If, after flushing, the water level in the toilet bowl is near or at the rim, there may be something blocking the drain. This issue is not only annoying, but it can also be embarrassing if guests drop by unexpectedly. The toilet may already be clogged, and you may have tried several different solutions without success. If you’ve tried everything else and still can’t get the toilet unclogged, try these suggestions.
How to Unclog a Toilet Successfully
In order to unclog your toilet, you may need to use various tools and approaches, some of which are more effective than others. Some of these techniques are listed below:
- The mighty plunger: To clear a clogged toilet, the plunger is the tool most frequently used. After all, the plunger was made for just such an occasion. Suction is used to remove the obstruction in the toilet.
- The drain snake: You can try using a drain snake if a plunger doesn’t work. The drain snake should be inserted into the bowl of the toilet and turned clockwise until resistance is felt. If the drain snake encounters resistance, turn it counterclockwise and continue the motion until the clog is gone.
- Boiling water: Using hot water is another option for clearing a clogged toilet. If soap or grease buildup is to blame for the obstruction, this solution will most likely be successful. Do this by pouring a pot of boiling water into the toilet bowl and letting it sit there for a few minutes. Wait a few minutes and then flush the toilet. If it worked, the obstruction should be gone.
- Dish soap: it can also be used to clear a clogged toilet. A few drops of dish soap in the bowl of the toilet and a flush will do the trick. The dishwashing liquid will dissolve the clog so it can be flushed away.
- Chemical solutions: When a more robust solution is required, one option is to use a chemical unclogging solution. All but the most impenetrable obstructions will be no match for these solutions. Always follow the included instructions when using any of these chemicals, and consider wearing rubber gloves for added safety.
- A wire clothes hanger: A clothes hanger made of wire: You can use a wire coat hanger as a last resort if you don’t have any of the items mentioned above. Straighten out the coat hanger and fashion a miniature hook at one end to accomplish this. Then, place the hook end of the coat hanger into the toilet bowl to catch the obstruct on. Snare the obstruction, and then simply pull it out and flush the toilet.
Different Ways of Unclogging a Toilet Without a Plunger
What do you do if you don’t have a plunger on hand and your toilet is clogged? Thankfully, there are some troubleshooting steps you can take before picking up the phone to call an expert. Let’s examine how to clear a clogged toilet without using a plunger.
Suggestion 1
First, get rid of as much water as you can from the bowl. After that, check that the flapper is in the open position by removing the cover from the tank’s back. Doing so will allow you to gain entry to the drainage system.
To drain a large amount of water from a bowl, use a pot or a cup. Once the water level in the bowl is low enough, fish out any floating debris with a wire hanger. The subsequent action will assist in removing the obstruction.
It’s time to put some water on to boil now. Once it reaches a rolling boil, slowly pour it into the toilet. You might get wet if you’re not careful. The hot water makes the clog loosen and easier to flush away.
There’s a chance you’ll have to do this multiple times before the obstruction is completely cleared. Add some dish soap to the mixture if the clog persists. It’s as simple as pouring a large amount into the toilet and waiting a few minutes before flushing. Soap will dissolve any grease or grime that may be holding the clog together.
Another option is to use drain-cleaning chemicals. Please exercise caution when handling these; they can cause serious injury if used incorrectly. Always use gloves to protect your hands and follow the directions on the label.
Suggestion 2
There is one last option if you do not have any drain-cleaning chemicals on hand. A more involved approach but one that could work if the clog is particularly stubborn.
You should start by protecting your hands by putting on a pair of rubber gloves. You should then pour half a cup of Epsom salts into the toilet bowl and let them sit there for a while. After letting the Epsom salts sit for a few minutes, add half a cup of vinegar and let the mixture sit for a few more minutes. When used together, they will work to loosen the obstruction.
Now, fill the bowl with a quarter cup of dish soap and scrub the rim with a toilet brush. This will generate suction, which will aid in removing the obstruction. To test if the clog is truly gone, flush the toilet. If that doesn’t work, you might have to try again.
Suggestion 3
If those two options don’t work, a third option involving some robust machinery will do the trick. A drain snake, sometimes known as a toilet auger, can be purchased from a hardware store. This is a long, flexible cable that can be inserted into the toilet bowl to reach the clog. The clog can be broken up and the drain cleared by turning the auger’s handle once the auger has reached it.
You can also try some specialized unclogging chemicals if the clog proves to be particularly difficult to remove. These chemicals are designed to dissolve whatever is clogging your pipes. Please exercise caution when handling these; they can cause serious injury if used incorrectly. Always use gloves to protect your hands and follow the directions on the label.
You can also use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the obstruction from the drain. The pipes could be damaged if you apply too much pressure, so be careful. Don’t think your regular vacuum will work because it wasn’t made for this.
If the clog is severe enough, however, none of these methods will be effective, and a plumber will need to be called.
How To Unclog The Toilet When Nothing Works
After exhausting these options without success, it’s time to call a plumber. The most stubborn clogs can be removed by a professional plumber using their specialized equipment and years of experience. In spite of your desire to save money by attempting a DIY toilet unclogging, you should really hire a pro. They will be able to quickly and effectively unclog the toilet, and they will also be able to determine what caused the clog in the first place so that it doesn’t happen again.
Reasons Why You Should Get a Home Warranty
If your toilet or other home systems ever break down, a home warranty will cover the costs of fixing or replacing them at no additional cost to you.
If you live in an older home, a home warranty is even more essential to ensure the safety of your investment and financial stability, as they are more likely to experience appliance and system breakdowns.
Home warranties, in their most basic form, provide protection for a house’s major appliances and systems.
If you pay a regular fee, you’ll have someone to call whenever you have a major appliance failure, such as when your air conditioner stops working in the middle of summer, your water heater begins leaking, or your toilet clogs up. Home warranties will pay for, or at least contribute toward, the price of repairing or replacing systems like your heating and cooling unit, sump pump, plumbing, septic system, and others.
Most home appliance warranties cover malfunctions caused by regular use after their manufacturer warranty has expired. Homeowners insurance, on the other hand, is typically required by your mortgage lender and can help pay for repairs after a disaster like a fire or theft.
There is no law requiring homeowners to purchase a home warranty, but doing so can be very beneficial, especially for those who live in older homes. In order to find the best home warranty for your needs, it is important to look into multiple options.
The expense of calling in a plumber might be covered by your home warranty. To avoid having to do it yourself, this is the cheapest method of unclogging a toilet.
Conclusion
If your toilet is clogged, try using a plunger first. If that doesn’t do the trick, you can always use a drain snake, hot water, or dish soap to clear the clog. When these measures fail, you can resort to a chemical unclogging product. If none of these solutions works, it may be time to call a plumber.
Having a home warranty will give you peace of mind in the event that your toilet or another appliance or system in your home breaks down and requires repair. The major appliances and systems in your home are covered by your home warranty.
You should check out First Premier Home Warranty if you’re in the market for a home warranty. They have been a frontrunner in the home warranty industry for more than a decade now. We have several options that can be tailored to your specific requirements and financial situation.
Find out how we can assist you in safeguarding your home by requesting a free estimate today.
