Toilets go overlooked so often, that is, until something goes wrong. Then everyone cares about the toilet and how to get it working again.
So, what do you do when your toilet clogs? Well, we have some at-home fixes that actually work for you!
In the article below, we’ll go over some quick fixes that you can try at home when your toilet gets clogged to get it working again in no time! Continue reading to learn more!
1. The Classic Plunger Fix
The first thing you need to try when your toilet is clogged is “Ole Reliable,” the plunger. Every homeowner should have a plunger lying around the house somewhere. Simply place the plunger in the toilet and push down gently. The first push will get rid of any air to get a good seal. Now that it’s sealed, pump the plunger up and down while keeping it sealed.
After a few pumps, or if you feel and hear the water trying to move down the pipes, pull the plunger up to break the air seal. The remaining water should rush down the drain and leave you with a fully-functioning toilet again! Remember not to pump the plunger to forcefully, or you could splash toilet water on yourself.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar
If you don’t have a plunger, or if it didn’t work, you can try baking soda and vinegar. These two household ingredients are a fantastic cleaning duo, deodorizer, and they can help unclog your toilet! Add one cup of baking soda to the toilet. After a couple of minutes, slowly pour two cups of vinegar into the toilet bowl.
This will cause a reaction and start to bubble in the toilet, so pouring slowly is crucial to prevent a mess. Allow the vinegar and baking soda mixture several minutes to fully work. Give the toilet a flush and see if the clog has cleared!
3. The Plumbing Snake
Plumbing snakes are an excellent tool for any homeowner to have. Regular snakes can scratch or even break a porcelain toilet, so be sure to purchase a toilet snake, also known as an auger. A toilet auger has a rubber coating that will protect your toilet.
First, you’ll place the head of the snake in the toilet bowl and start turning the handle clockwise to feed it down the drain. When you feel some resistance, rewind the snake up. If it pulled out the clog, flush your toilet. If not, try again until the clog is broken up enough for the toilet to flush as usual.
4. Hot Water and Dish Soap
Still haven’t gone out and bought a plunger yet? If you have dish soap and access to hot water, you still have a chance. Heat up a gallon of hot water on the stove. While your water is heating up, add some dish soap to the toilet bowl.
Once the water is hot, but not boiling yet, take it off the stove and carefully pour it into the toilet. After several minutes, the hot water and dish soap mixture should have softened the clog. Try flushing the toilet, and the clog should flush down with the rest of the water.
5. Call a Plumber
If these DIY toilet clog fixes above haven’t worked yet, you should consider calling a plumber. These methods will clear out standard toilet clogs that we all deal with from time to time. However, if none of them have worked, you may have a pretty nasty clog. A professional plumber will have all the tools, equipment, and knowledge to get your toilet working normally in no time!
Wrapping Up
Having a clogged toilet is never a fun experience. However, with our five tricks to fixing your clogged toilet, you should have no trouble! One of these fixes, including a plunger, baking soda and vinegar, a plumbing snake, hot water and dish soap, or calling a plumber, are sure to get your toilet running again! Good Luck!