Unclogging a toilet might seem like a simple task to some, but others panic at the sight of the toilet water rising. Nobody wants a dirty toilet water mess all over their bathroom. That’s why it’s important to know how to effectively stop a toilet from overflowing and unclog it.
To begin, there are a few things you’ll want to familiarize yourself with:
- Toilet Flapper
- Plunger
- Benefits of Hot Water and Dish Detergent
- Auger
- Stop The Toilet from Overflowing
If your clog is bad, it might send water flowing over the edge of the toilet. If it looks like you’re about to have a giant mess in your bathroom, you’ll want to act quickly. You can begin by taking the lid off the tank and locating the toilet flapper. The flapper in your toilet releases water housed in the tank into the bowl. Closing it will stop water flow completely.
Bring Out the Plunger
Once you’ve stopped water flow, or if your clog isn’t as bad, you’ll want to grab a plunger. The most effective way to plunge a toilet is to ensure there’s a good seal between the plunger and the bowl. The most effective plungers are those with a funnel piece at the bottom. Some plumbers recommend warming up your plunger by running it under hot water before you begin plunging. Hot water helps soften the rubber and form a better seal.
Plunge Away
Once you’ve selected a plunger and prepared it for the job, you’ll need to insert it into the toilet so that a seal is formed around the hole. Then, push up and down on the rod until you start to see the water go down. This indicates that the clog has been removed. If it begins to rise again, be sure to close the flapper to avoid overflowing.
Try the Detergent and Hot Water Trick
If you’re having a difficult time getting the toilet to unclog, you can try adding some hot water and dish detergent to the bowl. These substances help to break up the clog and make plunging easier. So, let them sit for a while in the toilet bowl and try plunging again. This method can sometimes even help break up a clog without the use of a plunger.
If all Else Fails, Bring Out an Auger
If your clog is proving to be extremely difficult, you’ll need to break out an Auger. This device resembles a cable and has to be snaked through the toilet’s exit hole in order to remove a clog. These devices can be found at your regular hardware store. To use one, you’ll simply stick the cable down the hole and begin cranking it until you can’t anymore. This means you’ve likely reached the clog. Once you hit the clog, an auger will break it up or hook it. Pull the cable back up and discard any waste that may have hooked on to the end. Once the clog is removed, plunge the toilet a few more times and flush it.
To avoid clogged toilets, make sure you’re not flushing anything you shouldn’t, use only the toilet paper you need, and make sure you keep the jets that pump out water clean so they are operating at the maximum pressure. If these methods do not work, your clog may need the help of a professional plumber.