Toilet clogs happen to the best of us and are just a sad fact of life. And while A Better Plumber will always be here for you, this is usually a job you can fix on your own. Required supplies are a couple household items and a little bit of smarts, which we are here to give you.
1: Taking the Plunge
If you don’t currently own a plunger, a clogged toilet is a sign from the universe telling you it’s time to go make the investment. Should your toilet overflow, having that plunger handy can keep you from having to deal with a flooded bathroom. Take advantage of this rare shopping opportunity to choose a durable rubber plunger with a flange, which is more effective in toilet plunging.
To be sure you get a good seal, spread a little petroleum jelly on the rim of the plunger. Make sure you get a nice tight fit at the bottom of the bowl, and be sure that the top of the rubber on the plunger is completely submerged. If you need to, add more water to the bowl. Without splashing, plunge with some vigor, and with some effort and luck, you will be flushing normally in a matter of minutes.
2: Volcano Method
We promise, it won’t actually erupt – but the ingredients used in model volcano magic (vinegar and baking soda) also make a fantastic toilet de-clogger and cleaner. It is far gentler and cheaper on your plumbing and wallet than traditional chemical cleaners, and as an added bonus you probably have the key ingredients in your cupboard right now.
To make this magic work, boil a large pot of water, then let it to cool for about five minutes. Pour a cup of baking soda in your toilet bowl, followed by two cups white vinegar. Slowly add in the water, being extra careful not to overflow the bowl, and let the mixture work its magic for a couple hours. If the mixtures proves to be tougher than your clog, you are back in the flushing business.
3: Getting Slippery
Similar to our volcano method, you can use liquid dish soap to move things along. Just like the volcano, boil a large pot of water and let it cool for just a couple minutes. While you wait, pour a generous helping of liquid dish soap into your bowl and let it settle on the bottom.
Pour in your water, making sure to hold it at least a foot above the bowl. You want the water to force everything through your soaped-up exit. With some luck, the clog will slide right down and out.
4: The Snake
Should you happen to have a plumbing snake, you have everything you need to tackle even the most stubborn of clogs. There are a few variations between models, but the general concept is the same: push the loose flexible end of the snake into the toilet drain until you come in contact with your clog, twist the handle of the snake to dislodge and break up the obstruction.
Be careful to not use a snake that is too large for your particular toilet, and be patient when bringing out the flexible end. If you try to remove it too quickly, you could end up flinging dirty poop water all over your bathroom, and then you have more cleaning to do.
5: Call a Professional
If any or all of these methods fail you, or if you just don’t want to deal with the clog yourself, you can always give us a call at 301-278-8786 and we will handle the dirty work for you.
