4 Ways to Unclog a Toilet
The toilet is one of the best inventions in any home until it clogs. But we don’t need to live in fear of toilet clogs. The first step to unclogging any toilet is to remain calm and follow these steps.
Another thing to note is where your toilet’s water supply valve is. Whenever it seems the water level is going to flow over the lip, shut the valve off to prevent a spill. You may have to bail out the water by hand, but that’s still better than mopping it up!
The Plunger
The most obvious solution is sometimes the best. If you have a plunger and the source of the clog is already within the pipes, plunging the water to dislodge the blockage makes sense. You may have to fill water into the bowl manually or by letting the toilet run. After plunging the water level down, flush to see if the clog is really gone.
Baking soda and vinegar
Who knew you could turn your toilet into a high school science fair volcano? One cup of baking soda and two cups of vinegar can create a strong enough chemical reaction that will cause carbon dioxide to bubble up past the clog. The key is taking enough water out of the bowl so you can pour most of the baking soda into the front of the U-bend. Then pour the vinegar in, wait until the reaction runs its course, then flush.
Soap and hot water
A little unconventional, but sometimes we’re desperate enough to try liquid soap and hot water to grease and push through a clog. This solution works better if you think the clog is not deep within the pipes. First put the soap around the bottom of the bowl, then pour in the hot water. The water should be almost boiling. You shouldn’t need more than two cups of it.
Coat hanger
As unpleasant as it sounds, sometimes unwinding or cutting a coat hanger to break up or fish out the clog is the best solution. This is especially true if the source of the clog is still in the bowl.
But sometimes you just can’t solve your plumbing issues by yourself. For those times call (219) 322-4906 to get in touch with Reichelt Plumbing, your family-owned plumbers servicing all of Northwest Indiana as well as South Cook County in Illinois.