4 Fast Ways to Fix a Clogged Toilet
Uh oh... you've flushed the toilet, but the water just keeps rising. You start to sweat as the water level reaches dangerously close to the top of the bowl. What now? You need a solution, and you need one fast.
Before you start to panic, try these fast and easy ways to unclog a toilet.
Use a Plunger
If you need to unclog a toilet fast, one of the best methods is to use a plunger. You'll want to make sure that you have the right size plunger for the toilet, as this will increase your chances of success. Place the plunger over the drain, ensuring that it forms a tight seal. Once secure, push the handle up and down in a vigorous pumping motion several times until you feel resistance, indicating that you have created suction within the pipe. After several pumps, hold pressure on the plunger while quickly lifting it off of the drain opening. This sudden change of pressure should help to loosen any blockage in your pipes.
Try Baking Soda & Vinegar
If plunging does not work, try mixing together one part baking soda to two parts vinegar in a large cup. Pour this mixture down the toilet and wait for 15-20 minutes before trying to flush again. The combination of baking soda and vinegar can help break down tough clogs while being gentle on pipes at the same time.
Pour Hot Water Into the Bowl
Unclogging a toilet with hot water is an effective and quick way to get things flowing again. Pour a few gallons of hot (but not boiling!) water into the toilet bowl from a bucket or pot. Pour from about waist level so that the falling water can concentrate pressure on the toilet drain. The hot water will help break up and dislodge any blockages in the drain or pipe.
If this doesn't work, it may be necessary to use an auger or plumber's snake—a long flexible piece of metal tubing—to further unclog your toilet by breaking up whatever material is lodged in there.
Use an Augur
A toilet auger is an invaluable tool when it comes to dealing with blocked or clogged toilets. With the right technique and some patience, a user can successfully unblock a toilet using a toilet auger. Here's how:
- Put on protective equipment such as rubber gloves and safety glasses before starting the process.
- Inspect the toilet for potential blockages and remove any visible debris or obstructions with a pair of pliers or tongs.
- Detach the water supply hose from the back of the toilet, if necessary, to reduce pressure in the system and make clearing easier.
- Insert one end of the auger into the bowl opening and rotate it counterclockwise to begin feeding it into the pipe until resistance is felt (this indicates that there is something blocking your path).
- Gently turn the handle of your auger clockwise while pushing it further down towards the obstruction until you hit resistance again. At this stage, stop rotating and apply more pressure while turning slowly to try to break through any tough clogs or debris that may be lodged in your pipes.
- Once you've cleared out all of the blockage, slowly pull out your auger from the bowl opening taking care not to leave any pieces behind inside of your pipes (if necessary use a flashlight to check inside).
- Reattach the water supply hose back onto toilet bowl and flush several times in order to ensure that all obstructions have been cleared.
Have DIY Toilet Unclogging Methods Failed? It's Time to Call a Plumber.
For more serious toilet clogs, such as those caused by tree roots or other objects, you may need to call a plumber instead. A professional can inspect your plumbing system using specialized tools and techniques to clear away any debris blocking your pipes without damaging them in the process.
If you need fast help clearing a blocked toilet in the South San Francisco Bay area, Miracle Plumbing has your back. Call (408) 882-1505 now to request an appointment.