One of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face is toilet blockages. Aside from causing inconvenience at home, it can lead to more severe and costly problems, like flooding or sewer backups, if unaddressed promptly and correctly. That’s why learning how to fix and prevent a clogged toilet is essential. Read on to learn more.
How to Unclog a Clogged Toilet
Dealing with a clogged toilet can be frustrating and intimidating, especially if you don’t know what the first thing to do is. For starters, here are some DIY fixes you can do:
- Use a Plunger
One of the simplest ways to unblock a clogged toilet is with a good old plunger. To use this tool, first, make sure there’s enough water in the bowl to submerge it. Then, position the plunger over the drain hole, ensuring you create a tight seal before pushing down gently to release air.
Plunge for 15-20 seconds until the suction dislodges the clog. Afterward, flush the toilet to check if it worked. If not, repeat the process until the toilet is flushing normally.
- Pour Hot Water
Sometimes, hot water can help loosen clogs or break down buildup blocking your toilet drain. So, consider this solution if you don’t have a plunger at home. After pouring hot water down the toilet, let it sit for a few minutes to see if the water starts to drain. Then, flush once or twice to see if the toilet’s draining as usual. Note, however, not to use boiling water, as it could damage your porcelain bowl.
- Add Baking Soda and Vinegar
For a more natural way to remove toilet clogs, you can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Pour one cup of baking soda into the toilet and wait a few minutes before following with two cups of vinegar. Allow the mixture to work for 30 minutes, then pour hot water to see if it drains.
- Try Dish Soap
Another way to get things moving in your blocked toilet is hot water and liquid dish soap. You only need to pour at least 1/4 cup of soap into the bowl and allow it to settle for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, slowly pour hot water and wait a while before flushing. This may do the trick if the clog is not severe.
- Call a Professional
If DIY solutions fail, or if the clogged toilet situation is something you can’t handle yourself, it’s best to call a plumber. They have the tools and expertise to address the problem, ensuring efficient and guaranteed solutions. Leaving the issue up to the experts also prevents errors that could result in more costly repairs or replacements.
How to Prevent a Clogged Toilet
While learning how to unclog a toilet is helpful, prevention is still better than any cure and will cause less stress. To avoid future occurrences or recurrences of this plumbing problem, here are some tips to remember:
- Limit Toilet Paper Use
Although toilet paper dissolves, it doesn’t do so instantly. So, using an excessive amount could cause a clog. Besides limiting toilet paper use, you can opt for a thinner, more easily biodegradable option.
- Be Mindful of What You Flush
Your toilet is only meant to carry waste, so avoid flushing foreign objects or substances, like grease, which could cause severe blockage. Cotton balls and swabs, feminine hygiene products, hair, and dental floss are only some of the items not meant to be flushed down the toilet.
- Keep the Toilet Lid Closed
While this may seem like a small detail, keeping your toilet lid closed reduces the chances of items or debris accidentally falling into the bowl and causing clogs. This is especially beneficial for families with small children or curious pets.
- Inspect Your Plumbing
Another way to prevent clogged toilets is through preventive maintenance. Routine inspections can help spot early warning signs of blockages before they worsen. While this is doable on your own, hiring a skilled professional can make a huge difference.
Consult a Reliable Plumbing Expert
A blocked toilet is a nuisance, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can effectively prevent and tackle this common plumbing problem. Still, persistent or severe clogs are best managed by a professional. Contact a reputable plumber near you for more clogged toilet tips and reliable plumbing services!