We’ve all been there…hovering over a toilet, panicking while we watch the water fill to the top of the bowl. But don’t worry – a clogged toilet is more common than you think. And with the help of a few household items and some quick thinking, you can get that plumbing predicament under control and avoid a real disaster.
And if you still have trouble, don’t spend another minute wrestling with a clogged toilet. Give Stadler Plumbing a call today at 586-300-2167 (or reach out online) and let us restore peace to your bathroom.
How To Unclog a Toilet (Correctly) With a Plunger
One of the most common ways to unclog a toilet is with a plunger. There are two main types of plungers that can effectively tackle toilet clogs – flange plungers and bell-shaped plungers.
A flange plunger has a flat, circular rubber flange at the bottom. It works best for shallow clogs located directly in the toilet drain. On the flip side, a bell-shaped plunger has a wider, bell-shaped rubber cut that extends below the flange, and is ideal for deeper clogs that are lodged further down the drainpipe.
But before you grab that plunger and ferociously start throwing water everywhere, let’s go over proper toilet plunging techniques:
- Gather Your Tools: Grab some gloves, a bucket, and your trusty plunger.
- Assess the Water Level: If the water level in the toilet bowl is too close to the top, try emptying some of the water into your bucket to prevent overflowing and help create a better seal with the plunger.
- Position the Plunger: Gently lower the plunger into the toilet bowl, ensuring the rubber cup completely covers the drain hole. Brute force alone won’t win this battle – it’s important to create a good seal first.
- Plunge with Some Power: With a firm hold on the plunger handle, steadily and forcefully plunge down several times. Slow and steady wins the race here because rapid, shallow plunges aren’t nearly as effective. You should feel a whoosh of water as you pull back up. This creates the suction and pressure necessary to dislodge the clog.
- Repeat as Needed: Continue plunging for 10-15 seconds. If you hear a gurgling sound or see the water level starting to recede, it’s a good sign you’re successfully breaking up the clog.
- Flush Test: Give the toilet one more flush. If the clog persists, continue plunging. If the toilet seems to be draining normally, you can wipe the sweat from your brow (after washing your hands, of course) and breathe a sigh of relief!
How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger
Whether your trusty plunger is MIA, or you find yourself searching for “DIY methods to unclog a toilet” after unsuccessfully battling a stubborn clog, there may be other methods you could try in order to restore peace with your porcelain throne.
While we can’t say for certain these methods will work, they do only require using simple household items – and could be worth a shot when you’re in a pinch!
- Baking Soda & Vinegar: Empty the toilet bowl as much as you can. Pour one cup of baking soda into the toilet, followed by two cups of vinegar. Allow the mixture to fizz for about 30 minutes, then flush the toilet.
- Hot Water: Boil water, then carefully pour it directly into the toilet bowl. Supposedly, the force and heat of the water may help dislodge the clog.
- Dish Soap: Pour ½ to ¾ cup of dish soap into the toilet bowl. The slippery soap may help lubricate the clogged pipe and allow the debris to slide down more easily.
- Wet/Dry Vacuum: Remove the excess water from the toilet using the vacuum. Then, with the narrow tip attachment, slide it into the toilet drain to suck out the clog.
- Wire Hanger: Straighten out a wire coat hanger and carefully insert it into the toilet drain to try to break up the clog. It’s important to note that this method can scratch the porcelain or even further lodge the clog – so, it should only be used as a last resort.
How to Unclog a Toilet When Nothing Else Works – Call Stadler Plumbing
Sometimes, you get unlucky with a defiant clog that refuses to come loose. If you’ve exhausted all your options and are ready to hire a professional, give Stadler Plumbing a call. Our skilled plumbers are equipped to handle even the most stubborn clogs quickly and efficiently. Dial our number or reach out online today!