How to Unblock a Toilet—a Comprehensive Guide
Charles Magesa
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A clogged toilet is one of the most inconvenient and unpleasant household problems. This experience can significantly disrupt and inconvenience your daily routine, causing frustration. Fortunately, you can unblock your blocked toilet yourself.
Here is how to unblock your toilet in five easy steps:
Besides, there are several other more complex methods that you can apply to unblock your toilet.?
Keep reading as I expound more on how to use the simple steps highlighted above to fix your blocked toilet. You will also discover tips on what causes the blockage and how you can prevent it.
1. Assess the Blockage
Before taking any action, it's important to assess the severity of the blockage. If the water level is rising, refrain from flushing it again and act quickly to prevent an overflow.
If the water level is not rising, you have more time to approach the problem methodically.
2. Gather the Necessary Tools
To unblock a toilet effectively, you will need a few essential tools to help tackle different types of blockages and ensure a successful outcome. They include:
3. Use a Plunger
Start by using a plunger to try and dislodge the blockage. Ensure you submerge the plunger in water and create a good seal around the drain opening.?
Push and pull the plunger vigorously to create suction and pressure that can help dislodge the blockage.
Repeat this process several times, and if successful, the water should start to drain.
For this purpose, you may buy the Fendy 360 ° Activity Toilet Plunger Blaster, available from Amazon.com. This plunger is flexible, easy to use, and has four claws for effectively grabbing objects.?
4. Use a Toilet Auger
If the plunger doesn't resolve the blockage, the next step is to use a toilet auger. This tool is designed to reach deeper into the drain to break up and remove stubborn blockages.
Insert the toilet auger into the drain and rotate the handle to maneuver the tip through the pipes. Once you feel resistance, continue turning the auger to break up the blockage.
An auger can often clear even the toughest clogs with patience and persistence.
You can purchase the RIDGID 59802 K-6DH Hybrid Toilet Snake Auger from Amazon.com. It comes with a tri-wrap heavy-duty cable for long life and maximum strength and has a quick lock that allows the cable to extend 6 inches longer for further reach.??
5. Use a Natural or Chemical Solution
If the plunger and auger methods do not work, you may consider using a natural or chemical solution to dissolve the blockage. Natural solutions such as a mixture of hot water and dish soap or baking soda and vinegar can help break down organic matter causing the blockage.
Alternatively, there are chemical drain cleaners available that can effectively dissolve blockages.
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However, using these products carefully and following the manufacturer's instructions is crucial to avoid damaging your plumbing system.
For this purpose, you can use the Drano Max Build Up Remover Drain Cleaner from Amazon.com. It contains natural enzymes that help remove build-ups and is safe for your toilet.?
Common Causes of Blocked Toilets and Prevention Tips
Several reasons could lead to a blocked toilet. Understanding these causes is crucial to preventing your toilet from blocking. The most common causes of toilet blockage include:
Flushing of Inappropriate Items
One of the most common causes of toilet blockage is flushing inappropriate items. Many people mistakenly believe their toilet can handle anything they throw at it, but this is untrue.?
Items such as paper towels, feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, and even excessive amounts of toilet paper can all lead to a blockage.
To prevent this, educate everyone in your household about what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet. Placing a small waste bin in the bathroom for disposing of these items can also help prevent blockages.
A Build up of Mineral Deposits and Debris in the Pipes
Another common cause of toilet blockage is a build-up of mineral deposits and debris in the pipes. Over time, minerals such as calcium and magnesium can accumulate in the pipes, reducing the flow of water and leading to blockages.
Additionally, debris such as hair, soap scum, and dirt can also contribute to blockages.
To prevent this, it is vital to regularly clean the toilet and pipes using a toilet brush and a mild cleaning solution.?
Additionally, using a drain strainer in the shower and sink can help prevent debris from entering the pipes and causing blockages.
Malfunctioning or Old Toilet
A third common cause of toilet blockage is a malfunctioning or old toilet. Over time, the internal mechanisms of a toilet can wear out or become damaged, leading to a reduction in flushing power and an increased likelihood of blockages.
You can prevent this by regularly inspecting your toilet for any signs of damage or wear and replacing worn or damaged parts as soon as possible.?
Also, older toilets may need replacing with newer, more efficient models to prevent blockages and reduce water consumption.
Other Factors
In addition to the above common causes of toilet blockage, several other factors can contribute to this issue. For example, tree roots can invade the sewer lines and cause blockages, and improper installation of the toilet or pipes can also lead to blockages.
To prevent these issues, inspect the sewer lines regularly and ensure that the toilet and pipes are installed correctly.
Final Thoughts
Toilet blockages can be a significant inconvenience, but you can often prevent them by understanding the most common causes and taking steps to address them.
Educating everyone in your household about what they can and cannot flush down the toilet, regularly cleaning the toilet and pipes, inspecting the toilet for damage, and addressing any other potential issues can help prevent toilet blockages and keep the toilet functioning correctly.?
By taking these proactive measures, you can avoid the hassle and expense of dealing with a blocked toilet.