One of the most common plumbing issues we deal with here at On-Deck Plumbing is clogged toilets. This problem can vary in severity, and in some cases it’s necessary to call a plumber, but in others it is possible to fix the clog yourself. In this article, we will go over a few ways to fix a clogged toilet.
- Plunger – When dealing with a clogged toilet, the first tool you should reach for is a plunger. Make sure you have a plunger with a flange designed for toilets, otherwise you won’t get an effective seal. Apply the plunger to the toilet drain, press down to create a seal, then pump vigorously until the clog is dislodged.
- Auger – Another tool you can use to fix a clogged toilet is called an auger, or snake. This is essentially a reel of cable with a curved hook at the end. It can reach further into your toilet pipes than a plunger, which makes it useful for dealing with clogs deeper in the plumbing. Simply unwind the cable into the toilet until it hits the clog, then turn the hook to catch the material, and finally pull it out. It may take a few attempts to break the clog into small enough pieces to allow the toilet to flush.
- Vinegar and Baking Soda – If you don’t have a plunger or auger on hand, you can try to fix a clogged toilet by using vinegar and baking soda. Add a cup of baking soda and then a cup of vinegar to your toilet bowl—the fizzy chemical reaction should agitate the clog and help dislodge it.
If none of these methods work for you, don’t hesitate to give our team a call for further assistance.