Four Ways You Can Clear a Toilet Clog
We have all been there, and before you call a plumber, try one of these four easy ways to unclog your toilet. If for some reason, none of these tips work and your clog is more severe than you can handle on your own, it may be time to reach out to someone who can help.
1. Use a Plunger
You haven't lived if you haven't used a toilet plunger at some point in your life. While there are plenty of other ways to break a clog in a drain, the trusty plunger is probably the most effective way to handle the situation.
There are a variety of different types of plungers, and it is important to know which one to use for the job. They include:
- Common Sink/Cup Plunger
- Toilet/Flange Plunger
- Accordion Plunger
The toilet/flange plunger is the obvious tool for the job and is the one with a rubber flap or flange at the end. These create a perfect seal with the toilet drain.
To clear a clog with a toilet plunger, push the plunger down over the drain of your toilet to create a seal. Then repeatedly “plunge” the toilet plunger up and down while keeping a tight seal. Once you have broken the clog, you should see the water rushing down the drain.
2. Use a Snake
No, not that kind of snake. In plumbing, a “snake” is a tool that works similar to an auger on a metal tube. If a plunger doesn't work, sometimes snaking your toilet is the way to go.
To use a snake, insert the auger into your toilet and turn the handle until you have found the clog. It may take a bit of elbow grease, but you should be able to break up the waste. Once you have broken through, wind up the snake back on the real, and your clog should be gone.
Sometimes it may take a few times as there could potentially be multiple clogs in the drain line. Eventually, you should be able to completely break up the clog and be able to flush your toilet. If snaking your toilet doesn't work after a handful of attempts, then it is time to call a plumber.
3. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Remember the fun exploding volcano science fair project? Surprisingly, that same combination of baking soda and vinegar can be used to get rid of any kind of clog. When it comes to using baking soda and vinegar, it is important not to overdo it; otherwise, your toilet may erupt into your bathroom floor.
To unclog your toilet using baking soda and vinegar, all you have to do is use equal parts of each and slowly pour them into your toilet. It is important to pour the baking soda first and then the vinegar shortly after. As the two materials combine, they generate a chemical reaction that results in your toilet fizzing. As it fizzes, the pressure builds up against the clog, hopefully breaking it apart and clearing any blockage.
4. Hot Water and Dish Soap
For less severe clogs, it is possible to use a gallon of hot water and dish soap to break things up. Simply pour dish soap or shampoo down the toilet and pour near-boiling water into the toilet. After about 10 - 15 minutes, the clog should soften and start to clear up.
Call A Plumber
If none of these solutions free up your toilet drain, then it may be time to contact a plumber or call a septic service supplier like Viking Environmental and Septic Services. Plumbers can typically assess a clog and clear them pretty quickly. If your septic system is causing the problem, then a professional septic service should be next on your list to reach out to.
If you reside in the Asheville area and your septic system requires repair or pumping, Viking Environmental and Septic Services can help. We provide septic inspection, pumping, and repairs throughout Buncombe, Henderson, Haywood, Madison, Yancey, Polk, and Transylvania counties.