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Clogged Drains

The Hidden Dangers of Old Plumbing Systems in Older Homes

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A clogged toilet can be frustrating, especially when a plunger isn’t working. When this trusty plunger method isn’t getting rid of a stubborn toilet clog, it’s essential to know the alternative methods for unclogging a toilet. It’s crucial to address the issue promptly to avoid further damage to the plumbing system. Using the right tools, such as a plumbing snake or baking soda and vinegar, can help clear stubborn clogs in the toilet. Regular maintenance can help to prevent major clog issues as well. If you are finding that your toilet slowly drains or does not drain at all when it is flushed, there is probably a blockage that needs to be unclogged.

This article will go over five effective alternatives to using a toilet plunger when attempting to unclog a toilet in your home, as well as the causes of clogged toilets and when it is a good idea to call a plumber. DIY methods, including liquid dish soap and boiling water or a baking soda and vinegar mixture, can be effective in breaking down blockages in the toilet, but there are times when a stubborn toilet clog will need to be handled by a professional.

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Causes of Clogged Toilets

Before getting to the DIY solutions to unclog a toilet, it is important to understand how clogs can occur and, therefore, how to prevent them in the future. Understanding the causes of clogged toilets can help you take preventive measures and avoid costly repairs.

  • Excessive use of toilet paper is a common cause of clogged toilets. Too much toilet paper can accumulate in the pipes and cause a blockage.
  • Flushing items that shouldn’t be flushed, such as paper towels, wipes, feminine products, or cotton balls, can also lead to stubborn clogs. Kids flushing toys down the toilet can also be a common problem. Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed down a toilet.
  • A deeper clog can be caused by a variety of factors, including a blocked drainage pipe, a problem with the toilet tank, or something like tree root invasion in the sewer.

5 Alternative Methods to Unclog a Toilet

Before you begin any work to unclog your toilet, make sure you have the proper safety equipment, like rubber gloves, eye protection, and clean rags.

If you find a plunger is not working, make sure you are using it correctly. There should be enough water in the toilet; make sure you have a proper seal and plunge slowly. Flush the toilet after to see if the plunger was successful. If not, see the below methods to unclog a toilet.

Drain Snake

A plumbing snake, also known as a drain snake, is a useful tool for removing clogs that are deep in the pipes and that won’t come loose with a toilet plunger.

To use a plumbing snake, insert it into the drain hole of the toilet and gently push it through the pipe until you reach the clog. Once you’ve found the clog, rotate the snake to break it up and pull the cable back out to remove the clog from the pipe. A drain snake is an effective alternative to a toilet plunger and can be used to clear stubborn clogs, but you must use caution when handling it, as it can cause great damage to your pipes if not used properly.

Liquid Dish Soap and Boiling Water

Soap and hot water can work wonders to dissolve a stubborn clog in your toilet and can be the best solution to unclog your toilet if you are not comfortable using a plumber’s snake.

Be sure the toilet bowl is not overflowing with water before you begin, since you’ll be adding more water. make sure it is only filled about halfway. Start by pouring some dishwashing soap into the toilet bowl. Pour a pot of boiling water in after the dish soap and let it sit in the toilet bowl for around 5-10 minutes. Pour the hot water into the toilet bowl at waist height. The dish soap and hot water should work together to soften the clog and allow it to break down and free up the drain if it sits long enough.

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Before you begin any work to unclog your toilet, make sure you have the proper safety equipment, like rubber gloves, eye protection, and clean rags.

If you find a plunger is not working, make sure you are using it correctly. There should be enough water in the toilet; make sure you have a proper seal and plunge slowly. Flush the toilet after to see if the plunger was successful. If not, see the below methods to unclog a toilet.

Drain Snake

A plumbing snake, also known as a drain snake, is a useful tool for removing clogs that are deep in the pipes and that won’t come loose with a toilet plunger.

To use a plumbing snake, insert it into the drain hole of the toilet and gently push it through the pipe until you reach the clog. Once you’ve found the clog, rotate the snake to break it up and pull the cable back out to remove the clog from the pipe. A drain snake is an effective alternative to a toilet plunger and can be used to clear stubborn clogs, but you must use caution when handling it, as it can cause great damage to your pipes if not used properly.

Liquid Dish Soap and Boiling Water

Soap and hot water can work wonders to dissolve a stubborn clog in your toilet and can be the best solution to unclog your toilet if you are not comfortable using a plumber’s snake.

Be sure the toilet bowl is not overflowing with water before you begin, since you’ll be adding more water. make sure it is only filled about halfway. Start by pouring some dishwashing soap into the toilet bowl. Pour a pot of boiling water in after the dish soap and let it sit in the toilet bowl for around 5-10 minutes. Pour the hot water into the toilet bowl at waist height. The dish soap and hot water should work together to soften the clog and allow it to break down and free up the drain if it sits long enough.

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When Should You Call a Plumber For Clearing Clogs in Drain Pipes?

When you have tried all of the above methods and the toilet clog persists or keeps reappearing even after unclogging, then this is usually a sign that it is time to contact professional help. Flushing the toilet with things like soap and warm water or baking soda and vinegar can be extremely helpful, but they will be unable to help with major clogs or problems further along. A recurring toilet clog that you can’t reach could be a sign that there is an issue deeper in the pipe. Locate a trustworthy plumber in your area and have them come out to your home to take a look at the problem. If the issue is related to something like a broken sewer pipe or root intrusion, you will want plumbing system services right away to prevent things like leaks or sewage backups. When you suspect a sewer blockage from your clogged toilet, don’t hesitate—reach out to a professional right away.

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