Every household faces this issue of having their toilet clogged at least once each year. And, it becomes essential to know how to unclog a toilet fast because it’s almost a case of emergency. If you have guests sleepover or party or you already have less number of toilets than required then this issue becomes the main headache of the day. And, if you call plumber or handyman, they’re not always available immediately, the once who are available will charge unreasonable amount because they know getting your toilet unclogged is an urgent situation for you.
So, if you yourself know how to unclog a toilet then it really takes out half of the worries because then, you don’t need to be depend on anyone, especially these opportunist professionals. And, the good news is that, it’s not that hard to learn how to unclog a toilet and you also, you don’t need any expensive tool. In this article, we will address the main issue of how to unclog a toilet and also cover what clogs a toilet so that you can avoid this problem altogether.
Why Toilets Get Clogged in the First Place
Toilets can get clogged due to few common reasons which are totally preventable –
- Flushing non-flushable items: Toilet papers are easily flushable but folded toilet paper or too much toilet paper can clog a toilet. Educate family members to avoid that. Strictly non-flushable items such as wet wipes, sanitary pads, paper towels, dental floss, cotton pads, are too common culprits of clogged toilets in houses. Make sure you or your family member is not accidentally trying to flush them.
- Kids can sometimes intentionally or accidentally flush down food items, chocolates, small toys etc. which can clog a toilet.
- Sometimes, the flush can itself be a problem. If you have weak flush then it can’t clear the toilet completely after each use even if it appears so from the front. Weak flush can either create this problem immediately or gradually.
- Many times, the problem is not improper usage or weak flushing. Many times, the problem is in toilet design. If it has too narrow opening, it won’t be able to clear itself out after each flush properly. If it has too wide opening, the flushing pressure loses its effectiveness.
- And sometimes, problem is on how the plumbing pipes are fitted. If they are too narrow or have lots of bends, then that can cause your toilet to clog again and again.
Safety First — What to Do Before You Start Unclogging
As we are moving to how to unclog your toilet from the next section, it’s important to cover the safety first. It’s important to take proper safety measure so that when you try to unclog your toilet, you won’t do more harm than good. So, make sure, you’ve done these preparation steps before taking acting to unclog your toilet –
- First and foremost, turn off the water supply so that on any accident, unlimited water supply won’t create draining issue.
- Protect your floor by putting some plastic sheet or old dirty clothes. It will make cleaning easier too.
- Turn on the ventilation and open both window & door.
- Now, wear safety gloves
Quick Fixes You Should Try First (No Tools Needed)
Currently, if you don’t have any tools, you won’t need it to assess the situation first. Many people were able to unclog their toilets in this assessment level itself. Try what’s already available at your home to unclog your toilet –
- Throw bucket full of water in the toilet. Aim in such a way that it won’t spill but it will directly hit the bottom of your toilet. Do it with momentum. This will give the maximum force for water to force unclog if there is some stopping the drainage.
- Get Hot water, Mix it with liquid soap and throw it in the toilet. Way for the water to slowly level down. Then, repeat the first step.
If there is a small resistance, it might have cleared itself. If the issue is not resolved, now it’s time to move next.
How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger
You might be thinking that now is the time to go buy a plunger to unclog a toilet. But wait, as we haven’t exhausted all our options here. There are still more effective ways that are cheap and worth trying. As the above method of hot water and liquid soap didn’t work to unclog your toilet, you can try another solution that has helped many people unclog their toilet.
- Mix vinegar and baking soda in hot water. It is very effective in removing any debris or any organic matter that has stuck in the exit pipes.
- You can also use a wire hanger. Unfold it to make is a thick, long metal wire. Now, shape it in a way that it can get to the depth of your toilets. It can help both release the stuck debris to either send it ahead or pull back.
How to Unclog a Toilet Using a Plunger
Now, if anything till this point didn’t help, you have to get a plunger to make it easier on how to unclog your toilet. There are many types and size of plungers, you need to choose the correct one according to your toilet.
Firstly, you can buy either Flange Plunger or Accordion Plunger but avoid Cup plunger, that’s for kitchen/bathroom sinks. Next, pick a size which lets the plunger fit on just above the smaller hole of toilet seat.
Now, put the plunger at the rim of smaller hole, press slowly and pull fast. Repeat it a few times and you’ll find the issue is resolved.
Using a Toilet Auger or Plumbing Snake for Tough Clogs
Now, if you still are not able to unclog your toilet then the issue is bigger than anticipated initially. Now, you need to get either Toilet Auger or Plumbing Snake which put external force to unclog your toilet.
Toilet auger has piston when released, send air shot or metal wire with high pressure that can help unclog a toilet. The method is very powerful. Next, if you can’t find toilet auger and have got plumbing snake, make sure to buy the mechanical ones with handles and not the electric ones. It has tough steel rod which slowly enters the toilet from entry point and make its way gradually inside by twisting and turning, and unclogging the toilet in process.
When You Should Call a Professional Plumber
If you’ve exhausted all the options and you’re still clueless about how to unclog your toilet. Then now, it’s best time to call a plumber as the issue is more severe and there is a strong possibility that it’s a plumbing issue and not the case of human error. Plumber can correct the issue within half an house if he has all the required tools available with him.
How to Prevent Future Toilet Clogs
To prevent future toilet clogs, make sure you stay mindful of what can clog a toilet. Just flush your toilet paper and no other object. Make a habit to regularly clean your toilet which can either catch the problem before it gets severe or it won’t let it get severe at the first place.
I hope this article help you unclog your toilet.
