A toilet is an incredibly important part of any home or business establishment, and we put too little thought into our toilets until something goes wrong. A clogged toilet is something that happens from time to time, and it pays to know what to do when it occurs in your bathroom. Not every clogged toilet may require a call to the plumber. For simpler clogs, a person may be able to use the following:
• A plunger – A tried, tested, and true method is to use your handy plunger. Most homeowners and business owners have one on hand for such occasions, and they can be extremely effective for addressing simple toilet clogs. Place the plunger into the toilet bowl, make sure the hole is completely covered and sealed, and push down gently. While maintaining the seal, push a bit more forcefully up and down, and then break the seal by pulling the plunger away. If the water rushes down, you’ve successfully fixed the clog.
• Vinegar and baking soda – Baking soda and vinegar are helpful household items with a place in just about every room. They can be used to take out stains and sanitize countertops, and together they can also help unclog a toilet. First, take about 1 cup of baking soda and pour it into the toilet bowl, waiting a few minutes and allowing the baking soda to fully disperse. After those few minutes are up, follow with 2 cups of white vinegar and allow bubbles to form. Let this mixture sit for several minutes before checking to see if it has worked.
• Hot water and dish soap – If you have no plunger, baking soda, or vinegar, hot water and dish soap may do the trick. First, heat up a gallon of water on the stove, and make sure the water is very hot but not to the point of boiling. While heating up the water, use a generous amount of dish soap in the toilet bowl water. Once the water is hot enough, pour it into the soapy bowl and allow several minutes for the mixture to take effect.
At-home remedies may be perfectly suitable for simpler clogs, but not for every clog. If the clog is stubborn, cause by a foreign object, or causing your toilet to overflow, it’s time to seek the help of professionals. Calling a professional plumber will ensure your toilet clog is cleared without doing damage to your plumbing system.