Clogged toilets are an issue every person experiences at some point in time. Fortunately, you don’t have to call a plumber right away! With this guide, you’ll learn how to unclog your toilet yourself and save money in the process. From simple DIY solutions to when it’s time to call for professional help, get ready to learn all the tips and tricks for taking care of your own plumbing needs.
What Causes a Toilet Clog?
Clogged toilets are one of the most common plumbing issues that homeowners encounter. The main culprits behind a blocked toilet are usually too much toilet paper, foreign objects, or even tree roots. In addition, a buildup of hair or soap residue can also cause a clog.
If you notice your toilet is taking longer than usual to flush, chances are there’s an obstruction in the line. Toilet flushing problems can also be caused by low water pressure or worn-out valves and parts. No matter the cause, it’s important to address clogs quickly as they can quickly cause major plumbing issues if left unchecked.
How to Unclog a Toilet Yourself
Before attempting to fix your toilet clog yourself, it’s important to assess the situation to determine what is causing the clog and how severe it is. You can do this by visually inspecting the toilet bowl and surrounding area. If you can clearly see a blockage in the bowl or if water is draining slowly out of the bowl, then you likely have a stubborn clog that needs to be removed. If there are no visible signs of a toilet clog, but you still have difficulty flushing, then there may be an issue further down the drainpipe that needs to be addressed by a professional plumber.
The first thing you should do is check the water level in the bowl. If it’s too low, it could be a sign that the clog is further down in the drainpipe and needs professional attention. To check the water level, take off the lid of your toilet tank and look inside. The water should be about an inch below the top of the overflow pipe. If it’s lower than this, you may have a clog further down in your plumbing system. In this case, you’ll need to call a professional Gig Harbor plumber to come and assess the situation and clear out any blockages.
If you’ve determined that the toilet clog is simply a blockage, then you can try some simple DIY solutions to unclog your toilet.
1. Use a Plunger
Using a plunger is easy and effective for most minor toilet clogs. Start by removing any standing water from the bowl with a cup or bucket. Then, place the plunger over the hole in the bottom of the bowl and make sure it has a good seal. Push down firmly on the handle and plunge up and down several times until you feel resistance (this means you’re breaking up whatever is blocking the flow). Finally, flush your toilet to see if it’s working properly.
2. Pour Hot Water and Dish Soap into the Toilet
If your plunger isn’t doing the trick, you may need to try something else to unclog your toilet. A simple mixture of hot water and dish soap can help break up stubborn clogs. All you need is a bucket of hot or boiling water and some dish soap. Pour the hot water into the bowl slowly and add a few squirts of dish soap, stirring it with a toilet bowl brush to mix it in. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then flush your toilet and see if the clog has been cleared.
3. Remove Toilet Obstruction with a Wire Hanger
If you can see an obstruction in your toilet drain hole, you may be able to remove it yourself using a wire hanger or rubber gloves. To do this, start by straightening out the wire hanger and creating a hook shape at the end. Then, carefully insert the hook into the drain hole and use it to snag whatever is blocking the pipe. If you’re having trouble with this method, try wearing rubber gloves – they’ll give you more control as you fish around for obstructions.
4. Feed a Toilet Auger into Your Drain
One of the most effective solutions to break up a toilet clog is to use an auger. An auger is a long, flexible tool designed specifically to break up clogs and clear out pipes. To use one, start by feeding the auger into your drain and then slowly winding it around the inside of the pipe. This will help to dislodge any blockages and allow water to flow freely again.
5. Combine Baking Soda and Vinegar
To use this method, first start by pouring one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl. Then add one cup of white vinegar and let it sit for about 20 minutes. After the time has passed, flush the toilet a few times to remove any remaining blockages.
When You Need to Call a Professional Plumber for Toilet Unclogging Help
If you still have a toilet clog after trying a few of the DIY home remedies for unclogging your toilet, it might be time to call in professional help. Experienced plumbers have the right equipment and skills to quickly identify the cause and clear away any debris that may be causing the blockage. They can also advise on any further actions that may be needed to prevent future issues.
South West Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, & Electric is the premier provider of plumbing services in Gig Harbor and the greater Tacoma area. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, our team of professionals is dedicated to offering superior service and quality workmanship on every project.
For unbeatable quality backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, contact South West Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, & Electric for all your plumbing needs!
