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Nobody likes a clogged toilet. Not only is it inconvenient, but it can also be a health hazard.
If you’re dealing with a clogged toilet, don’t panic! There are several ways to clean it and get it back up and running.
This blog post will discuss some of the best methods on how to clean a clogged toilet.
Causes Of Clogged Toilets
Several things can cause a toilet to become clogged.
Here are some of the most common causes:
1. Too much toilet paper:
Using too much toilet paper is one of the most common causes of clogged toilets.
When a toilet is flushed, the water carries waste and toilet paper down the drain.
However, if too much toilet paper is used, it can create a blockage that prevents the water from flowing freely. As a result, the toilet becomes clogged and may even overflow.
To avoid this problem, using only as much toilet paper as necessary is important.
2. Objects that aren’t flushable:
While many people think anything can be flushed down a toilet, that’s not true.
Things like diapers, sanitary pads, cotton balls, and Q-tips are just a few things that shouldn’t be flushed.
These items can easily clog up your pipes and cause a big mess. So, before you flush, ensure that what you’re flushing will go down the drain.
3. Tree roots:
Tree roots can also cause clogged toilets. When tree roots grow into sewer lines, they can cause blockages that prevent waste from flowing freely through the pipes.
As a result, toilets can become backed up and may even overflow.
If you suspect tree roots are causing your clogged toilet, you should contact a plumber to fix the problem.
4. Grease:
Pouring grease down the drain is a recipe for disaster. Even if it seems to go down okay at first, it will harden and stick to the sides of your pipes over time.
This can create a major blockage that will be very difficult to remove. So, no matter how tempting it may be, always dispose of grease in the trash instead of trying to flush it down the drain.
These are just a few of the most common causes of clogged toilets. If you’re having trouble with a clogged toilet, try to identify the cause and then take appropriate action to fix the problem.
Why Is It Important to Clean a Clogged Toilet?
Cleaning a clogged toilet is important for several reasons. Here are just a few:
1. Prevent sewage backup:
When sewage backs up into your toilet, it can cause an unsanitary mess that is difficult to clean.
In addition, backed-up sewage can contaminate your drinking water, leading to serious health problems.
2. Prevent odors:
If you have a clogged toilet, bad odors will likely emanate from it.
These odors can be extremely unpleasant, and they can also be a sign of a more serious problem.
If you notice any strange smells coming from your toilet, it is important to clean it as soon as possible.
3. Extend the life of your toilet:
If you do not regularly clean your toilet, it will show signs of wear and tear sooner than it should.
In addition, a clogged toilet can put extra strain on your plumbing, leading to leaks or other problems.
By cleaning your toilet regularly, you can extend its lifespan and avoid costly repairs.
4. Get rid of embarrassing odors:
Clogged toilets can be a smelly business.
If waste sits in your toilet bowl, it will start to stink and that smell will only get worse the longer the clog goes unresolved.
If you want to avoid embarrassing odors, you need to clear that clog ASAP!
5. Prevent water damage:
Toilets are designed to flush waste away using a small amount of water.
When a toilet is clogged, water has nowhere to go but up – which means it could start spilling out onto your floor.
Not only is this a huge pain to clean up, but it could also lead to serious water damage in your home.
To prevent costly repairs, taking care of a clog is important as soon as you notice it.
These are the main reasons you should take the time to clean a clogged toilet. If your toilet is starting to back up, don’t wait – take action immediately!
How To Determine if You Have a Clogged Toilet?
If you think your toilet may be clogged, there are a few things you can do to inspect it. Here are a few tips:
- Check the bowl: The first step is to look at the toilet bowl. If water is slowly draining from the bowl, or if it isn’t draining, there’s a good chance that your toilet is clogged.
- Check the tank: Next, check the toilet tank. If the water level in the tank is low, it could be a sign that your toilet is clogged.
- Check the plunger: If the plunger isn’t doing its job, it could signify that your toilet is clogged.
- Try flushing: If you’re still not sure, try flushing the toilet. If the water doesn’t go down, or if it takes a long time for the toilet to flush, there’s a good chance that your toilet is clogged.
If your toilet is clogged, don’t panic! There are a few things you can do to fix it.
How to Clean a Clogged Toilet – 4 Methods
If your toilet is clogged, there are a few things you can do to try to unclog it.
Here are four methods you can use:
- Use a plunger.
- Use a toilet auger.
- Use a chemical cleaner.
- Use hot water.
1. How to Clean a Clogged Toilet with a Plunger
The first thing you can try is a plunger. This is usually one of the most effective way to unclog a toilet.
Tools you’ll need:
- A plunger
- A bucket of hot water
Instructions:
- Start by pouring a bucket of hot water into the toilet bowl.
- Next, take your plunger and place it over the hole at the bottom of the toilet bowl. Make sure there is a good seal.
- Now, start plunging up and down. Do this for about 30 seconds.
- After 30 seconds, stop and see if the water has started to go down. If it has, then you’re done!
