Table of Contents
- 1. Step One: Gather the Supplies You Need to Unclog a Toilet
- 2. Step Two: Put on Protective Gear
- 3. Step Three: Using a Plunger
- 4. Step Four: Using a Drain Snake
- 5. Step Five: Call for Professional Help
- 6. Why it’s Important to Unclog Toilets Regularly
- 7. Tips for Avoiding Future Toilet Clogs
- Q&A
1. Step One: Gather the Supplies You Need to Unclog a Toilet
When trying to unclog a toilet, you’ll need the right supplies. To save yourself from extra trips to the store, make sure you have everything you need before you start:
- Gloves: You’ll need to protect your hands from dirt and germs.
- Plunger: Make sure you have a cup plunger that completely covers the hole of the toilet.
- Auger: Also known as a snake or toilet auger. They are specially designed to remove clogs in toilets and pipes.
You may be able to use a coat hanger as a makeshift toilet auger if you don’t have one on hand, but it can be difficult to use and may not be as effective. If necessary, use this as a last resort.
In addition, it’s advised to have a few essential tools on hand for general plumbing tools:
- Adjustable Wrench: You can use it to take apart the pipes for a deep clog.
- Plumber’s Putty: This is a sticky clay-like material used to create watertight seals. It can help stop a leaky pipe.
- Teflon Tape: This looks like a bit of white string but can be used to create a watertight seal on pipes.
CLEARED! Having the right supplies will also help you avoid any extra trips to the store, so make sure you have everything you need before you start unclogging the toilet.
2. Step Two: Put on Protective Gear
Once you have identified your safety concerns and found the necessary safety supplies, it’s time to don your protective gear. It is imperative that you take the necessary safety steps whenever attempting to unclog a toilet. The last thing you want is to be exposed potentially harmful bacteria and materials.
Put on gloves, safety glasses, a long-sleeved shirt, and pants, as well as a face mask and boots. This will ensure that you have the necessary protection to prevent material and bacteria from contacting your skin. Having this additional clothing may help prevent illness and damage to clothing.
Materials and tools required:
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Pants
- Face mask
- Boots
Aside from safety gear, you will need to have the proper tools to complete the job. Here are a few of the basic items you will need:
- Bucket
- Toilet plunger & cup
- Manual auger
- Vinegar & baking soda
- Garbage disposal snake
3. Step Three: Using a Plunger
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Plungers are the basic tool of toilet unclogging.
Now that you’ve removed any visible blockage, the next step is to try to unclog the drain with a plunger. To use a plunger effectively, you must generate a strong vacuum by forming a tight seal around the hole where the water drains. It’s important you don’t use too much force, as this could damage the plumbing. Here’s what you need to do:
- Fill the toilet bowl with water until it is about two-thirds full.
- Ensure that the entire “plunging cup” is filled with water.
- Press the plunger gently against the hole (but don’t force it).
- Move the plunger up and down just a few times.
- Pull the plunger away from the hole quickly.
To ensure you get the most out of your plunger, you should also:
- Oil the plunger’s handle, as this will help remove any potential moisture originally present.
- Keep the plunger clean; use a mild liquid detergent on it immediately.
- After you finish plunging, ensure you discard the used water, turn on the sink to flush the toilet, and check the toilet for problems.
When using a plunger, always wear protective equipment such as gloves and eye protection. If your toilet remains clogged after using the plunger, you should try to snake the drain or call a plumber immediately.
4. Step Four: Using a Drain Snake
If the plunger, hot water, and baking soda and vinegar unsuccessful in getting the toilet to flush properly, it’s time to move on to the drain snake. This is a helpful tool for many problems and is simple to use. With a few simple steps, you can easily unclog your toilet such as:
- Get yourself a drain snake if you don’t already have one. These can be purchased at any home improvement store for merely a few dollars.
- Locate the full pipe, which runs from the toilet bowl and down into the drain. The pipe is located directly behind the bowl and should be easy to find.
- Push the drain snake into the hole and then turn the handle in a clockwise motion. Move the snake further into the pipe as it becomes unclogged and you’ll feel less resistance.
Drain snakes can sometimes cause more blockage, which is why you should be cautious when using them. It’s important to move the snake in a circular motion or else the snake might tangle in the pipe and make the clog worse. If there’s still no improvement after you’ve used the snake, it’s time to call a plumber. Using the snake one to two times should be enough.
| Tip | Cautions |
|---|---|
| Keep the handle of the snake still and avoid thrusting it deeper into the pipe! | Be very careful when using the snake, as they can cause more blockage. |
5. Step Five: Call for Professional Help
- If none of the steps above worked, it’s time to seek professional help. Chances are the issue extends beyond what you can do yourself. A professional can assess the cause of the clog and handle it safely and effectively.
