Having difficulties unclogging a toilet? Not all backed up toilets will require a call to your plumber. Almost all clogged toilets can be fixed by you, with little to no cost. Here are a few tips to help you unclogging a toilet.
Tips To Unclogging A Toilet
Unclogging a Toilet Mechanically: Usually you will be successful unclogging a toilet simply with a plunger. Try utilizing a force-ball plunger first. If that does not remove the blockage, you will want to try a snake or toilet auger. These are a bit of a pain to use, but at least can be rented hourly at your local tool rental or hardware store.
Unclogging a Toilet With Chemicals: For more stubborn blockages, you may need to resort to using chemicals. I would advise using common household chemicals first before choosing the more expensive, and possibly damaging, commercial drain cleaning products designed for unclogging a toilet.
First, empty the toilet bowl of water with a cup. Just leave enough in the bottom of the toilet bowl to cover a force-ball plunger. Squirt about 1/4 cup of dish detergent into the bowl and allow it to sit there. Pour 1 gallon of boiling water carefully into the bowl. Wait 10-20 minutes. The dish soap you added earlier will help lubricate the now hopefully disolving blockage. Plunge approximately 10 times to ensure the drain is completely cleared, and then flush.
Commercial Products: Always read the instructions of any commercially prepared drain cleaner. Rubber gloves and a mask are also advised. Add the recommended amount of cleaner into your toilet bowl and wait the allotted amount of time. Continue plunging until the drain blockage either dissolves or breaks free. Be sure to also keep following the directions provided and even when dealing with a stubborn blockage, never use more than their recommended amount.
If your problems persist, it’s now time to call an toilet unclogging expert in your area.
