the clog has been moved out of the way.
Step 3: Flush the toilet to see if the water flows freely. If it does, then the clog is gone. If not, repeat steps 2 and 3 until the clog is gone.
If a plumbing snake doesn’t work, you may need to call a professional plumber.
4. Use an Enzyme Product
If your toilet is clogged and nothing seems to be working, you may want to try using an enzyme product. Enzyme products work by liquefying solid organic waste in toilets, making it easier for water to flow through the drain.
To use an enzyme product,
Step 1: Read the Product Instructions
Read the product instructions so that you understand how to use it.
Step 2: Pour the Enzyme Product
Next, pour the suggested amount of enzyme product into the toilet bowl and wait a few minutes for it to take effect on the clog.
Step 3: Try to Flush
Finally, flush your toilet to see if the organic waste has been broken down and the water can now flow through the drain.
5. Use the Chemical Drain Cleaner to Bust the Clog up
If you’re struggling to unclog your toilet, you may need to resort to using a chemical drain cleaner. These products can be easily found online and usually work by softening any solid materials that are causing the blockage. However, it’s important to be aware that they can also be toxic to both humans and animals, so take caution when using them.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE:
FOR CLOGS IN PIPES, TOILETS, SINKS, TUBS & SHOWERS:
Step 1: Pour Green Gobbler down the drain.
Step 2: Wait 15-30 minutes for Green Gobbler to work its magic!
Step 3: Flush with hot water. Repeat steps 1-3 if necessary.
FOR SEPTIC SYSTEMS OR GARBAGE DISPOSALS: Use only ½ bottle per application.
6. Contact a Plumber
If you have tried all of the above tips and your toilet is still clogged, you may need to call a professional plumber. In some cases, the problem may require the removal of the entire toilet. Keep in mind that you may not have the right tools for the task, and calling a plumber can save you from wasting time.
Toilet Clog Prevention: How You Can Prevent Toilet Clogging
A clogged toilet is a very common issue that homeowners face. There are a variety of things that can cause your toilet to become clogged.
The most effective way to prevent toilet blocks is to avoid clogging them in the first place. Here are some ways to keep your toilet from becoming clogged:
1. Practice Mindful Flushing
The best way to prevent clogs is to be mindful of what you flush. You should only flush toilet paper and things that come from your body. You can make a list of things that shouldn’t be flushed and hang it in your bathroom so you’ll always know what not to flush.
2. Use the Double-Flush
If you’re having trouble getting your toilet to flush properly, you may want to try the double-flush method. This simply means flushing the toilet twice in quick succession. First, flush as normal and then throw the tissue paper into the bowl. Second, flush again to make sure the tissue paper goes deep down the drain.
3. Trace the “Roots”
If you often find yourself dealing with a clogged toilet, it may be due to tree roots affecting the main sewer line. When tree roots grow underground, they can reach and penetrate pipes. As they continue to grow, they can cause clogs that may lead to overflowing or slow-flowing drains. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to call a reputable plumber for an initial inspection. Thereafter, regular maintenance may be necessary to prevent tree roots from causing future problems.
4. Use a Drain Cover
Another way to prevent a clogged toilet is to use a drain cover. This will catch any debris that may fall into the toilet and cause a clog. It’s a good idea to check the drain cover regularly and clean it as needed.
5. Regular Cleaning a Must
Cleaning your toilet regularly is important for several reasons. It helps you spot potential leaks faster. It can help prevent clogs from forming in the first place. It makes your toilet look nicer!
6. Conduct Inspections Twice a Year
Conducting an inspection of your toilet twice a year can help prevent clogs and other issues. By inspecting the key components of your toilet, you can ensure that everything is functioning properly. You may also need to install upgrades or replace some fixtures during your inspection. If you have an old toilet, replacing it may be more economical in the long run.
Conclusion
Although there are a few different methods you can try to unclog your toilet, if nothing seems to be working, it may be time to call a professional plumber. Plumbers have the tools and expertise necessary to fix clogged toilets quickly and efficiently. Keep in mind that some problems may require the removal of the entire toilet, so don’t hesitate to contact a plumber if you’re struggling to unclog your toilet on your own.
FAQs
Q: What is a plumbing snake?
A: A plumbing snake is a flexible wire that can be inserted into the toilet to try to push the clog out of the way.
Q: What is an enzyme product?
A: Enzyme products work by liquefying solid organic waste in toilets, making it easier for water to flow through the drain.
Q: What is a chemical drain cleaner?
A: Chemical drain cleaners are products that can be easily found online and usually work by softening any solid materials that are causing the blockage.
Q: What should I do if my toilet is clogged and nothing seems to be working?
A: If your toilet is clogged and nothing seems to be working, you may want to try using a plumbing snake, an enzyme product, or a chemical drain cleaner. If you have tried all of these tips and your toilet is still clogged, you may need to call a professional plumber.
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