Easy Ways to Unclog a Toilet
A clogged toilet is not only an inconvenience but a major source of water damage for any homeowner. It is important to try to unclog it before the water level rises and it causes a bigger problem. Below are some easy ways to attempt to unclog a toilet with common household items.
Plunger: A toilet plunger looks similar to a sink plunger, but has a longer handle and a black rubber cup instead of a white one. To effectively unclog a toilet with a plunger, make sure that the cup is covering the hole at the bottom of the toilet bowl. Then plunge up and down vigorously, making sure the cup always stays in contact with the hole. This process should create a vacuum that pulls up the clog, flushing the toilet and removing it in an instant.
Wire Coat Hanger: A wire coat hanger can also be used to attempt to unclog a toilet. Take an old coat hanger and uncoil it. Straighten out the hanger as best as you can and then bend the end into a hook. Push the hook into the toilet drain and attempt to hook the clog. If you manage to hook it, give the hanger a firm pull to pull the clog out of the toilet.
Vinegar and Baking Soda: If the clog is still stubbornly in place, you can use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to try to clear it. Pour one cup of vinegar and one cup of baking soda into the toilet, making sure to avoid any bulky clogs in the process. Allow the mixture to sit for about an hour, before pouring a bucket of hot water into the toilet and flushing. The hot water should lubricate any clogs and the vinegar and baking soda should help break down any organic materials stuck on them, which will make them easier to remove.
Home Remedies for Unclogging a Toilet
For those who want to avoid using harsh chemicals, there are several natural home remedies that can be used to attempt to unclog a toilet.
Boiling Water: Boiling water is a great natural way to break down and loosen a stubborn clog. Fill a pot with water, bring it to a boil and carefully pour a few tumblers of boiling water into the toilet. Be careful not to pour it too quickly or it could splatter. Then move to the next steps.
Washing Up Liquid and Hot Water: Fill a pot with hot water and add a few squirts of ordinary washing up liquid. Carefully pour the mixture into the toilet, just like when pouring boiling water. The soap should help the clog dissolve, which will make it easier to flush away.
Salt and Baking Soda: Another great home remedy for a stubborn clog is to mix one cup of salt with one cup of baking soda, then pour the mixture into the toilet. Allow it to sit for a few hours, then pour a bucket of hot water into the toilet and flush. This should help dissolve the clog and flush it away.
Best Ways to Unclog a Toilet
Regardless of the method used, all attempts to unclog a toilet should be approached with extreme caution. When using a plunger, wire coat hanger or any other tool, make sure not to force anything down the drain as this could cause further damage. In addition, be sure to wear protective gear such as gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself against splashing water and other potential hazards associated with attempting to unclog a toilet.
The best way to unclog a toilet is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Blockage in the toilet often occurs when toilet paper or non-flushable items are flushed down the toilet. For this reason, it is important to educate all members of the household on what is and isn’t safe to flush down the toilet and to use a mesh filter to help prevent items from entering the toilet in the first place.
In the event that a toilet does become clogged, the steps above provide easy and safe ways to attempt to unclog it. If none of these remedies or suggestions ameliorate the situation, then it may be best to seek professional help from a qualified local plumber.
