Nobody likes a clogged toilet. Not only is it inconvenient, but it can also be embarrassing if guests are over. In this article, we will discuss seven ways on how to unclog a toilet without breaking a sweat. Some of these methods are simple and easy to do, while others may require a little more effort. But don’t worry – we have you covered!
What Causes A Clogged Toilet?
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There are a few things that can cause a toilet to become clogged:
Toilet paper:Â This is the most common cause of a clogged toilet. When too much toilet paper is used, it can form a blockage in the pipes.
Objects:Â Children often like to flush things down the toilet, such as toys or pieces of paper. These can become lodged in the pipes and cause a clog.
Hair:Â Hair can also fall into the toilet and cause a clog. This is especially true if you have long hair.
Grease:Â If you pour grease down the drain, it can solidify and cause a blockage.
How To Unclog a toilet
Here are ways you can unclog a toilet:
1. Use A Toilet Plunger
Although this tool may appear basic, it is still the most effective way to unclog a toilet. We recommend that all families have one of these and that they have one with a flange since they are best at unblocking toilets.
Place the plunger in the toilet bowl and push it down slowly when using this tool. The initial push is mainly to remove air from the toilet. Take care not to press too hard, or you might get dirty water on yourself.
Once you’ve got a decent seal, pump the plunger down and up firmly while maintaining the seal. Finally, jerk the tool upward quickly while breaking the air seal. The water should rush down the drain after you’ve done this.
2. Dish Soap And Boiling Water
If the plunger doesn’t do the trick, you can try this method.
Start by boiling a pot of water on the stove. Then, add a few drops of dish soap to the toilet bowl and let it sit for a minute. After that, carefully pour the hot water into the bowl and wait for it to work its way down the drain. The dish soap will help break up any grease or oil that may be causing the clog.
You should see results within minutes, but if not, you can repeat this process until it does work.
3. Baking Soda And Vinegar
This is similar to the previous method but with a different ratio of ingredients.
Start by mixing together one cup of baking soda with one-quarter cup of vinegar in a bowl. Then, pour this mixture into the toilet bowl and let it sit for half an hour before flushing. The baking soda will help break up the clog while the vinegar dissolves any grease or oil.
You should see results within minutes, but if not, you can repeat this process until it does work.
4. Use A Wire Coat Hanger
You can try this method if you don’t have any plungers or dish soap on hand.
Start by straightening out a wire hanger and then bending one end to create a small hook. While wearing rubber gloves, lower the hanger into the toilet bowl and fish around for the clog. Once you’ve found it, try to hook onto it and pull it out. If that doesn’t work, you can try breaking up the clog in the toilet trap with the hanger before pulling it out.
5. Toilet Snake
A drain snake is a tool that is specifically designed to unclog toilets. It is a long, flexible coil that you insert into the toilet bowl and then twist to break up the clog.
If you don’t have a plumbing snake on hand, you can try borrowing one from a friend or neighbor. Or, you can purchase one from a hardware store.
To use this tool, simply insert it into the toilet drain and twist it until you feel the clog break up. Then, pull it out and flush the toilet to see if the clog is gone. If not, repeat this process until it does work.
Tip: If your toilet’s water level rises after you flush it, lift the tank lid and position the rubber floater over the hole at the bottom to prevent more water from entering.
6. Use A Toilet Brush
This is the last resort method and should only be used if all other methods have failed.
Start by removing the toilet brush from the holder and then placing it in the toilet bowl. Next, use the brush to break up the clog as much as possible. Once you’ve done that, flush the toilet to see if the clog is gone. If not, repeat this process until it does work.
7. Contact A Plumber
If you’ve tried all of the above methods and none of them have worked, then you may need to contact a plumber.
Need A Plumber In Maryland?
If you’re in need of a professional plumber in Maryland, then look no further than MD Sewer & Plumbing. We have years of experience and can help you unclog your toilet. Contact us today to schedule a service call. We’ll have your toilet unclogged in no time!
