Nothing can be more annoying than a blocked toilet. It might be ‘just’ an inconvenience or lead to serious trouble if you don’t clear it quickly. And while some problems can be fixed without professional help, others require professional help. In this article, we discuss some effective ways to clear your toilet clogging problems. But if this is a recurring issue in your home or business, it might be time to search for plumbers in Portland, Oregon.
Use a Plunger
First, try plunging into the toilet. Plungers create a vacuum that sucks up water and dislodges debris blocking your toilet’s passage. To plunge your toilet, fill the plunger with water, place it over the drain hole in your toilet bowl, then push down on the plunger until it creates suction. Lift slowly and repeat until the blockage is removed.
Use Enzyme Product
Enzymes work by breaking down the matter that’s clogging your toilet. They’re a natural way to clean your drain and are safe for septic and sewer systems. Add the enzyme product to the toilet bowl and let it sit for at least 24 hours (preferably longer).
Then, flush the toilet and see if it works! If not, repeat this process until things are running smoothly again. If it still doesn’t work after multiple attempts with different products, call it quits on using chemicals.
Use Wet Vacuum
When you have a clogged toilet, the quickest and easiest way to unclog it is by using a wet vacuum. This tool looks like a long hose with a blower on one end, and it’s usually used for cleaning swimming pools or other large bodies of water.
Insert the vacuum hose directly into the toilet’s drain using an old towel as a sealant, then activate the vacuum. Keep the hose steady until the vacuum removes the obstruction.
Once finished using the wet vacuum cleaner and flushed your toilet, ensure you clean up any mess using a disinfectant.
Use Drain Cleaner
If you’re having trouble unclogging your toilet, try this simple recipe for a homemade drain cleaner. The ingredients are cheap and effective, and the process is easy for anyone to follow.
Try this simple trick if you have a clogged toilet and don’t want to call a plumber.
- Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl.
- Add 2 cups of vinegar to the toilet bowl and mix it with the baking soda.
- Add the 1/2 gallon hot water( the water should not be too hot as it may affect porcelain ).
- Let the mixture sit overnight.
- Flush your toilet, then run water through it until it runs clear.
Use Drain Snake
You can pick one up at any hardware store, which will help clear any blockage in your pipes. A drain snake is a long, flexible metal tool with a hook on one end and an augur on the other.
To use a drain snake, insert it into your toilet drain. Once it’s far enough in that you can turn it by hand, turn the augur clockwise until you feel resistance. Then, back off just a bit and turn counter-clockwise until there is no more resistance. It will remove any blockages that may block your pipes and allow water to flow.
Use Hot water and Dish Soap
If your toilet is clogged and you have tried plunging it with no success, you can unclog it with a combination of hot water and soap. It works on both hard and soft clogs. The hot water(let it not boil) will soften the clog, while the soap breaks the clog.
First, turn off the water valve to your toilet. Spray dishwashing liquid on the clog, then pour boiling water down the drain. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then flush out any residue with hot water until the bowl is empty again.
Use Chemical Cleaners
If you have a clogged toilet, you can use a chemical cleaner to unclog the toilet. Chemical cleaners come in different forms, including tablets and liquids. They work by breaking down the material causing the clog, allowing it to pass through the plumbing system.
You can purchase chemical drain cleaners at hardware and home improvement stores. Follow package directions carefully and avoid using chlorine, sodium hydroxide, or hydrochloric acid products.
Hair, toilet paper, and wet wipes are just some of the causes of toilet clogs and blockages. But fortunately, the solutions to fix these issues are relatively straightforward if you know what you’re looking for. Call a plumber if your toilet is still backing up and you’ve tried to unclog it. They can diagnose the problem and will determine the best course of action given your specific situation.