A clogged toilet is a real nuisance, and sometimes the only way to clear it is to flush it again. That doesn’t work because it will just overflow and cause another problem. If you want to avoid that, follow the steps below to fix a clogged toilet. Each of these methods will remove the clog and will take varying amounts of time and effort. Make sure you follow each step closely.
If a plunger doesn’t work, try pouring hot water into the toilet bowl. The warm water will soften the hard debris clogging the toilet. Another all-natural solution is a solution of baking soda and vinegar. Let it fizz for half an hour, then flush. If this doesn’t work, you can repeat the process. This technique is effective whether the toilet is full or not. If you have children, don’t try the hot water method.
Another method is to use a toilet auger, also known as a snake. You can purchase these tools for around $20 at a hardware store. To use the auger, you must first put the cable through the throat of the toilet. Next, apply pressure to the cable as it passes through the toilet’s drainpipe. When you feel it extending into the drainpipe, push the plunger down into the drain. The extra pressure will create a hole in the clog, allowing water to flow down to the sewer or septic tank.
If you can’t use a plunger, you can try using a wire coat hanger as a drain snake. It works by forcing debris down the drain. Be sure to wrap the wire in duct tape or a cloth to avoid scratching the toilet. After you do this, flush the toilet to clear the clog. The water will drain once the wire coat hanger is angled down the pipe.
Vinegar and baking soda are great household cleaning agents that can help clear a clogged toilet. Mixing baking soda with vinegar helps to create a fizzy effect and push the clog through the drain. But make sure that you do this in a large enough container to avoid spilling water everywhere. The fizzing action of the mixture is known to unclog toilets and unclog drains.
You can also use a plunger to remove the clog. To use a plunger, you simply place it over the hole in the toilet. Hold the plunger under the water level and slowly raise the plunger an inch or two each time you use it. Repeat this process several times to clear the clog. To prevent any further damage, remember to clean the plunger before storing it away. If you have used hot water on the plunger, make sure that you don’t overheat it since hot water can loosen its seal.
Another easy way to remove a clog is to use a wet/dry vacuum. This method can be effective in many cases. You need to wear rubber gloves and put the vacuum hose into the toilet drain. Then wrap a towel around the hose to create suction and wait for the clog to be sucked out. Don’t forget to clean the wet/dry vacuum after use.
Another way to fix a clogged toilet is to use household bleach. It breaks down waste and is more effective for severely clogged toilets. This process is similar to the one used to clean a toilet. Just replace two cups of household bleach with a cup of dish soap, and leave the mixture in the toilet for at least 10-15 minutes to work. The procedure will last for around half an hour, depending on how badly clogged the toilet is.
A wire coat hanger works well as a drain snake. To use a coat hanger, unwind it first, and wrap one end with electrical tape to avoid scratching the porcelain. Then insert it into the drain, and slowly twist it to remove the clog. Be sure to wear rubber gloves to prevent damage. After removing the clog, flushing the toilet should clear it. If the clog is stubborn, try using commercial drain cleaner.