How to unclog a toilet: main methods and step by step
Learning some techniques like how to unclog a toilet is essential to solve small problems in your home. In some cases, clogging is very simple, just using some materials you have at home. However, if the problem persists, the ideal is to hire a professional. See the best tricks to unclog a toilet.
How to unclog a toilet: main ways
There are different ways to unclog a toilet. In some cases you can use simple products such as water and detergent, in other times, it will be necessary to use aggressive chemicals. Learn about some techniques you can use to unclog a toilet.
Use only bleach
Undoubtedly, the first technique you should use is to throw bleach into the toilet to unclog the passage in cases of waste. If the clog problem is caused by other objects inside the toilet or plumbing like wood, plastic or rags, you should use another technique.
- Take bleach and throw a good amount into the toilet;
- Now wait + or – three hours;
- Then flush to see if the toilet will unclog;
- Finally, wash the toilet very well to eliminate all residues.
Use vinegar and baking soda
If you want to use a homemade solution with products already known to the housewife, just mix vinegar with baking soda. If it doesn’t, you’ll have to use another, more effective technique.
- Take ½ cup of baking soda;
- Now take ½ cup of vinegar;
- Mix it up and flush it all down the toilet.
- Wait for it to take effect;
- Then throw water to check if the toilet is unclogged;
- Finally, do a general cleaning.
Use water and detergent
Mixing water with detergent is a good opportunity to use products that are not too aggressive. However, if the clogging problem is caused by materials such as cloth, wood and plastic, this technique will not be effective.
- Take a pot of boiling water;
- Put a little detergent inside that pan of water to dilute it;
- Flush the whole mixture down the toilet;
- Then flush to see if the clog has been resolved;
- If it’s still clogged, you can repeat the process three more times;
- If you find that it won’t work, you should look for another technique.
Use a plunger
The plunger is widely used because it is a very effective technique, as the process creates a vacuum. This vacuum allows the object that was preventing the water from going down the pipe to be eliminated, leaving the passage free.
- Take a plunger and make several movements on the toilet to apply pressure and create a vacuum;
- In this way, the object that was preventing the passage of water will be released and the vase will be unblocked;
- Use a good amount of water inside the vase.
Use caustic soda
Caustic soda is a very aggressive product, so only use it if other techniques have not worked. Before applying, you need to equip yourself with all safety equipment like gloves, goggles and boots. This process must be done to avoid direct contact with the product.
- Take a bucket and fill it with water;
- Now take a spoon, and put two spoons of lye into the bucket of water;
- Then put two spoons of salt into the bucket of water;
- Then take the mixture and put all the contents straight into the toilet;
- Wait a moment to see if the process will take effect;
- Finally, flush the toilet and wash the toilet to eliminate all residues;
- Be careful not to use this method too often, as the lye can corrode the toilet pipe.
Seal the air inlet and flush
Another good option for cases of simple clogging is to seal the air inlet and flush. The procedure creates a vacuum and presses, forcing downwards which helps to unclog the toilet.
- Before doing the procedure, take a garbage bag or cling film and cover the toilet;
- There cannot be any open space for the passage of air. Therefore, observe every detail;
- Then close the lid;
- Now you need to sit on top of the toilet lid;
- Then pull the flush for 30 seconds without stopping;
- The precise flush is supplied with water;
- Check if the clogging has resolved;
- If not, you can repeat the process two more times.