If not, then you can try one of the other methods below.
2. Toilet auger
If the plunger doesn’t work, your next best bet is a toilet auger.
Tools you’ll need:
Instructions:
- Start by placing the toilet auger into the hole at the bottom of the toilet bowl.
- Next, start turning the handle in a clockwise motion.
- As you turn the handle, the auger will start to snake through the clog.
- Keep turning the handle until you feel the auger hit something solid. At this point, you can start to crank the auger in a clockwise motion.
- This will help to break up the clog.
After a few seconds, stop and see if the water has started to go down. If it has, then you’re done!
If not, then you can try one of the other methods below.
3. Chemical cleaner
If the plunger and toilet auger don’t work, your next best bet is a chemical cleaner.
Tools you’ll need:
Instructions:
- Start by pouring the chemical cleaner into the toilet bowl.
- Next, wait for the recommended amount of time. This will vary depending on the product you’re using.
- After the recommended time has passed, flush the toilet to see if the clog has been removed.
If not, then you can try the method below.
4. Boiling water
If the plunger, toilet auger, and chemical cleaner don’t work, your next best bet is boiling water.
Tools you’ll need:
- A bowl of boiling water
Instructions:
- Start by pouring the boiling water into the toilet bowl.
- Next, wait for the recommended amount of time. This will vary depending on the product you’re using.
- After the recommended time has passed, flush the toilet to see if the clog has been removed.
5. Call a plumber (If any of the above methods don’t work)
If none of the above methods work, then your next best bet is to call a plumber.
It’s important to note that some clogs are too tough for DIY methods and will require professional help.
You can find a list of qualified plumbers online or call your local home improvement store.
When you call a plumber, explain the problem and ask for an estimate. This will help you decide if it’s worth it to have them come out and take a look.
Tips To Prevent Toilet Clogs
Now that you know how to unclog a toilet, here are a few tips to prevent clogs in the future:
1. Don’t flush anything other than toilet paper:
While it may be tempting to flush foreign objects down the toilet to avoid having to touch them, doing so is one of the leading causes of clogs.
Toilet paper is designed to break down quickly in water, but other items such as condoms, feminine products, and paper towels can cause serious blockages. As a result, it’s best to throw these items in the trash instead of flushing them.
2. Don’t put too much toilet paper in the toilet:
While most people believe that using more toilet paper will help to prevent clogs, the opposite is true.
When too much toilet paper is used, it can form a thick mat that can block water flow. As a result, it’s best to use just the amount of toilet paper you need at all times.
3. Clean your toilets regularly:
Clogs can often be caused by build-up on the sides of the toilet bowl. Over time, this build-up can harden and become difficult to remove.
However, a regular cleaning with a toilet brush can help to prevent this problem. In addition, it’s important to clean under the rim of the toilet bowl where dirt and grime can collect.
6. Give your toilet a rest:
You may be flushing several times a day. Give your toilet a break by using the bathroom before bed at night. This will give the tanks time to refill and the pipes time to rest.
7. Use natural cleaners:
Avoid using chemical drain cleaners whenever possible. These harsh chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to even more clogs.
Instead, opt for environmentally friendly cleaners like white vinegar or baking soda.
Follow these tips, and you should be able to avoid most toilet clogs. You would much rather spend your time and money on something other than unclogging your toilet!
Benefits Of Cleaning a Clogged Toilet
There are many benefits of cleaning a clogged toilet. Here are just a few:
- Save money on your water bill: Water bills can be expensive, and if you have a clogged toilet, you may use more water than necessary. By unclogging your toilet, you can save money on your water bill.
- Prevent flooding: If your toilet is clogged, there is a risk of flooding. By unclogging your toilet, you can help to prevent flooding in your home.
- Avoid diseases: Clogged toilets can be breeding grounds for bacteria and disease. By keeping your toilet clean and unclogged, you can help to avoid diseases.
- Improve the appearance of your bathroom: A clogged toilet can make your bathroom look dirty and unkempt. By cleaning your toilet, you can improve the appearance of your bathroom and make the bathroom cleaner.
These are just a few of the benefits of cleaning a clogged toilet. If you have a clogged toilet, clean it as soon as possible to avoid these problems.
How To Find the Best Plumber?
There are many plumbers out there, but not all of them are created equal. Here are a few tips on how to find the best plumber for your needs:
- Check reviews: When looking for a plumber, it is important to check reviews. This will give you an idea of their quality of work.
- Ask around: Ask your friends and family if they have any recommendations for a good plumber.
- Do your research: Make sure to do your research on different plumbers in your area before making a decision.
These are just a few things to keep in mind when finding a good plumber. By following these tips, you should be able to find the best plumber for your needs.
Although cleaning a clogged toilet is not an easy task, it is a doable one. And if you should find yourself in the same situation, hopefully, through this guide you have learnt how to clean a clogged toilet and make the process a little less daunting.
Remember to be patient and take your time; it’s better to do it right than to rush through it and end up with a bigger mess on your hands.
