Clogged toilets are one of the most common plumbing emergencies homeowners deal with. According to a press release by PR Newswire, 20% of homeowners frequently deal with clogged toilets. A clogged toilet is not only an embarrassment, but it can also lead to germ infestation. It is best to fix it right away through DIY or professional intervention. Discover five easy hacks you can use to unclog your toilet within a short time.
1: Plunge with a Toilet Plunger
A plunger is a classic and easy hack to unclog your toilet in time. Its rubber cup is designed to create a seal over the toilet drain, so when you press it down, it creates suction pressure. The suction dislodges the clog by alternately forcing water in and out of the drain. A good practice is to have one in your home so you can use it whenever the need arises. Place the rubber cup over the drain until you have created a seal, and push it down firmly. Repeat the plunging a couple of times. The clog should dislodge, and you can flush it with water.
2: Add Dish Soap and Wait
If the plunging method doesn’t work, or you don’t have one, it’s time to improvise. Plunging continuously without success could cause damage, so it’s time to bring in a lubricant. Dish soap effectively breaks down organic matter in clogs and lubricates the toilet pipe. Stick to mild, non-abrasive brands to avoid potential damage to the toilet pipes. Add about half a cup of liquid soap and pour into the drain. Allow the soap to sit for about 5–15 minutes. Running hot water can help break down the particles. Attempt to flush – if successful, the toilet should unclog.
3: Pour Hot Water from the Waist Height
Adding hot water offers more efficiency than a basic plunge or using dish soap alone. The high temperature softens the clog and makes it more susceptible to breaking apart. Ensure the water is hot, not boiling. Boiling water can crack the porcelain bowl or cause the wax at the bottom of the drain to loosen. Heat a large bowl of water and let it cool for about five minutes to reduce the temperature. Pouring from waist height adds some force to help the water dislodge the clogs with force. Be cautious when handling hot water to avoid accidents and burns.
4 Use a Mix of Vinegar and Baking Soda
If the dish soap and water hack didn’t work, it’s time for a chemical reaction. Baking soda is a weak base, while vinegar is a weak acid. When you combine the two chemicals, they release a gas – carbon dioxide. As the gas tries to escape, it helps break up the clogs. Sprinkle about half a cup of baking soda on the toilet drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture fizzle out for about 10 minutes. You can follow up with hot water and then attempt to flush. Vinegar and baking soda are not dangerous, but avoid making splashes.
5: Twist a Wire Hanger for Unclogging
When all the above DIY fixes have not produced results, a mechanical solution may work. A makeshift plumbing snake is a more hands-on method to break up stubborn clogs physically. Take a standard wire coat hanger and unwind it. Straighten it and make a small hook at the end. Gently insert it in the drain, taking care not to scratch the porcelain. Aim to break up and pull the clog. Wearing gloves will help prevent direct contact with the hanger.
Takeaway
Most of the simple clogs will quickly vanish with these five long-lived and tested methods. They all work to dislodge the clogs. If the problem persists, it’s time to call in the pros to take the mess from your hands. Gilmore Air offers rapid response to common plumbing emergencies in Sacramento, including clogged toilets. Don’t hesitate to contact Gilmore Air to unclog your toilet in time.