When you’re faced with a clogged toilet, it’s important to know the right things to do to keep you from landing in more problems, smelly mess and costly repairs. A clogged toilet is one of the most common home plumbing issues that almost every household is likely to encounter at one point or another. While it appears simple to fix, there are correct methods that can break down the clog in an instant while there are also wrong methods that can aggravate it further. Being aware of the following do’s and don’ts will allow you to face this nasty but inevitable home emergency with confidence and competence.
Knowing what to do when confronted with a clogged toilet is just as important as knowing what NOT to do, so read on for the Do’s and Don’ts of Unclogging a Toilet…
Don’t Panic:
First of all, don’t panic when you see that the water level in your toilet bowl increases or has risen higher than normal. It is critical to act quickly and accurately, and not in a frenzied rush, but in the moment most people find that all reason is lost! If water is rising to a danger level near the top, switch off the supply of water to the toilet, which is generally at the back of the toilet or either side. This will hopefully stop any spilling over while permitting you to find the origin of the trouble before you end up in a watery nightmare. Additionally, make sure to have plenty of spare towels and a mop nearby to scrub any water spillage till the clogging is resolved.
Do Have An Appropriate Plunger At Hand:
Your friend is your plunger and should be your first-line option. Use a flange plunger for toilets, not the flat sink plunger. The flange, or longer rubber lip, is better suited for the toilet drain and seals more effectively. Plunge only if there’s enough water in the bowl to cover the rubber cup of the plunger completely. This provides adequate suction and raises your success rate. Position the plunger over the drain hole and push it downward with some energy before pulling it back up in a swift motion, maintaining the seal along the way. Repeat this several times in succession as tenacity quite often is the key.
Don’t Be Too Heavy Handed:
Plunging isn’t really an issue of force and pressure so much as a matter of mechanical finesse instead, using the idea of applying alternating pressure and suction that will force the clog on through. Plunge slowly at first to prevent splashing and gradually increase to firmer plunging if necessary. After a series of forceful plunges, lift the plunger and observe whether or not the water drains freely. If this is the case, flush the toilet to test and see if water flow has been restored and whether the clog has been released. There can be numerous attempts required, so do not worry if the first ones fail.
Do Use Proper Fluids
Hot water and dish soap can work for quite small clogs. Put enough dish soap (such as fairy liquid) in the toilet to coat the inside surface, then dump over it a big bucket of hot (not boiling) water from waist level. The soap’s lubricating properties and the water’s pressure could dislodge the clog. Wait a few minutes before flushing. This less vigorous approach is ideal for clogs created by organic debris rather than solid objects. Vinegar and baking soda form another effective homemade solution. Pour one cup of baking soda down into the toilet bowl and add one cup of vinegar afterward. The chemical reaction that occurs causes bubbling which has the ability to dissolve organic material creating the toilet clog. Allow it to sit for at least 20 minutes, or overnight for tougher clogs, before flushing. This is an eco-friendly and chemical-free method of unclogging and won’t harm your plumbing system.
Don’t Automatically Reach for Chemicals
Try your best not to use chemical drain cleaners in toilets. Tempting as they are with their claimed ease of use, the products will crack porcelain, end up damaging your pipes, and create hazardous conditions if they fail to remove the clog and require additional intervention. The chemicals in drain cleaners are also unsafe if splashed on your skin or into your eyes. In addition, mixing various drain cleaners gives rise to toxic gases with possible serious health effects.
Don’t Use MakeShift Tools
Do not use temporary tools such as coat hangers to try to block a clog. They will scratch or damage the porcelain finish of your toilet. Such temporary tools will also force the clog deeper into the pipe and be harder to extract. Do not apply too much pressure when plunging, either, since this will break the seal that exists between the toilet and the floor, causing leaks and even more costly repairs.
Do Remember Prevention Is Better Than Cure:
Never flush more than the regular amount of toilet paper or non-flushables that are a huge element of making toilets clog, mainly because most of them are not toilet-friendly! “Flushable wipes” are terrible, even though they are marketed as “flushable wipes” and labeled as such on the packaging, they do not break down like toilet paper. Cotton balls, paper towels, cleaning supplies, dental floss, and feminine hygiene items need to be flushed never. Disposing of them properly by the household members can save them from future clogs and nightmares in the toilet. Preventive maintenance is still the best solution for preventing clogs in toilets. Having a small waste basket in your bathroom with a lid is a great convenience to have an easy way to dispose of non-flushables. Most clogged toilets can be quickly and easily repaired with the right tools and knowledge, hence saving you money and time keeping this MOST important home appliance running.
If repeated tries with different unblocking techniques have failed to unclog your toilet, now is the time to call a professional plumber. Frequent clogging may be a sign of an issue within your plumbing that requires the professional equipment and technical knowledge of a professional plumber. Warning signs that you should call an expert are repeated incidents of clogging, more than one fixture being clogged, water flowing in reverse into other drains, or odd gurgling noises through pipes.