Here at On-Deck Plumbing, we understand that few things are as frustrating or gross as a clogged toilet. While there are some cases in which your best option is to call a plumber, we understand that most people prefer to try DIY solutions to this problem first, as it is often a fairly simple fix. In this article, we’ll go over three methods of dealing with a clogged toilet. If none of them work, you can call our team at any time to get the professional assistance you need.
- Use a Plunger. The first way you can deal with a clogged toilet is to use a plunger. Insert the plunger into the bowl and make sure it seals over the hole. Pump the plunger, pushing down slowly, then pulling up sharply to disturb and loosen the clog. This process might take a little while, but as long as there is no hard object creating the block, plunging alone is often enough to do the job.
- Use or Make a Drain Cleaner. Another method you can use to deal with a clogged toilet is to buy a drain cleaner or make your own. You can improvise your own drain cleaner using a combination of hot water, baking soda, and vinegar to loosen the clog. Use a kettle or pot to heat half a gallon of water. While you wait for the water to heat up, pour one cup baking soda and two cups vinegar into the toilet bowl, which will create a chemical reaction that will help loosen the clog. Pour in the hot water, and let this mixture stand overnight. If your toilet still won’t flush in the morning, call our team at On-Deck Plumbing to come check it out.
- Use a Plumbing Snake. A third method you can use to clear up a clogged drain is to insert a plumbing snake. This tool is a flexible wire coil that can “snake” through your pipes to reach the obstruction and loosen it or break it up. Feed in the snake until you feel an obstruction, then start twisting the snake to break the blockage into smaller pieces that can drain through the pipes.
We at On-Deck Plumbing hope that this article helps you deal with clogged toilets more effectively in the future. Of course, these methods may not work for more severe problems, but fortunately, you can call our team for professional assistance in the event that your own efforts are ineffective.