Backed-up toilets are a problem that everyone will inevitably run into sooner or later. Regardless of plumbing maintenance habits, just based on the statistical number of times you will use the bathroom in your life, you’re bound to experience a clogged toilet at some point. While clogged toilets are definitely unpleasant, and can even be embarrassing, they are nothing you can’t handle. In this article, we will go over several methods to fix backed-up toilets so that you can take care of the problem when it arises.
- Plunger- While it may seem obvious, trust our experts: using a plunger is the most reliable way to fix a backed-up toilet. In particular, a plunger with a flange works best in this situation. (Flat plungers are best for sinks and other drains.) To use a plunger, first put on rubber gloves if you have them. Then put the plunger in the toilet bowl and gently push to get rid of the air and create a vacuum. Once you have a good seal, push up and down firmly several times, maintaining the seal, and finally pull up sharply and break it. The water should rush down the drain.
- Plumbing Snake- Another method to fix a backed-up toilet is to use a plumbing snake. Another name for a toilet plumbing snake is an auger, and it will have a rubber coating to protect the porcelain. To use, put the head into the toilet bowl, then turn the handle to unwind it into the pipe. When you feel resistance, retract the snake, which should loosen the clog and allow the toilet to drain correctly.
- Vinegar and Baking Soda- If you don’t have these tools on hand, you can also use some household chemicals to unclog a toilet: vinegar and baking soda. Start by adding one cup of baking soda to the backed-up toilet. Wait a few minutes, and then slowly pour two cups of white vinegar into bowl. This creates a fizzy reaction that will loosen up the clogs—but don’t pour the vinegar too fast or the fizz could overflow. Allow the mixture to work for several minutes, then flush.
If you try these methods and you still don’t get the results you need, call our team at Ace Hardware Home Services.