Dealing with a clogged toilet is not fun. But don’t worry, there are easy steps to fix it yourself. You won’t need to call a plumber. This guide will show you how to check, stop, and fix the problem.
You’ll read about using a toilet plunger and toilet snake. Plus, we’ll talk about homemade drain cleaners. By using these methods, you’ll beat even the hardest toilet clogs. Just get the right tools and put in some work, and you won’t need a plumber.
Key Takeaways
- Clogged toilets can be fixed at home using DIY techniques
- A toilet plunger and toilet snake are essential tools for unclogging
- Homemade drain cleaners can be effective for tough clogs
- Proper maintenance and habits can help prevent future toilet clogs
- Addressing clogs promptly can save you time and money
What to Do When a Toilet is Clogged
If your toilet’s clogged, stay calm. It’s important to check things first. Look if it’s flushing right. Before trying to fix it, make sure it’s safe.
Here’s how to stop a big mess. Close the flapper or the water valve. Then, get ready by putting towels down. This stops water from spreading.
Got something big stuck? Try to grab it with gloves. You might fix it fast. But if there’s a weird smell like gas, be careful. Open a window and call a plumber. A sewer problem could be serious.
Some clogs might go away on their own. But it’s best to deal with it early. These steps help you see what’s wrong, stop a flood, and get ready to fix it.
How to Plunge a Toilet
Knowing how to plunge a toilet is key for unclogging drains. Start by picking a good plunger. Look for one with a ball or a rubber flange. With water high enough, put the plunger in the toilet and move it up and down quickly.
Submerge the Plunger
Make sure there’s plenty of water in the toilet. This helps the plunger work better.
Plunge Rapidly and Repeatedly
Once the plunger is in, move it up and down fast. Do this twelve times. You might need to plunge more than once to clear the clog. Keep a strong seal with the plunger.
Flush and Repeat if Necessary
Flush the toilet after plunging. If it’s still blocked, plunge again. Do this until the clog is gone.
Clean the Plunger
After, clean the plunger well with soap and water. This makes sure it’s ready for next time.
How to Fix a Clogged Toilet With a Snake
A toilet auger is great when a plunger can’t do the job. It’s also called a plumbing snake. First, carefully put the end of the auger cable into the toilet. Be sure not to harm the bowl.
Feed the Auger Cable
Slowly put the auger cable into the drain without hurting the toilet. Push the cable down, looking for anything that may be blocking the way.
Crank and Push the Auger
When the cable gets to the clog, turn the auger handle clockwise. And push the auger into the pipe. Try to remove or break the blockage with it. Push hard but smoothly.
Retrieve the Auger
If you’ve caught the clog, pull the auger out carefully, taking the blockage with it. Watch out for water or debris that might follow the auger out.
Clean the Auger
Always clean the toilet auger well after use. This keeps it working well and stops germs from spreading.
Use a straight wire hanger or a garden hose if you don’t have a professional auger. But know, these may not work as well.
Use a Drain Cleaner
When a plunger and auger don’t work, try chemical drain cleaners. They are good for tough clogs.
Commercial enzyme-based products dissolve clogs well. Just follow the instructions.
You can also mix baking soda, vinegar, and hot water at home. Let it sit overnight in the toilet. Then flush it in the morning.
But be careful, chemical drain cleaners are strong. They can harm you and the pipes.
Avoiding Toilet Clogs
Preventing toilet clogs is key to saving time and trouble. Watch how much toilet paper you use. Also, be careful about what you flush.
Limit Toilet Paper Usage
Use just enough toilet paper. Too much can clog your drains. Use only what you need.
Flush Only Appropriate Items
Flush only human waste and toilet paper. Don’t flush paper towels, sanitary products, or “flushable” wipes. These things can block your toilet.
Keep Water Jets Clean
The water jets clean your toilet when you flush. Mineral build-up can clog them. Clean the jets often to avoid problems.
Toilet Maintenance Tips
Keeping your toilet clean is very important. It helps stop clogs from happening. If you have a septic tank, be careful with what you use. Some products can hurt the tank. Always read and follow the safety instructions when using chemical drain cleaners. Make sure to wear protection.
Consider Septic Tank Safety
Think about your septic tank safety when fixing a clog. Strong chemicals might harm it. Only use them if needed. And follow the rules on the labels.
Follow Chemical Safety Precautions
If you still use a chemical, do it safely. Put on gloves and protection for your eyes. Make sure the place is not closed off. Always read how to use it safely on the bottle. This keeps you safe from chemical hazards when unclogging the toilet.
Address Clogs Promptly
Don’t wait if your toilet is clogged. Fix it quickly to avoid a big mess. Water overflows can be unhealthy. Fast action stops these troubles.
Avoid Solidifying Substances
Be careful about what you flush. Grease or wax easily block pipes. They cause problems later. So, please don’t flush them.
Avoid Flushable Wipes
Flushable wipes are not good for toilets. Even if they say they are safe, they can block pipes. It’s better to throw them in the trash. This keeps your toilet happy.
By doing these tips, you can keep your toilet working well. Fix issues quickly, use chemicals with care, and watch what goes down the drain.
Conclusion
Clogged toilets are frustrating but can be fixed at home. You don’t always need a plumber. Just follow this guide. Use a plunger or a snake to clear the clog.
You should also use drain cleaners if necessary. It’s good to avoid clogs by using less paper. And remember, only flush the right things.
So, with the right steps, you can fix your toilet. You don’t have to spend money on a plumber.
FAQ
How do I assess a clogged toilet?
First, check if the toilet is flushing properly. If not, take immediate steps to prevent overflow. Do this by closing the toilet flapper or turning off the water supply. Place towels or newspapers around the toilet in case of splashing. If the clog is caused by a solid object, try to remove it by hand with rubber gloves.
If you notice a gas smell, open the bathroom window. Then call a plumber, as a sewer issue may be causing the problem.
What is the proper way to plunge a toilet?
Use a heavy-duty plunger with a ball-shaped head or rubber flange. These are more effective than standard plungers. Make sure there’s enough water in the bowl. Then, place the plunger over the hole and plunge rapidly up and down while keeping a seal.
This process may need many plunges to work. Flush the toilet to check if the clog is gone. Repeat if needed. Always clean the plunger after use.
How do I use a toilet auger or snake to unclog a toilet?
Feed the auger cable into the toilet, being careful not to scratch the bowl. Crank the handle clockwise and push the auger into the pipe to grab or break the clog. If you catch the clog, carefully pull out the auger. Clean it before putting it away.
If you don’t have an auger, a straightened wire clothes hanger or garden hose can work. But they’re not as good.
When should I use a chemical drain cleaner for a clogged toilet?
Use commercial enzyme-based products to clear solid waste as the label says. You can also make drain cleaner with baking soda, vinegar, and hot water. Let it sit overnight before flushing. Chemical drain cleaners work, but they’re dangerous. Be careful and try other methods before calling a plumber.
How can I prevent toilet clogs in the future?
Use only as much toilet paper as you need to avoid blockages. Flush only human waste and toilet paper. Don’t flush paper towels, sanitary products, or wipes, even if they say they’re “flushable.” Keep the toilet rim’s water jets clean to avoid clogs.
What are some important toilet maintenance tips?
For those with septic systems, be careful because some chemicals harm it. Always follow the safety steps with chemical cleaners and wear gear. Address clogs quickly to prevent worse issues and health problems. Never flush items like grease, wax, or “flushable” wipes, which can cause blockages.