Fully licensed and insured pros will be able to unclog your toilet and find out the root of the issue so you don’t have a recurring issue. You can’t DIY all plumbing problems and it’s best not to try. Not all repairs are in the homeowner’s realm of capability. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to plumbing.
In the end, a professional plumber will know how to diagnose and repair your plumbing issue. Additionally, if other plumbing problems are present in your home, they can take a look. Don’t wait to call the professionals.
Here is a table that compares the costs of unclogging a toilet with DIY methods versus professional help:
| Option | Steps | Approximate Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| DIY | Vinegar & baking soda, plunger, auger | $20 | Professional | Visit, diagnosis and repairs | $150 – $400 |
6. Why it’s Important to Unclog Toilets Regularly
Nobody wants to deal with a clogged toilet, which is why it’s important to unclog a toilet regularly. Keeping your drainage clean and free of clogs can help in many ways.
Prevent Water Damage
- A clog can slow water from draining properly, which can cause pipes and fixtures to back up.
- This can cause water to overflow and cause extensive water damage.
- By keeping the drain clear, you can keep water flowing freely and avoid water damage.
Protect Against Unwanted Germs and Bacteria
- When waste and water accumulates around a clog, the area can become a breeding ground for bacteria and germs.
- These can potentially spread to other areas of your home, or cause respiratory infections.
- Unclogging the toilet regularly can help to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria, and keep your plumbing and home free from illnesses.
Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh
- When water and waste don’t drain properly, they can start to produce an odor and make your bathroom smell unpleasant.
- Unclogging your toilet regularly can help to prevent odors from spreading and preserve the pleasant aroma of your home.
Regularly unclogging your toilet can help protect your home from water damage, germs and bacteria, and unpleasant odors. It’s easily doable with the right tools and knowledge, so don’t hesitate to take the time to clear any clogs that may arise.
7. Tips for Avoiding Future Toilet Clogs
1. Use Only Toilet Paper
To ensure clogs don’t occur on a regular basis, one of the most important things to keep in mind is to only use toilet paper. Other items such as razor blades and dental floss are not suitable for flushing down a toilet and should be disposed of elsewhere. If multiple people use the same toilet, explicitly educate them about which items are acceptable to flush.
2. Don’t Flush Too Much At Once
If you have multiple items that must be disposed of, it is best to flush the toilet in several batches instead of trying to flush everything at once. Too much paper or too many foreign objects can quickly result in a clogged toilet. Another key tip is to avoid flushing large pieces of waste, and try to break up bigger items into smaller pieces.
3. Clean the Toilet Regularly
Another key way to avoid future toilet clogs is to regularly clean the toilet and make sure all parts such as the drain, pipes and sewer line are in working order. If the toilet is consistently clean and free of bacteria and other issues, there will be little risk of a clog. If you ever detect a strange smell coming from your toilet, this is a potential sign of a problem that needs to be addressed.
Q&A
Q: What should I do if my toilet is clogged?
A: First, try plunging it. If that doesn’t work, you can try using either a drain snake or a toilet auger. If those methods don’t work, you may need to call a professional plumber.
Q: What is a toilet plunger?
A: A toilet plunger is a tool designed specifically for unclogging toilets. It has a rubber bottom cup and a handle at the top. It is used by pushing the cup down the drain and then pulling it up quickly to create suction.
Q: How do I use a drain snake or toilet auger?
A: To use a drain snake or toilet auger, insert the tip of the tool into the toilet drain and use the handle to work the tool around the blockage. Once you’ve maneuvered the tool through the drain, you should be able to dislodge and remove the blockage.
Q: What other methods can I use to unclog a toilet?
A: Some people advocate the use of baking soda and vinegar to unblock a toilet. To do this, fill the bowl with warm water and then pour in 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes and then plunge the toilet to release the clog. Additionally, you can use a chemical drain cleaner, but this should only be done if other methods have failed and you are comfortable using the product.
We hope we provided you with the information you were looking for and that this article helped you tackle the unenviable task of unclogging your toilet. If all else fails, don’t be afraid to reach out to a trusted plumber and have them unclog it for you. In either case, stay safe and good luck!