Few things are more frustrating and, sometimes, embarrassing than a clogged toilet that wont flush.
Below, plumbing experts from Mr. Blue Plumbing will share all their DIY strategies forunclogging a toilet.
Theyll include standard methods with special tips, as well as some more unusual but highly effective solutions.
In this article
Common Methods
Below are some of the more typical methods for unclogging a toilet.
Youre probably familiar with these, but well include some tips to make them a bit more practical.
Plungers usually do the trick, but sometimes they fail to dump the clog.
One helpful tip is to use the correct jot down of plunger, which many homeowners fail to do.
If it doesnt, repeat the process.
This will clear almost any clog you have in your drain pipe.
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2.
In some cases, the downward force of an additional tank of water can flush the blockage sufficiently.
However, be careful only to try this once.
If your bowl is more than halfway full, flushing again could lead to an overflow.
Once this happens, you’re free to try using hot water instead of flushing again.
Heat up 10-12 cups of water on your stove, but dont bring it to a boil.
Boiling water can crack the cold porcelain when you dump it in the toilet.
The cascading water can help create enough force to flush the blockage.
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3.
Depending on whats causing the clog, time can be a satisfactory solution.
You should flush the toilet each time it gets low.
This will ensure the blockage material remains in contact with water and will deteriorate more quickly.
Sometimes, these dont work, and youre forced to try some alternatives.
Below are some less common approaches to clear a toilet clog that have a surprisingly high rate of success.
Soda is a surprisingly good acidic liquid that can break apart your clogged material.
Let this sit for about 30 minutes before attempting a flush.
This is an especially helpful solution if human waste or toilet paper is causing the clog.
In a large pot, mix together a cup of baking soda and two cups of white vinegar.
They should immediately start to foam up, so be ready to dump them into your toilet right away.
attempt to pour them directly into the hole in the bottom of the bowl.
Let the mixture sit in your pipes for about a half-hour to 45 minutes before flushing.
see to it the vacuum is set to blow, and then turn it on.
Have paper towels ready, or cover the bowl with plastic wrap while you work.
The pressure should push the clog down after just a few seconds.
Standard vacuums will not only not work but will also put you at risk of electrocution.
It usually has a handle at the top to spin the spring once its in the drain line.
Then, very gently rotate the handle two to three times before pulling the auger out.
Ideally, the spring will catch on the clogged material and drag the blockage out.
Its essential never to be forceful with the auger when inserting, pulling it out, or rotating it.
Start by making sure there is water in the bowl.
If the bowl is empty or dry, flush once to refill it.
You may need to release the plastic wrap and push again.
If the water starts to empty down the drain, its a good sign the makeshift plunger is working.
Feel free to flush again if the water level gets too low.
Enough force can be created using this method to push the blockage down toward the sewer main.
Simply add the amount you usually would to a full dishwasher directly into the bowl.
If there is little to no water in the toilet, flush once after adding the detergent.
Let the mixture sit for about an hour before attempting to flush again.
If the blockage is created by human waste or excess toilet paper, this method will be particularly helpful.
