Clogged toilets, there is nothing more inconvenient. Unfortunately, the causes of this inconvenience are quite common and therefore it can happen to anyone. Unsuitable waste frequently thrown into the toilet, water with a high lime content or even poor maintenance, and hello to the damage! If you are facing this problem, here are 5 relatively simple and effective solutions to put an end to clogged toilets.
Summary
Tips for unclogging your toilet naturally
Above all, if you flush your toilet once and the water does not drain normally, do not insist! Indeed, flushing several times will not resolve the situation. On the contrary, it risks clogging the toilets and causing flooding. To overcome this bottleneck, try one of the following tricks instead:
Hot water
Hot water is very effective against small clogs. Its pressure disperses the waste and makes it possible to ventilate the pipes of the toilets. Heat some water in a saucepan without bringing it to a boil. Then pour it all at once into the clogged toilet bowl. For more efficiency, you can add a few drops of dishwashing liquid in hot water before pouring. The operation can be repeated several times if necessary.
baking soda
Baking soda has many properties that make it an essential ally for household cleaning. But it is also very effective for unclogging toilets. To do this, you can use one of the following three methods:
- Add half a cup of baking soda to hot water and flush the mixture down the toilet;
- Put baking soda crystals or powder in the toilet bowl and add white vinegar to it;
- Mix lemon juice and baking soda and pour it into the bowl.
Whichever method you use, then lower your toilet seat and let it act for about thirty minutes. This is the time it takes for the baking soda to flow through the pipes and produce a chemical reaction in order to eliminate residues and deposits. Once this time has passed, flush or rinse your toilet bowl thoroughly with water.
Clogged toilets: use a plumber’s tool for unclogging
Unfortunately, in some cases, natural tricks do not help to overcome toilet clogs. You must then use one of the following plumbing tools:
A suction cup
The suction cup is a useful accessory in both kitchens and bathrooms. Those designed specifically for unclogging toilets have a handle long enough to prevent you from immersing your hands in the water and above all, to avoid splashing. Here’s how to use them:
- Place the plunger in the toilet bowl so that it covers the opening of the latter without letting air through;
- Press firmly, lift then lower the suction cup. This draft will create a depression effect that will suck the waste from the toilet pipes;
- Repeat the same movement until the elimination of the cork.
A pump unblocker
Also known as a vacuum pump, a pump unclog is a plumber’s tool that is also available to the general public. You can buy one at a hardware store or any specialty store. To use it, first pull the plunger up and place it at the bottom of the bowl so that the hole is blocked. Then hold the unblocker firmly, then pump vigorously, making up and down movements with the plunger. Repeat the movement until the toilet is unblocked.
A ferret
The snake is another very effective tool for removing clogs from a toilet. It consists of a long flexible steel rod, a crank and a small brush or corkscrew-shaped wire. Thanks to its rod, it can penetrate all types of pipes without damaging them. But before using it, make sure that the brush (or the wire) is well fixed on the rod to prevent it from coming loose and getting stuck in the pipe during the operation.
Once this is done, follow the steps below:
- Turn the crank until you reach the plug. You will know that it has been reached when the crank has more and more difficulty turning;
- Continue to perform the steering motion until the clog is broken and the water flows normally;
- Flush the toilet.
Good maintenance to avoid clogged toilets
To avoid the tedious and unpleasant task of unclogging the toilet, it is important to do not throw household waste such as tampons, wipes, condoms or boxes of toilet paper rolls. In addition, regularly maintain your pipes by pouring coffee grounds at least once a month. These coffee residues clean the pipes to avoid clogged toilets and bad smells.
