A clogged toilet can be a frustrating and messy issue that severely affects the efficiency of household plumbing. But you don’t have to be thinking about toilet replacement right away. Understanding the causes and using the right tools can help resolve the problem quickly. Clogged toilets can be caused by the buildup of debris getting stuck in the pipes, but thankfully, you can attempt to access and dislodge these clogs in many ways.
Before beginning to unclog, remember to turn off the water supply by locating the shutoff valve near the base of the toilet and turning it clockwise. Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands from bacteria and other contaminants.
A plunger is the most common tool used to unclog a toilet, and it’s usually the first step people take in resolving the issue. Use a toilet plunger with a flange on the bottom, which should fit snugly in the toilet bowl hole. Make sure there is enough water in the bowl to cover the rubber part of the plunger. If there is not enough water to cover the plunger, pour some more in. Create a good seal around the toilet drain with the plunger and push slowly so that the air can dislodge the clog. Repeat the process if necessary, keeping a strong suction on the hole with the plunger as you push against the seal until the toilet is unclogged.
If a plunger doesn’t work, try using a closet auger (plumbing snake) to break up or pull out the clog. make sure to use a toilet auger specifically designed for toilet clogs to avoid damaging the bowl. Feed the snake into the toilet drain and rotate it as you push it further into the pipe. Break up or pull out the clog using the snake. Use caution, as handling a closet auger incorrectly can severely damage your drain.
If the plunger or auger methods don’t work, the clog may be tougher than usual, but you don’t necessarily have to call in professionals yet. You can try using a combination of baking soda and vinegar to dissolve the clog, which is a safe home method that can be extremely effective at breaking down a blockage in the drain without harming your plumbing. Just make sure you do not use this method after pouring chemical drain cleaners down your drain. Here are the steps:
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Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes over time, leading to things like water leaks. It is typically best to avoid them altogether if you can. An eco-friendly alternative, such as the baking soda and vinegar solution, will be much healthier for your plumbing. Bio-cleaners are also a better option since they use bacteria and enzymes to break down the blockage rather than harsh chemicals.
To prevent clogs from forming in the first place, there are a few steps you can regularly take to ensure you are maintaining your toilet drains. First, be mindful of how much toilet paper you use before flushing. Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Items like wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products can easily cause clogs. Use a toilet brush to regularly clean the inside of the toilet bowl and remove any visible debris.
If you’ve tried all of the methods listed above and are still unable to unclog your toilet, it’s time to call a professional plumber for assistance. A professional plumber can use specialized tools and techniques to clear stubborn clogs and prevent future issues. They will know how to unclog your plumbing the right way without causing damage to the bowl or tank. You can always call on professionals like John Owens Services to assist you with any toilet plumbing issues if you happen upon a stubborn blockage you need taken care of, no matter the size of the job. We can unclog and repair toilets in Santa Rosa for your bathroom plumbing fixture.
Our philosophy is simple, we always want to maintain equipment to give it the longest life possible. Next, we want to focus on repairing when something goes wrong. Then only as the last choice, we replace equipment when needed. That’s the John Owens Way.
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