How Do I Unclog A Toilet?

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A clogged toilet can be a considerable inconvenience, but they are pretty common. Having a backed toilet can be a huge problem when you live in a room with one bathroom or when your house is full of guests. Trying to unclog a toilet will be your priority in these situations.

Your first instinct is to keep flushing. But it is only going to flood your toilet. There are a number of different methods that you can try to fix the toilet clog on your own. You do not always need to call a plumber to fix the situation. But you need to know how to unclog the toilet without damaging it. Read on to learn how you can do it without any help.

WHAT CAUSES YOUR TOILET TO CLOG?

There are several reasons why your toilet may get clogged. The most common culprits are wastes, objects, toys, napkins, sanitary products, or toilet paper getting stuck in the drain. When you look under your kitchen or bathroom sink, you’ll find a bend that carries water and waste. This p-trap is also present in the porcelain that makes up your toilet. So, when you flush, you move the clog through the bend. When there is some object that gets stuck there, chances are your toilet will get clogged.

HOW TO UNCLOG THE TOILET USING A PLUNGER?

The best way to unclog a toilet is by using a flange plunger. These are made specifically for your toilet. This plunger contains a rubber flap called ‘flange’ under the rubber cup. These allow you to create a much tighter seal into your toilet’s bowl than a conventional plunger.

  • Before inserting the plunger into the toilet, ensure water covers the cup of the plunger.
  • Now, insert the plunger to cover the entire opening of the toiler trap and create a seal. You’ll need to maintain this seal throughout the plunging.
  • Push the plunger forcefully down to drive the cup down and drive the flange into the drain. Again, pull the cup back up to reset. Keep repeating the motion repeatedly and steadily, but not forcefully, for about 30 seconds.
  • Break the seal and remove the plunger. If you hear a gurgling sound coming from the drain and nearly all the water has drained from the bowl, the clog has probably cleared.
  • If the water hasn’t drained, repeat the entire plunging process a few more times. Ensure you add or bail water as required before you start again.

We recommend trying plunging about 5-6 times. Plunging for too long can damage the toilet as some clogging might be too stubborn to be fixed with a simple plunger.

HOW TO UNCLOG USING A TOILET SNAKE?

A drain snake is a long metal cable that you can wind down the drain till the stuck material is forced to pass through, or you can grab it.

  • Set the end of the drain snake into the toilet bowl down into the drain.
  • Keep rotating the handle clockwise while you send the cable into the drain till it is entirely through.
  • Now, retract the cable by turning the handle anti-clockwise to either pull out or break up the clog.
  • Once the cable is retracted completely, and the clog is removed, the water level will return to normal.
  • Flush the toilet to ensure the toilet is draining correctly again.
  • Clean the drain snake after use and keep it away.

Toilet snakes have a protective rubber coating around the metal so that it does not damage the porcelain of your toilet. So, avoid using a wire coat hanger instead of a toilet snake.

WHEN TO CALL A PROFESSIONAL PLUMBER?

In most cases, plunging and using a toilet snake is all it takes to clear the clog. But, if you are dealing with a stubborn clog and it won’t budge, it’s best to call a plumber. They might be expensive, but they can help quickly put your bathroom back in service, even if there is some major blockage.

If you’d like to learn more about how can I tell if I need a water line repaired or replaced?

Click here, if you’d like to learn more about general plumbing.

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