If your toilet won’t unclog and you don’t have enough money to pay a plumber, you may need to get under the hood and do it yourself. And since it’s uncertain that a plumber would show up on a Saturday night on very short notice, you need to arm yourself with some DIY skills for unclogging toilets.
If you have problems with your toilet and wondering whether there might be a way you can prevent it from occurring in the future, then search no further because we’ve got you!
DIY Tips If Your Toilet Won’t Unclog
Sometimes clearing a blockage is as simple as ramming the drain. However, some obstructions might require you to use a specialized auger to access your plumbing. Getting rid of clogs deep in the pipes can be challenging, and it can be costly to hire a professional plumber to help you. Here are some tips that will help you fix your clogged toilet.
1. Use A Plunger
This may seem very basic, but it is the best way to unblock a toilet. This is an essential tool that everyone should have, and it is best to buy one with a flange as it works best to unclog toilets. When using a plunger, place it in your bowl and press down gently to clear the obstruction. The first press is meant to stop the flow of air. However, be keen not to push too hard; otherwise, you may accidentally splash dirty toilet water on your body.
Once you establish a perfect seal, forcefully pull the plunger up and down while keeping the air seal. Then, pull the plunger very sharply upward while breaking the seal to allow air to pass out. You should hear the water splashing down the sewer line. Repeat the procedure until the clog is gone if the first attempt doesn’t clear the blockage.
2. The Snake
You can buy a toilet snake for about $25. It’s very convenient because it lets you easily remove a clog from the toilet. Moreover, you won’t have to buy any more chemicals. You can thread the small flexible snake thread through the drainage and wind the device around the bowl to remove clogs. It can be messy, but it’s much better than using your hands to remove a clog.
This is helpful if the blockage is deeper inside your toilet bowl. If that doesn’t work, try inserting the snake several times before calling a plumber. Please don’t use your clothes hanger as an alternative, as it will scratch the surface of the toilet bowl very severely.
3. Dish Soap and Hot Water
You can heat approximately one gallon of water. After the water becomes hot (but not boiling), pour some dish soap into the toilet bowl to loosen the clog. Wait 15-20 minutes until the mixture of hot water and dish soap starts to soften the clog and flush the toilet. Once you’ve done that, the toilet will clear up itself quickly.
4. Baking Soda and Vinegar
When your toilet won’t flush normally, and you don’t have a plunger, you can use household cleaning aids that are non-toxic, like vinegar and baking soda. You’re probably aware that baking soda and vinegar are excellent at cleaning many surfaces. They also deodorize well and help keep our pipes running smoothly.
First, pour two cups of white vinegar gently into your toilet. The baking soda and Vinegar will cause water to bubble and cause it to flow freely. Therefore, ensure you pour slowly and carefully to avoid any possible splashing or overflowing. Allow the vinegar and baking soda mixture to do its job for about 10 minutes.
You will need to flush the toilet several times to see if the clog has cleared. You might want to repeat the procedure until the clog is gone. When the water in your toilet starts to suction quickly, the clog will be cleared, and the water will start to drain naturally.
5. Household Bleach
The idea behind using bleach is to help break down the waste in your toilet. It works just as well as soap. Just replace the liquid dish soap with several cups of bleach and wait 5 minutes to see if the toilets become clear.
After 1 or 2 minutes, pour half a cup of powdered soap into the toilet bowl. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes before you flush your toilet. You’ll find this process is more effective if your toilet is clogged.
6. Hire a Plumber
Although all of the above tips can be simple and effective, at times, the clog won’t clear. If you’ve tried out everything and nothing worked, your case is severe. Consider hiring a highly trained plumber to unclog your toilet.
FAQs
What’s the best toilet liquid to unclog my bowl?
There are several top-notch toilet cleaning liquids you can buy online. Please see the listed below:
· Best Overall: Max Gel Remover
· Best For Removing Hair clogs: Liquid-Plumr Clog remover
· Best Enzymatic clog remover: Bio-clean
Can the toilet freely unclog itself?
Yes, sometimes clogged toilets usually go away after some time because there is enough pressure to cause the water to pass through. Some of the things that cause a blockage in a toilet dissolve in the water after they are flushed. When a clog is allowed to dissolve, a single flush’s pressure should be enough to unclog the pipes.
Why won’t I be able to unclog my toilet with a plunger?
You require water, not air, to cause the clog to go away. If you are running out of water, simply pour enough water into your toilet to cover the plunger. Then exert gentle pressure to start the process because if you try to force airflow back into the bowl, it will only cause you to splash all over the place.
Wrapping Up
Most folks have dealt with blocked toilets before, and it’s easy for one to assume that a plunger will finish the job. But sometimes, you may not have it fixed using a plunger. You must try other methods if your toilet doesn’t unclog. If you’re confused about where to start, try the tips we’ve shared above and let us know what worked and what didn’t.
Amos Christen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA. Since 2003, Amos has worked with top interior design professionals in this area, including architects and interior/graphic/lighting designers. As a skilled interior designer, Amos Christen is highly versed in fine arts and crafts and uses that to supplement his main area of expertise. He often publishes articles related to home décor on several websites, including Sprucetoilets.com, Sprucebathroom.com, and Mybesuitedhome.com. He also contributes to leading interior design magazines.