How to Unblock Your Toilet
Unblock your toilet by using household items that are usually already in the home. Put on rubber or disposable gloves, and bail out as much water from the toilet as possible.
A wire coat hanger or plumbing drain’snake’ can be used to hook a blockage and pull it up through the waste pipe. MJFRICK plumbing company method for removing hair blockages or other organic material that will break down.
Plunger
The plunger is the most common and effective tool for clearing toilet blockages. Start with a few gentle pushes to eliminate air and gradually increase the amount of pressure you apply. It may take several plunge cycles before the clog is dislodged.
Before you begin, place old towels and newspapers around the toilet bowl to protect your floors from any overflow or splashes. You should also put on rubber gloves.
If you don’t have a plunger, a wire coat hanger can be used to create a makeshift hook or poker. Medina recommends using this method on organic waste, such as tampons, baby wipes, nappies and food scraps. This will allow you to reach the obstruction and either push or pull it free. If this doesn’t work, try a drain snake or an auger, which has a steel cable and crank that can get further down the pipe to grab the clog. For more serious blockages, you can try a homemade cleaner made from baking soda and vinegar.
Wire Hanger
If the plunger isn’t working or if you need something to try quickly because you know someone will be calling the plumber soon, a wire hanger can help you unblock your toilet. It’s cheap, easy to find and works well.
To use the hanger, start by unwinding it and bending one end to create a hook. Then insert it into your drain, twisting it around if needed to dislodge the blockage. You can also wrap the hook with a piece of cloth to prevent scratches on your porcelain.
If you are successful, the water in your toilet should slowly reduce and a flush should work. If not, it’s time to call the plumber! If you are experiencing frequent clogs, it’s worth looking at your plumbing system and possibly investing in a drain snake to avoid damage. Also, installing a pedal bin next to your toilet for non-flushable items will help, as will educating your household on what shouldn’t be flushed.
Baking Soda & Vinegar
A clogged toilet is the result of too much waste and can be hard to remove without the right tools. It’s important to only let toilet paper, human waste, and toilet paper rags go down the drain, avoiding materials like cotton wool and wet wipes which can damage your pipes.
You can try a natural, cheap, and effective method of unblocking your toilet by using vinegar and baking soda. This is a safe alternative to chemical drain cleaners and works well in most cases.
Sprinkle half a cup of baking soda into your toilet bowl, then pour in one cup of vinegar. The mixture will fizz, so it’s best to be careful not to spill it on yourself or the floor. Wait for at least 20 minutes to give the mixture time to break down a stubborn blockage. After the 20 minutes, flush the toilet with hot water. Repeat if necessary. If you still have a clogged toilet, you may need to use the plunger or a snake.
Dish Soap
If you’re stuck without a plunger and have a minor blockage, dish soap can help unblock your toilet. Pour about a half-cup of liquid dish soap into the toilet, using a brand with grease-loosening additives for maximum effectiveness.
While you’re waiting for the dish soap to work, boil a pot or bucket of hot water on the stove (not boiling, as this can cause your porcelain toilet bowl to crack). When the clog is softened by the dish soap and lubricated by the hot water, it should be easier to dislodge with a wire hanger or drain auger.
Once the clog has been removed, flush your toilet and use the plunger or drain snake as needed. This should take care of most minor clogs, but if the problem persists or worsens, call your emergency plumber right away. This will prevent the clog from reoccurring and save you the embarrassment of having to deal with another backed-up, overflowing toilet.
