7 Steps How to Unclog a Toilet: A Step-by-Step Guide9 min read

If you have ever experienced the frustration of a clogged toilet, you know how important it is to quickly and effectively unclog it. While it has not the most pleasant task, it’s something that can be done with a little patience and the right tools. In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to unclog a toilet.

What Causes a Toilet to Clog?

Toilets can become clogged for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons include flushing too much toilet paper, flushing non-flushable items such as sanitary products, baby wipes, or dental floss, and flushing food waste or grease. Other causes can include a low-flow toilet or an issue with the plumbing system.

Materials Needed to Unclog a Toilet

Before attempting to unclog a toilet, it’s important to gather all the materials. These include a plunger, rubber gloves, a bucket, and a plumbing snake. Optional materials include dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar.

Precautions Before Attempting to Unclog a Toilet

It’s important to take certain precautions before attempting to unclog a toilet. First, turn off the water supply to the toilet to prevent the toilet from overflowing. Next, protect the floor with old towels or newspapers in case of any spills or splashes. Finally, put on rubber gloves to protect your hands from any germs or bacteria.

Relevant Article: 5 Best Ways How to Unclog a Toilet with Poop Still in It

Step-by-Step Guide to Unclog a Toilet

1. Turn off the Water Supply

Locate the shut-off valve near the base of the toilet and turn it off. This will prevent water from entering the toilet bowl while you work on unclogging it.

2. Protect the Floor

Place old towels or newspapers on the floor around the toilet to catch any water that may spill over.

3. Prepare the Plunger

Place the plunger in the toilet bowl, making sure the rubber cup is completely covering the drain opening. If the plunger cup is too small, try using a larger one.

4. Plunge the Toilet

Using a fast and forceful motion, push and pull the plunger up and down several times. This will create suction that can help to dislodge the clog. Repeat this motion several times until the water level in the bowl goes down.

5. Check the Water Level

Check if the clog has been removed by turning on the water supply and see if the water level in the bowl has gone down by flushing the toilet. If the water level is still high, repeat the plunging motion several more times until the water level goes down.

6. Repeat Plunging or Try Another Method

If plunging doesn’t work, try repeating the process several times or try another method. Some other methods include using a plumbing snake, hot water and dish soap, baking soda and vinegar, or a wet/dry vacuum.

7. Remove the Clog

If the clog is visible, use a pair of gloves to remove it. If the clog is deeper in the pipes, use a plumbing snake to remove it. Dispose of the clog properly and wash your hands thoroughly.

Other Methods to Unclog a Toilet

If plunging doesn’t work, there are other methods you can try to unclog a toilet. These include:

1. Using a Plumbing Snake

A plumbing snake is a long, flexible tool that can remove clogs that are deep in the pipes. Insert the snake into the toilet and turn it clockwise until you feel resistance. Continue turning the snake while pushing it further into the drain until you feel the clog break apart.

2. Using Hot Water and Dish Soap

Pour hot water and dish soap into the toilet bowl and let it sit for several minutes. The hot water and dish soap will help to break down the clog and make it easier to remove.

3. Using Baking Soda and Vinegar

Mix baking soda and vinegar in a bowl and pour the mixture into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for several minutes before flushing the toilet. The baking soda and vinegar will react and create a foaming action that can help to remove the clog.

4. Using a Wet/Dry Vacuum

If you have a wet/dry vacuum, you can use it to suck out the clog from the toilet bowl. Cover the vacuum hose with a towel to create a seal and prevent any spills.

Tips to Prevent Toilet Clogs

Prevention is key for avoiding toilet clogs. Some tips to prevent clogs include:

• Only flushing toilet paper and waste
• Avoid flushing non-flushable items
• Use a low-flow toilet
• Regularly clean your toilet to prevent buildup

How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger

If you find yourself with a clogged toilet and no plunger in sight, don’t worry! There are several methods you can use to unclog a toilet without a plunger. In this article, we’ll go over some effective ways to unclog a toilet without a plunger.

1. Use Hot Water

One of the easiest ways to unclog a toilet without a plunger is by using hot water. Boil a pot of water on the stove and carefully pour it into the toilet bowl. Let the water sit for a few minutes and then try flushing the toilet. The hot water should help to break up the clog and allow it to flush away.

2. Use Dish Soap

Dish soap can also unclog a toilet. Squirt a generous amount of dish soap into the toilet bowl and let it sit for several minutes. The soap will help to lubricate the pipes and break down the clog. After letting it sit, pour hot water into the toilet bowl and flush.

3. Use a Wire Hanger

If you have a wire hanger in hand, you can use it to unclog a toilet. Straighten the hanger and then bend one end to create a hook. Insert the hook end into the toilet bowl and try to hook onto the clog. Pull the hanger out of the bowl and the clog should come with it.

4. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

Mixing baking soda and vinegar can create a foaming action that can help to break up a clog. Pour a cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl and follow it with a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for several minutes before flushing the toilet.

5. Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum

If you have a wet/dry vacuum, you can use it to unclog a toilet. Set the vacuum to the wet setting and cover the hose with a towel to create a seal. Insert the hose into the toilet bowl and turn it on. The vacuum should suck out the clog.

6. Use a Plumbing Snake

If all else fails, you can use a plumbing snake to unclog a toilet. Insert the snake into the toilet bowl and turn it clockwise until you feel resistance. Continue turning the snake while pushing it further into the drain until you feel the clog break apart.

How to Unclog a Toilet With a Plunger

If you have a clogged toilet, one of the easiest ways to fix the problem is by using a plunger. A plunger works by creating suction, which can help to dislodge the clog and allow it to flush away. In this article, we’ll go over the steps to unclog a toilet with a plunger.

1. Prepare the Area

Before you begin, you’ll want to make sure the area around the toilet is clear. Remove any rugs or towels and make sure there is nothing on the floor that can get in the way.

2. Fill the Toilet Bowl

Next, you’ll want to fill the toilet bowl with water. This will create more pressure when you use the plunger. If the water level is low, add some water to the bowl until it’s about halfway full.

3. Position the Plunger

Position the plunger over the toilet bowl and make sure it’s centered over the drain. The rubber end of the plunger should be completely covering the drain.

4. Create Suction

Slowly push the plunger down, creating suction. You want to create a tight seal between the plunger and the drain. Push the plunger down as far as it can go, then pull it up quickly. Repeat this several times.

5. Flush the Toilet

After you’ve used the plunger several times, try flushing the toilet. If it has dislodged the clog, the water should flush away easily. If the water doesn’t flush away, repeat the plunging process.

6. Clean Up

You should clean up the area around the toilet once you have unclogged it. Use disinfectant spray to clean the plunger and wash your hands thoroughly.

Conclusion

Unclogging a toilet can be a messy and frustrating task, but it’s something that can be done with a little patience and the right tools. Remember to take the precautions before attempting to unclog a toilet, and try different methods if plunging doesn’t work. With these tips, you’ll be able to quickly and effectively unclog any toilet.

Recommended Topics:

1. How to clean bathroom sink drain smell
2. How to clean shower tiles without scrubbing
3. Bathroom organization ideas DIY
4. how to remove bathroom sink drain
5. How to Clean Glass Shower Doors for Bathroom

Visit here for complete house cleaning schedule checklist, house laundry cleaning schedule checklist and all the house cleaning, laundry, and bathroom related articles. Visit here for the 10 best washing machine cleaner, and finally go through the homyclean for Products Review.

FAQs

Author