Homeowners sometimes feel the need to call a plumber every time a toilet gets clogged. It can be an inconvenience. It can interrupt everyday activities. But what if you can solve the problem without a plumber?
Having a clogged toilet is a common problem in every house. It is easy to solve the problem of how to unblock toilet at home. This article focuses on the different ways to unclog a toilet without wasting time and money on a plumber.
Key Takeaways
-A clogged toilet can be removed with simple DIY techniques.
-Common household items can be used to fix the problem.
-There is no need to call a plumber for minor clogs.
-Adequate maintenance can eliminate blockages in future.
-DIY solutions save on costs.
Understanding Toilet Blockages
Blockages in a toilet can be particularly frustrating. Blocked toilets can be an inconvenience to homeowners and can disrupt daily activities.
Common Causes of Toilet Clogs
Clogs in the toilet can happen when a person flushes too much toilet paper, waste is built up and foreign objects are flushed down the toilet. These causes can lead to different types of clogs and can cause partial or complete blockages to solve the problem of how to unblock toilet at home.
Blocked Toilet Signs
The signs of a blocked toilet are pretty clear to recognize. Looking for signs of water not going down properly or water coming upwards after a flush can indicate a blockage.
Unblocking Safely
Unclogging a toilet can pose some risks that can worsen a blockage. Having proper equipment for removal is a good start, but to increase safety, having a good mask to block out any rancid smells and eliminating any coming sewage pathogens is a good idea.
Unblocking a Toilet Yourself
Toilets may be blocked and pose serious inconveniences. Having the proper mindset and tools to counter any blockage can be achieved in a couple of steps. Taking these safety measures I have described, you should be ready to tackle a blockage.
If you’re one of those who are looking for the answer to the question of how to unblock toilet at home, here is the answer.
Essential Tools for Toilet Unblocking
Before starting, it’s important to have the right first. The most basic and most needed tool is a plunger, which is appropriately used for most standard toilet unclogging tasks. When the toilet passages are more difficult, a toilet auger or snake becomes important. Having hot water, dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar can also assist your alternative methods, which can save time and effort if the plunger is ineffective.
Using a Plunger Effectively
Toilets and plungers go together. When preparing, the bowl should be filled with enough water to also cover the plunger’s rubber edge and seal. For standard clogs, plunge gently at first, then with more force, to create vacuum suction on the blocked area.
For Standard Clogs
With most clogs, a few plunges should be enough. Again, it most importantly involves the seal between the plunger and the toilet bowl.
For Stubborn Blockages
If the clog does not deflate near the first few plunges, that’s the time to focus more on any alternative methods, or simply force more on the plunger, as any suction used. Again, be careful the bowl water does not splash out.
Hot Water and Dish Soap Method
If the clog still doesn’t budge after the first two attempts, consider pouring hot water and dish soap into the toilet bowl. The soap will help dissolve the clog while the hot water can help dissolve the clog. After pouring the mixture, allow several minutes to pass before trying to flush again.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Method
Another effective approach is using baking soda and vinegar. Pour one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl and one cup of vinegar on top of that. The mixture needs to sit for several hours, if not overnight, before flushing. The chemical reaction produced should help relieve the clog.
Toilet Auger/Snake Method
If the clog is further down the drain lines, a toilet auger or a snake ought to do the work of removing the clog. Insert the auger into the toilet drain and turn it to break the clog.
When to Call a Professional
Instead of searching the web by writing, ‘how to unblock toilet at home’, and getting the answers that simply do not work, it’s time to call some professional. In other words, if all of the methods outlined above do not work, or if you simply don’t feel comfortable trying to remove the clog, it is time to call a plumber. Stubborn clogs could mean that there is a serious problem within the plumbing that needs to be resolved by a plumbing expert.
Conclusion: Preventative Measures to Stop Future Blocked Toilets
A working toilet needs to be maintained. Minimizing what you flush can help eliminate the chances of a blockage. Do not flush sanitary products, wet wipes, and excessive toilet paper.
Regular cleaning of the toilet and the surrounding area also helps. Scrub the toilet bowl to eliminate loose debris. Use a toilet cleaning product to help dissolve mineral layers and blockage-causing substances.
Using the DIY methods discussed in the prior sections, along with the preventive measures detailed in this segment, will help you maintain a functional toilet. Preventative maintenance saves you time, and possible plumbing, and helps you avoid blocked systems.
FAQ
What is the most common thing causing a blocked toilet?
A blocked toilet is most commonly the result of excessive toilet paper, blockage by other items, or waste accumulation.
How can you tell that a toilet is blocked?
A toilet is blocked when it is not flowing or flushing, or it is overflowing. If you experience any of these issues, you must act to resolve the blockage.
Before you attempt to unblock your toilet, you must wear gloves to avoid touching hazardous waste. Make sure the area is well-ventilated to avoid breathing in any noxious gases.
What are the most important tools to unclog a toilet?
Most important tools to unclog a toilet include a plunger, toilet auger/snake, hot water, dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar. With these tools you will be prepared to perform the unblocking toilet procedure.
When is it appropriate to call in a professional plumber to unclog the toilet?
If you have attempted the unblocking procedure and it continues to be clogged or you do not know the next step to take, call in a professional plumber. They will be able to identify the problem and fix the toilet quickly.
What can you do to stop toilet blockages in the future or how to unblock toilet at home in future?
In order to stop future toilet blockages, you must carry out regular maintenance and be conscious of every toilet you flush, perform toilet cleanings and be conscious of the amount of toilet paper you flush. Regular maintenance will keep your toilet in good working order.
Are toilet plungers safe for use on toilet systems having septic tanks?
Yes, toilet plungers can be used on toilet systems having septic tanks, but it should be done with caution so as not to harm the system. If in doubt, seek advice from an expert for the safest options.
Are there safe, environmentally friendly options for unclogging drains instead of using chemical cleaners?
Yes, safe environmentally friendly options to unclog drains include the use of baking soda and vinegar, which can also clear obstructions. These options are also safe for the plumbing and the ecosystem.
