We have all had that terrible feeling of flushing the toilet only to realize that the water wouldn’t just go down the outlet. Panic sets in as we tell ourselves “this isn’t happening for real!” It gets more embarrassing when it happens in someone else’s home you are visiting or when your guests complain about this problem.
Blockage signs include an increase in water level or slow drainage. Whichever the problem may be, you can fix it without calling a plumber. This guide shows you some tools and techniques to solve blockage problems.
Why Do Toilets Get Clogged?
Blockages occur when occupants and guests don’t use the toilet properly. Many cases reportedly resolved by professional plumbers involve users flushing foreign objects down the toilet bowl. Over time, these items build up a barricade in the waste pipe, making it difficult to flush.
Items like wet wipes, cotton balls, excess toilet paper, sanitary towels, among others are not suitable for toilet drainage as they do not only obstruct the flow of water and soluble substances but also damage the waste pipes.
Preventing Toilet Blockage
Just like the popular proverb, “prevention is better than cure,” it is better to maintain your toilet properly than deal with endangering consequences. Having a clogged toilet can lead to an overflow of contaminated water that can be harmful to an individual’s health and property.
Avoid flushing down foreign objects down the toilet bowl. Always make sure that the bowl is clean and the outlet is clear. There are cleaning and descaling products that promote toilet maintenance.
Unblocking A Toilet
Okay, so now my toilet is clogged, what do I do? There is always a solution. Here are some ways to unblocking a toilet on your own, before calling a professional plumber.
A Plunger
This is an essential tool for any homeowner dealing with plumbing issues as it helps unclog the toilet by changing the pressure in the drains via suction. When placed inside the toilet bowl outlet, it releases pressure into the waste pipe to remove any blockage from the passageway.
To begin with, cover the toilet bowl with the plunger to prevent water and air from passing through. Gently push the plunger downwards and then pull back up. Gradually increase the pressure, repeating the downward and upward movement. As soon as this process is completed, flush the toilet and check the result.
A Chemical Clog Remover
A chemical clog remover works effectively in removing blockages in waste pipes. Being corrosive in nature, it eliminates obstructive substances by dissolving them. However, if you find this remover strong for your toilet, you can use soap or dish soap. You can use this item in a situation where the plunger fails to solve the problem. Be mindful when using a chemical clog remover as it may also damage the waste pipes.
Baking soda is effective in removing blockages. To unclog your toilet, pour half a cup full of this substance into the toilet bowl. Place at least 2 litres of water into a pot and heat. Add half a cup of white vinegar to the water before it boils. Once you are done, pour the mixed substance into the bowl and cover the lid. Flush the toilet after 30 minutes.
You can also seek professional help if you still experience challenges unblocking your toilet.
