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Unblocking Toilets
Do you constantly experience clogged toilets? This can be one of the most challenging situations you may face in your home or business. Unclogging a toilet is a task that requires you to understand the toilet's working mechanism to perform the job effectively.
Fortunately, unclogging a toilet is a task that you can accomplish by yourself. You can apply different methods to eliminate the clog efficiently, depending on your preferences and the severity of the clog. You need to choose a technique that will help get rid of the clog fast without causing any damage to your toilet.
One of the most effective and primarily used methods to unclog toilets is using a plunger. A plunger is a tool that helps to clear blockages in pipes and drains. It features a rubber suction cup attached to a shaft made of plastic and wood.
However, if you don’t have this tool with you, there are several other effective methods that you can apply to unblock your toilet. This article helps you understand other ways to unblock your toilet without a plunger. Just read on to find out.
Common Reasons Why Your Toilet Clogs
Below is a list of some of the primary reasons for clogged toilets:
• Weak toilet
• Flushing non flushable materials
• Accumulation of minerals in the sewer pipes
• Corroded and rusted pipes
• Clogged S-traps
• Hair debris
Unblock Your toilet Without A Plunger
Sit back and wait
Sometimes, you need to give your toilet time to unclog itself. The water in the toilet usually exerts pressure that helps remove the clog from the toilet pipes or drain. However, note that this method might take time, especially if the water pressure is insufficient. You can wait overnight for the clog to be eradicated.
Drain cleaners
There are several drain cleaners available in the market today. However, if you do not want to use a drain cleaner, then you can use a mixture of bleach with powdered dish soap. Just add two cups of bleach with powdered detergent into your toilet. Then allow the mixture to sit for about half an hour before you can flush.
Although drain chemicals are not recommended, they can help remove the clog fast. They are not recommended since they contain chemicals that can damage your plumbing system. Therefore, before using a specific drain cleaner, make sure that it is recommended for use in a toilet.
Hot water
This is an additional method to get rid of the clog in your toilet. It’s both cheap and easy since all you need is hot water and a bucket. However, make sure that the water is not boiling to ensure that you don’t damage the toilet pipes. Remember that boiling water can cause the toilet bowl to crack, worsening the situation.
To unclog your toilet, heat some water, pour it into a bucket, and then pour it into the toilet bowl—both the water movement and heat help to break down and eliminate the clog.
Dish soap
If you find that the plain hot water isn’t removing the clog, you can add dish soap to make it more effective. Dish soap is usually designed to break down grease, grime, and dirt. You need to put one cup of dish soap right into your bowl. Then, add hot water and allow the mixture to sit in the toilet for about thirty minutes before flushing it. If you don’t have dish soap, you can utilise shampoo, which is also effective.
Note: The time you allow for the mixture to sit depends on the intensity of the clog. You can allow the mixture to sit overnight for more resistant clogs, then flush it in the morning.
Epsom salt
If you don’t have the time to wait for hot water to work or use other methods that take time to remove the clog, Epsom salts are an efficient way to get rid of the clog. The salt helps eliminate the clog by creating a fizzy reaction when you add it to water. This reaction breaks the clog fast. You can also use a bath comb, but make sure to replace it afterwards.
Vinegar and baking soda
Baking soda and vinegar is an excellent mixture that does a perfect job at removing different types of clogs. The combination is also an ideal cleaner for a wide range of surfaces. Start by slowly pouring one cup of baking soda into your toilet bowl. Ensure that you spread it to allow it to cover a significant part of the toilet.
Then, proceed to put two cups of vinegar. Be sure to pour it in slowly and circularly. This allows it to disperse in a consistent manner around your toilet. Fizzing occurs as the vinegar mixes with the baking soda, breaking up the clog. Allow the soda and vinegar to sit for an hour before flushing. If the first instance fails, use a similar amount of vinegar and baking soda and allow it to sit overnight.
Wire hanger
Another simple way to clear your toilet of the clog is by using a wire hanger. First, you need to make a makeshift toilet drain snake using the wire hanger. Just unfold and straighten it; it’s that simple. If it has a rough edge, you should wrap and then tie a rag around the edge you want to use to unclog your toilet.
This ensures that the wire doesn’t scratch the inside of your toilet bowl and the drain. Then, stick the wrapped end down your drain and start prodding the clog to loosen it. Here you need to apply force, but take care to avoid using excessive force as this can damage your system.
Toilet brush
Your toilet brush is another great tool that you can use to unclog your toilet. Toilet brushes are more affordable, making this a more effective method to do the unclogging. Start by forcing the toilet brush into the drain hole and vigorously moving it back and forth.
However, don’t apply excessive force to avoid damaging your toilet. Wear protective gear such as rubber gloves and goggles. When you are done, throw away the toilet brush because it’s already contaminated.
Plastic bottle
Another trick you can apply is using a plastic bottle. Start by taking as much water as you can out of your toilet bowl. Then, fill up the plastic bottle using warm water. Wear a pair of protective gloves; you should then plug the top of your bottle using your thumb. Proceed to place your bottle and thumb at the mouth of your toilet pipe. Next, remove your thumb and tightly squeeze the bottle to propel the water to remove the clog.
Wet vacuum
Another method to get rid of the clog in your toilet is using a wet vacuum. First, get rid of as much water as you can from the toilet bowl. Then, put a wet vacuum hose in the hole of your bowl. Put a washcloth or towel around the vacuum hose and the hole to give extra suction power.
You should then turn on the vacuum to allow the unclogging to take place. The vacuum sucks the clog out from your toilet and will enable it to get into your wet vacuum. When you complete the process, empty and thoroughly clean the vacuum.
How To Prevent Your Toilet From Clogging
Here are some ways to prevent your toilet from clogging:
Clean your toilet regularly
The best way to prevent your toilet from clogging is by ensuring it is always clean. You should use mild cleaners such as baking soda, vinegar, or mild soap, which are all perfect for cleaning the porcelain material. Cleaning your toilet is a great way to improve hygiene, have a better smell and allow you to detect any issues before they can escalate into a significant problem. During the cleaning process, you get an opportunity to remove dirt and debris that might end up clogging the toilet.
Perform regular inspections
Performing regular toilet inspections is a great practice that allows you to find any issues that your system might have. During the inspection process, you will be able to check all components and ensure that they are in good shape and functioning well. You can inspect by taking the tank lid off and then flushing your toilet. Check that the flapper is sealing well and the fill valve stops running at the correct water level.
Fix all problems correctly and on time
You should never delay fixing any issue you find with your toilet. Some of the problems you should fix include leaks or any other issues with the drain. It can be hard to detect toilet leaks since they are usually silent. Your water bills might increase due to the silent water leaks, so you need to be vigilant.
Avoid flushing non-flushable waste down your toilet
You should never flush materials other than toilet paper or waste down the toilet. Other materials such as food or others can end up clogging your toilet. Ensure that you teach your children and other people who use the toilet what can and cannot be flushed down the drain.
Need Help Unclogging Your Toilet?
If you want to unclog your toilet fast but do not want to do it yourself, you need to work with the best plumber near you. Professional plumbers have the right tools and strategies to ensure that your toilet is unclogged fast and safely. They also provide you with the right approach to ensure that your toilet never clogs again.
Movement Plumbing
