A clogged toilet can be a major inconvenience and a source of frustration. But don’t worry, you don’t need to call a plumber every time you have a clog. With the right tools and a bit of know-how, you can unclog a toilet like a pro.
- Assess the Toilet Bowl:
Firstly, take a moment to assess the situation. Is the toilet bowl full or nearly full of water? If you find that the bowl is full, resist the urge to flush the toilet again. Flushing a full bowl may seem like the natural step to take, but it could lead to a disastrous overflow, turning a simple clog into a full-blown bathroom flood.
On the other hand, if the water level in the bowl is low, you might consider giving the toilet a flush to see if the clog resolves itself. Toilets are designed to handle certain blockages, and sometimes all it takes is a good flush to clear the path. However, keep a watchful eye as you do this. If you see the water rising in the bowl instead of going down, that’s a clear sign that you have a clog on your hands.
It’s also important to listen for any unusual sounds that might indicate the nature of the clog. Gurgling sounds, for example, could suggest that there is air trapped in the plumbing, which might require a different approach to unclogging.
- Protect Your Flooring:
Before attempting to unclog the toilet, it’s essential to protect your flooring. The process of unclogging can sometimes get messy, especially if the blockage causes water to overflow from the bowl. To prevent any potential damage or extra cleaning afterward, it is a good idea to place newspaper or old towels around the base of the toilet. These materials will absorb any water that might overflow during the unclogging process, safeguarding your floors from water damage or stains.
This step is also important because toilet water can be unsanitary and may contain bacteria that can be harmful to your health. By laying down newspaper or towels, you are creating a barrier that will help keep these germs away from your flooring, making the cleanup process much easier and more hygienic. In addition, if the blockage is severe and you need to use a plunger or a toilet auger, the protective layer will prevent any splashes from reaching your floors.
It’s also a good idea to wear rubber gloves and old clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty, as this will further protect you from any germs or bacteria present in the toilet water. Taking these precautions will make the unclogging process less stressful and will help to ensure that your flooring remains clean and undamaged. So, before you reach for the plunger or any other tool, take a moment to lay down some protection for your floors; your future self will thank you!
- Use a Plunger:
The first tool you should reach for when trying to unblock a toilet is a plunger. But not just any plunger, make sure you have a good-quality plunger with a flange on the bottom. The flange is specifically designed to fit into the toilet’s drain hole, creating a much more effective seal. Once you have your plunger, insert it into the toilet bowl, ensuring that you achieve a good seal around the drain hole. Push down on the plunger with force, and then pull up quickly. This action creates suction and pressure that can dislodge the clog. Repeat this push-and-pull motion until you notice the water in the toilet bowl starting to go down. This is a clear indication that the clog has been successfully cleared.
- Use a Toilet Auger:
If the plunger doesn’t resolve the problem, your next best bet is to try using a toilet auger, which is also commonly referred to as a plumbing snake. A toilet auger is a flexible cable that can be inserted into the toilet’s drain to physically break up a clog. To use the auger, insert the cable end into the toilet drain and turn the handle in a clockwise direction. When you start to feel some resistance, it means you have reached the clog. Continue turning the handle until you feel the clog give way, and the water in the toilet bowl begins to recede.
- Use a Chemical Drain Cleaner:
In the absence of a toilet auger, another option you can consider is a chemical drain cleaner. However, extreme caution is advised when using chemical drain cleaners, as they can potentially damage your plumbing if not used correctly. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. Additionally, ensure that you are wearing adequate protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, when handling any chemical cleaner.
- Call a Professional Plumber:
If you have exhausted all other options and the clog still remains, it’s time to call in the professionals. A professional plumber will possess the requisite tools and expertise necessary to effectively unclog the toilet and address any other underlying issues that might be contributing to the blockage.
- Prevent Future Clogs:
The most effective approach to dealing with toilet clogs is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Be mindful of what you are flushing down the toilet. The only items that should be going down your toilet are human waste and toilet paper. Anything else, including so-called “flushable” wipes, should be disposed of in a rubbish bin. Also, be mindful of the amount of toilet paper you are using, as flushing large wads of toilet paper can easily lead to a clogged drain.
Unclogging a toilet can be a dirty job, but it’s often something you can do yourself with the right tools and a bit of elbow grease. Start with a plunger and then move on to a toilet auger if necessary. If all else fails, it may be time to call a professional plumber. And remember, the best way to deal with toilet clogs is to prevent them from happening in the first place by being mindful of what you flush down the toilet.