How to unclog a toilet
If your toilet is clogged, it can be a very frustrating and inconvenient experience. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to try and unclog your toilet on your own before calling a plumber. This article will show you how to unclog a toilet using various methods.
Methods:
1. Use a plunger
2. Use a toilet auger
3. Use a plumbing snake
4. Try boiling water
5. Use dish soap and hot water
Tips:
Try to avoid using chemical drain cleaners as they can damage your pipes. -If you have a septic tank, be careful not to overload it with too much water as this can cause your system to back up.
1. Use a plunger
The first thing you can try to unclog your toilet is using a plunger. Plungers create suction that can help to break up the clog and allow it to be flushed away. To use a plunger:
- Ensure that there is enough water in the toilet bowl to cover the plunger’s cup. If there isn’t, add some water from a bucket.
- Position the plunger over the drain hole and make sure that the cup is sealed around the hole.
- Push and pull the plunger up and down vigorously for 30 seconds.
- Flush the toilet to see if the clog has been cleared.
2. Use a toilet auger
If a plunger doesn’t do the trick, you can try using a toilet auger. Toilet augers have a long, flexible rod with a curved end that can help to break up clogs and clear them away. To use a toilet auger:
- Position the auger’s curve end into the drain hole and turn on the power.
- Push the auger down into the drain until you feel resistance.
- Once you feel resistance, continue pushing the auger while twisting it clockwise.
- Keep pushing and twisting until you feel the auger start to move through the clog.
- Once the auger has moved through the clog, continue running it through the pipe for a few more seconds to clear any debris that might be left behind.
- Flush the toilet to see if the clog has been cleared.
3. Use a plumbing snake
If an auger doesn’t do the trick, you can try using a plumbing snake. Plumbing snakes are long, flexible rods with a spiral end that can help to break up and clear away clogs. To use a plumbing snake:
- Position the snake’s spiral end into the drain hole and turn on the power.
- Push the snake down into the drain until you feel resistance.
- Once you feel resistance, continue pushing the snake while twisting it clockwise.
- Keep pushing and twisting until you feel the snake started to move through the clog.
- Once the snake has moved through the clog, continue running it through the pipe for a few more seconds to clear any debris that might be left behind.
- Flush the toilet to see if the clog has been cleared.
4. Try boiling water
Another method you can try is pouring a pot of boiling water down your drain. The hot water can help to break up the clog and allow it to be flushed away. To use this method:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil on the stove.
- Carefully pour the boiling water down your drain.
- Flush the toilet to see if the clog has cleared.
5. Use dish soap and hot water
If boiling water doesn’t work, you can also try using dish soap and hot water. The dish soap can help to break up the grease that might be causing the clog while the hot water can help to flush it away. To use this method:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil on the stove.
- Add a few squirts of dish soap to the pot of hot water and stir to combine.
- Carefully pour the soapy water down your drain.
- Flush the toilet to see if the clog has cleared.
Conclusion:
If your toilet is still clogged after trying all of these methods, you may need to call a plumber. Trying to force the clog through with too much water can also damage your pipes, so it’s best to leave it to a professional if you’re not able to clear the clog on your own.