How to Clear a Clogged Toilet on Your Own
Clogged toilets can be a real nuisance. Not only do they make you spend more time in the bathroom, but they can also lead to expensive repairs if you don't take care of them quickly. But thankfully, there are some ways to clear a clogged toilet on your own without the need to call a plumber.
Plunger Method: Using a plunger can be one of the best ways to unclog your toilet. You'll want to find a plunger with an extension on the end, which will create a seal between it and the drain. This will make the process of plunging more effective, and most clogs will go away after you've been plunging for about 15 to 20 times.
Dish Soap and Hot Water: Using dish soap and hot water can help get your clogged toilet moving again. This is a great way to try to get rid of a clog before you need to call a plumber, and it's much cheaper than calling a professional.
Liquid Soap and Hot Water: Another inexpensive option to try is liquid soap, which can loosen the buildup of scum and debris in your toilet. This is a good solution to use if you're trying to unclog your toilet in a guest room or at someone else's house.
Plumbing Snake: Using a plumbing snake is another inexpensive method to try to unclog your toilet. This works particularly well for clogs caused by soft waste, such as toothpaste or milk. Place one end of the snake into the toilet drain, and push down until you feel a blockage.
If you're having trouble getting the snake to work, you can try feeding the flexible end into the clog and twisting it a little. The twisting motion can loosen the clog, and sometimes it will break it up.
Vinegar and Baking Soda Mixture: Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the toilet bowl, followed by a cup of baking soda. This will cause the mixture to bubble excessively, so you'll need to remove the excess water before flushing.
Sewer Line Clog: The most serious type of clog is a sewer line clog. This is a clog in your home's main sewer line, which carries waste from your household drains and toilets to your municipal sewage removal lines. The problem is that the waste can't travel up the sewer line, so it clogs and backs up your toilet.
Boiling Water and Soap: If your clog is from soft waste, you can often unclog it with boiling water and some soap. Just don't use too much soap, since it can cause the porcelain on your toilet to crack and crumble.
The soap will act as a lubricant, helping to grease the clog and dislodge it. Once you've poured the soap and hot water into your toilet, wait a few minutes before flushing.
If your clog is from a hard object, you may need to call a plumber. But if you have a plumbing snake, you can usually unclog your toilet with a little bit of effort.
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