I. Introduction
A clogged toilet is a common household problem that can cause a great inconvenience and embarrassment. No one wants to deal with the mess and the smell that come along with it. However, knowing how to fix a clogged toilet can save you from the agony of having to wait for a professional plumber or paying a hefty fee for a simple fix. In this article, we will walk you through the 5 easy steps to fix a clogged toilet, as well as common causes of toilet clogs and how to prevent them, DIY solutions for when plungers won’t work, what your plumber wishes you knew about clogged toilets, and how to deal with a clogged toilet in a pinch.
II. 5 Easy Steps to Fix a Clogged Toilet
If you notice that your toilet is not flushing properly, here are the 5 easy steps to fix it:
Step 1: Stop the water flow
The first thing you need to do is to stop the water flow to the toilet bowl. You can do this by closing the toilet’s water supply valve located near the base of the toilet. If you can’t find the valve or it’s not working, you can manually stop the flow of water by raising the float arm in the tank to prevent more water from entering the bowl.
Step 2: Gather the necessary tools
Next, you will need to gather the necessary tools to fix the clog. The most important tool you need is a plunger. Make sure you have a good quality plunger with a flange or a lip that will form a tight seal around the drain hole. You can also use gloves and a bucket to protect yourself and your floor.
Step 3: Plunge the toilet
The next step is to use the plunger to clear the clog. Place the plunger over the drain hole in the bowl and push it down gently to create a seal. Then, using an up-and-down motion, push and pull the plunger vigorously to create suction that will dislodge the clog. You may need to repeat this several times until the water in the bowl starts to drain properly.
Step 4: Use a toilet auger (if necessary)
If plunging is not working, you may need to use a toilet auger. Insert the auger into the drain hole in the bowl and turn the handle clockwise to push it through the clog. Then, turn it counterclockwise to pull the clog out. Be careful not to scratch your toilet’s porcelain surface with the auger.
Step 5: Turn the water flow back on
Once the clog is cleared, turn the water flow back on and flush the toilet to make sure it drains properly. If the toilet still doesn’t flush properly, you may need to repeat the plunging or augering process, or call a professional plumber for further assistance.
III. Common Causes of Toilet Clogs and How to Prevent Them
To prevent toilet clogs from happening in the first place, it’s important to be aware of their common causes:
1. Excess toilet paper
Using too much toilet paper is one of the most common causes of toilet clogs. To prevent this, use fewer sheets of paper or consider switching to a high-quality, low-volume toilet paper that dissolves easily.
2. Flushing non-degradable items
Flushing non-degradable items such as wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, or paper towels down the toilet can cause clogs. To prevent this, dispose of these items properly by throwing them in the trash can instead of flushing them.
3. Foreign objects in the toilet
Accidentally dropping objects such as toys, jewelry, or small gadgets in the toilet can also cause a clog. To prevent this, keep these objects away from the toilet and educate your children about the proper use of this fixture.
IV. DIY Toilet Unclogging Solutions for When Plungers Won’t Work
If plunging doesn’t work, there are several alternative methods you can try:
1. Toilet auger
A toilet auger is a long, flexible rod with a corkscrew end that you can insert into the drain hole to break up and remove the clog. It works well for more stubborn clogs that plungers can’t handle.
2. Baking soda and vinegar
A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can help break up clogs that are caused by organic materials. Simply pour a cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then add hot water and flush.
3. Toilet snake
A toilet snake is a long, flexible metal wire that you can insert into the drain hole to break up and remove clogs. It’s similar to a toilet auger but more suitable for larger clogs.
V. What Your Plumber Wishes You Knew About Clogged Toilets
Professional plumbers have seen it all when it comes to clogged toilets. Here are some common mistakes homeowners make:
1. Overuse of chemicals
Chemical drain cleaners may seem like an easy fix, but they can actually do more harm than good. They can corrode your pipes and cause more damage than the clog itself.
2. Wrong type of tools
Using the wrong type of tool for the job can also cause more damage to your toilet. For example, using a plunger without a flange or a lip to create a seal around the drain hole won’t create the necessary suction to clear the clog.
3. Neglecting toilet maintenance
Regular toilet maintenance can prevent clogs from happening in the first place. Neglecting to do so can result in more frequent clogs and more serious problems in the future.
VI. How to Deal with a Clogged Toilet in a Pinch
If you don’t have traditional unclogging tools available, there are still ways to deal with a clogged toilet in a pinch:
1. Dish soap
Add a few drops of dish soap to the toilet bowl followed by hot water. Wait for a few minutes, then flush. The soap can help break up the clog and make it easier to flush away.
2. Wire hanger
Straighten out a wire hanger and insert it into the drain hole. Use gentle twisting and pushing motions to break up the clog and remove it. Be careful not to scratch your toilet bowl’s surface.
3. Other household items
You can also use other household items such as a wet-dry vacuum, a plastic bottle, or a rubber glove to deal with a clogged toilet. However, use caution and be mindful of potential damage or safety hazards.
VII. Conclusion
To prevent a clogged toilet from turning into a full-blown disaster, it’s important to know how to fix it. By following the 5 easy steps we’ve outlined in this article, as well as preventing common causes of toilet clogs, knowing alternative DIY solutions, and following expert tips, you can save yourself time, money, and most importantly, the embarrassment of a clogged toilet. So next time you encounter this common household problem, don’t panic and give it a try before calling in a professional plumber.
