Unclog Your Toilet: Four Tricks to Try Before Calling Your Plumber
Let’s be honest – no one wants to call in a plumber for a clogged toilet. But sometimes the solution isn’t as simple as a plunger. Serious clogs need serious solutions. Follow the steps below to free the flow!
The Plunger
Before you do anything else, shut off your water by turning the water valve. Generally, you can find the handle to do this behind the base of your toilet.
After you do this, the first thing to try is your handy dandy plunger. The best way to use a plunger is outlined below:
- Cover the entire drain with the plunger and gently push down to create a seal.
- Do not move the plunger! Then, push and pull the plunger up and down in decisive, quick movements.
- After repeating about 6 times, and then pull the plunger up sharply.
Everything Else…
Now, you are most likely here because your clog goes beyond the capabilities of your plunger. The next step is to use a snake or auger to clear the drain.
- Insert the end of your drain auger directly into the toilet.
- Slowly push the drain snake into the toilet while cranking the handle clockwise.
- Rotate the handle until the clog is encountered/the snake handle is rotated down against the protective sheath. The snake will try to snag objects if it encounters them.
- After finding the blockage with the drain snake, pull it out without rotating the drain. By doing this, you’ll ensure that only the snake and items blocking the drain come out cleanly.
- Repeat until your toilet unclogged.
If you are still clogged up — try a drain cleaner like Draino to loosen up the debris. You may need to plunge or snake your drain once again after letting the chemicals do their job.
And if your clog is still around after these steps, it may take an expert! Give us a call at (440) 283-9377 to get in touch with your family plumbers over here at Ohio Buckeye.