Unclog Your Toilet so the Poop Goes Down
There is nothing as frustrating and annoying in life as the moment when you realize your toilet has been clogged. This problem does not only inconvenience you but at the same time can get messy. Attending to a clogged toilet probably is not the kind of thing to be found on your to-do list. You can ask a plumber with years of experience solving problems like this at Video Chat a Pro.Sometimes when this situation arises, we turn to our DIY plumbers to bail us out and get things to work properly. There are times even with the services of a plumber, the job is still not done. We can show you a few alternative tricks and options you can use whenever your toilet is clogged with or without a plunger. These methods will help you unclog your toilet.
Are you ready to try these methods out? One very important aspect of any of these methods is the fact that it is very essential that you have your gloves on because unclogging your toilet can be a very messy job. The following methods will help you understand how to unclog a toilet.
Before You Start
There are certain steps and precautions you need to follow if you want to avoid turning your bathroom into a dangerous wastewater flood. The very first and most important thing to do to unclog your toilet is to stop water from flowing into the toilet. Every toilet has a water valve that is located behind the tank. This is the valve you need to stop the water from flowing through. If you are unable to stop the flow of water through the tank, you can also stop it by tightening the flapper valve that is inside the water tank. It is very essential that you stop the flow of water to the toilet, whether you turn off the valve or tighten the flapper.How to Unclog a Toilet with a Plunger
The most recommended method for unclogging a toilet is to use a plunger. Plungers are inexpensive tools that are available at any hardware store and are specifically used in taking out most obstructions in toilets. Ask a plumber online for expert advice on your specific problem.A plunger is also called a force cup, plumber’s friend, or plumber’s helper. This is a device consisting of a handle with a rubber suction cup at one end, used as a force pump to free clogged drains and toilet traps. The plunger is a manual tool that unclogs blockages that obstruct the free flow of waste down the toilet drainage pipe. It is designed with a rubber oval cup that is attached to a long stick known as a shaft. This shaft is sometimes made with wood or plastic. Plungers are available in various qualities and sizes, but the design pattern is always the same. When using the regular plunger, you insert the plunger inside the clogged toilet, pushing it deep inside to force air into the drainage pipe to unclog it. Sometimes you might need to apply pressure while pushing down the plunger to create enough air force to unblock the pipe. You can use the plunger to force the blockage in the pipe by getting the oval-shaped rubber cup of the plunger to flatten inside the toilet. Do this by pushing down with force and then pulling it out in such a way that a vacuum is being created that helps to take out the clogging materials upward and displace the waste materials. If you tried this method to unclog your toilet and you still need plumbing help, contact Video Chat a Pro for guidance.
If the plunger fails to achieve your desired results, do not panic. There are several other alternative options to use that will still get the job done. Live chat a plumber at Video Chat a Pro for specific tips on unclogging toilets.
How to Unclog a Toilet Without Plunger Using Hot Water Mixed With Soap
There are times when the plunger tool method doesn’t work, but you can try other methods to achieve the desired result. No damage will be done to your toilet when you try these alternative methods of unclogging. Protect your hands with gloves before attempting this repair. When using the hot water and soap method, make sure that there is no water inside the toilet. Remove all water from the toilet, even if you need to do it manually.Heat a gallon of water on the stove to extremely hot but not boiling. Pour some dish soap into your toilet and pour the hot water into the toilet carefully. Wait for 10-15 minutes while the dish soap and hot water soften the clog. The combination of dish soap and hot water will cause a breakdown of any obstruction that might be blocking the pipes. If additional plumbing help is needed, try Video Chat a Pro.
USING BAKING SODA WITH VINEGAR
You can use equal amounts of baking soda and vinegar to unclog your toilet. First, make sure the toilet is about half full of water. Then add a cup of baking soda and gradually add a cup of vinegar. You will notice fizzing which should unblock any debris. Allow this mixture to remain in the toilet for at least 25 to 30 minutes, and then add hot water to completely unclog the drainage pipe. Video Chat a Pro offers plumbing assistance with a live chat plumber if you need more help.CREATING AND USING A DRAIN HANGER
There are various kinds of clogs that can block your toilet drainpipe. Some clogs are difficult to remove with any of the above methods and require a tool to forcefully remove them. The best tool to use to achieve this is a drainage hanger or a drainage snake. If you have a drain snake available, this might be the best method for removing a difficult clog. You can also create a DIY plunger by unraveling a wire hanger. Leave the hook on the end in place, and feed this down your toilet. Once you hit resistance, pull back. The hook should grab onto your clog and help loosen it.USING A TOILET BRUSH
Another method of unclogging a toilet is by using a toilet brush. Be sure to put on your gloves before attempting this method. Press the brush into the toilet as far as possible and pull it up and down, much like you would with a plunger. It could be enough to break apart any small clogs and solve your problem.
Toilet clogs happen occasionally, but if this happens often, there could be a more serious problem. If the toilet and pipes are old, it’s possible that they have gradually become coated over the years with debris, making it more difficult to drain properly. Ask a plumber online with Video Chat a Pro for their expert opinion in this case. Your toilet could be alerting you to the overall functioning of your plumbing system. When you notice that your toilet clogs up too frequently, your pipes could be at risk of leaking or bursting. Your pipes may be leaking without your knowledge, and a clogged toilet is a signal that you need to have your plumbing system checked by a licensed plumber. Get tips for plumbing at Video Chat a Pro to help decide if the problem is serious enough to contact a local plumbing contractor.