A clogged toilet is one of the most frustrating and embarrassing problems that can happen in a household. It’s not only unpleasant, but it can also cause water damage and even pose a health hazard. While it’s tempting to call a professional plumber, you can save money and time by fixing the problem yourself. Fortunately, with the right tools and techniques, you can quickly and easily unclog your toilet and restore your peace of mind. In this article, we’ll cover seven proven methods and everything you need to know about how to unclog a toilet, from the causes of clogs to the best methods for unclogging them.
Causes of a Clogged Toilet
Before we dive into the methods, let’s explore the common causes of a clogged toilet. These include:
- Flushing non-degradable materials like wipes, paper towels, and sanitary products.
- Using too much toilet paper, which can build up and block the drain.
- Mineral build-up in pipes over time, which can create a blockage.
- Foreign objects accidentally dropped into the toilet, such as toys, toothbrushes, and jewelry.
How to Unclog a Toilet With The Plunger Method
The plunger is the most common and effective tool to unclog a toilet. Here’s how to do it:
- Put on gloves and place the plunger over the toilet’s drain hole.
- Push down firmly to create a seal and pump up and down quickly.
- Repeat the process several times until the clog clears.
- Flush the toilet to check if the water drains correctly.
How to Unclog a Toilet With The Toilet Auger Method
If the plunger method doesn’t work, you can use a toilet auger or snake to break up the blockage. Follow these steps:
- Insert the auger’s cable into the drain and slowly rotate the handle.
- Continue rotating the handle until you feel resistance.
- Move the cable back and forth to break up the clog.
- Flush the toilet to check if the water drains correctly.
How to Unclog a Toilet Using The Dish Soap Method
Dish soap can help loosen and break up clogs, making them easier to flush away. Follow these steps:
- Pour a cup of dish soap into the toilet bowl.
- Add hot water to the bowl until it’s nearly full.
- Wait for 30 minutes or more and let the soap work.
- Flush the toilet to check if the clog clears.
How to Unclog a Toilet With The Baking Soda and Vinegar Method
The baking soda and vinegar method can help break down clogs and remove them. Here’s how to do it:
- Pour one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl.
- Add two cups of vinegar to the bowl.
- Wait for 30 minutes or more and let the mixture work.
- Flush the toilet to check if the clog clears.
How to Unclog a Toilet Using The Wet/Dry Vacuum Method
If you have a wet/dry vacuum, you can use it to remove clogs. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the vacuum hose over the toilet’s drain.
- Turn on the vacuum and create a seal around the drain.
- Wait for a few seconds to create suction.
- Remove the hose and flush the toilet to check if the clog clears.
How to Unclog a Toilet With The Chemical Drain Cleaner Method
If all else fails, you can use a chemical drain cleaner. Follow the instructions carefully, as these cleaners can be hazardous if misused. Here’s how to do it:
- Pour the recommended amount of drain cleaner into the toilet bowl.
- Wait for the recommended amount of time, usually 30 minutes or more.
- Flush the toilet several times to ensure the clog clears.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips to prevent toilet clogs from happening in the future:
- Use less toilet paper and consider using a bidet attachment or wet wipes instead.
- Avoid flushing non-degradable materials like wipes, paper towels, and sanitary products.
- Clean the toilet regularly to prevent mineral build-up in pipes.
- Place a small waste bin in the bathroom for non-flushable items like cotton balls, Q-tips, and dental floss.
By following these tips and the methods outlined in this article, you can ensure your toilet remains clog-free and save yourself the headache of dealing with a messy and frustrating problem.
Conclusion
Clogged toilets are a common household problem, but they don’t have to be a headache. With these seven proven methods, you can quickly and easily unclog a toilet on your own without having to call a plumber. Remember to always wear gloves when handling any materials, and follow the instructions carefully. If one method doesn’t work, try another one until the clog clears. By doing so, you can save money, and time, and prevent future clogs by being mindful of what you flush down the toilet.