How to fix a blocked toilet

Having a blocked toilet can be problematic especially if you live in a home that only has one bathroom. If you or your family are unable to use the toilet because it is blocked or malfunctioning, this can turn out to to be a very bad situation. You will likely want to get it remedied promptly. This article will provide a few tips to fixing a blocked toilet on your own.

If you are unsuccessful, calling a professional such as PlumbingForce is a good idea.

Use a plunger

The best way to begin fixing your clogged toilet is to put on some rubber gloves and take a plunger to it. Push in and slowly remove. The first few plunges should be gentle increasing your strength over time until you get to a quick and forceful motion. The suction and force should dislodge the clog and send it shooting down the pipe. Be patient as this may take some time and can require upwards of 20 plunges to begin to notice a difference. Be sure that you keep enough water in the bowl to help the plunger. If it is too dry, it could cause further problems. Another helpful tip is to keep some towels around the area so that you can clean up water that splashed out of the toilet while you were plunging.

Use a snake

You can purchase a snake at any hardware store and they can typically do the trick. To use a snake, you will spin the long wire or plastic into the drain. Turn the snake clockwise. The tip of the snake should dislodge the clog or if there is debri in the pipeline, it will coil itself around the snake.

Liquid plumber

If you notice that your toilet is getting clogged slowly over time but is still flushing, you may want to purchase a liquid plumber to clean out the clog before it gets so big that it is no longer a job that can be done by you alone. A liquid plumber is a toxic solution that is made of poisonous chemicals and can break down hair, soap scum, and other grime. Once you pour the liquid into the clogged toilet, you should let it sit for 30 minutes and then try to flush the toilet. You should notice that it flushes easier and quicker.

Homemade drain cleaner

The combination of hot water, baking soda and vinegar will often do the job as well as a commercial drain cleaner. Boil half a gallon of water, then let it cool for a moment while you add other ingredients to the toilet bowl. You must use at least half a gallon because small amount of water won’t work, since it won’t have enough force to push through the clog. The water must not be hotter than a hot tea you can drink comfortably. It should not be boiling, since very hot water can crack porcelain. The idea is to raise the temperature of the water passing around or pressing on the clog.

If these tips do not bring relief to the problem, it is imperative that you consult with a professional like toiletrated to diagnose the problem. It could be a problem in the sewer line such as a tree root or other item has found its way into the line which is blocking the flow of waste. It could also be that you may need to have a pipe repaired or a new toilet installed. Instead of guessing and trying to figure out the problem, call a professional. This is the best way to avoid further damage and incurring extra expenses.