Unclogging Your Toilet: 5 Tips From the Pros

Unclogging Your Toilet: 5 Tips From the Pros

It happens to the best of us. Toilet clogs can affect anyone at any time, it’s just a fact of life.

While the trusted and experienced plumbing professionals at The Plumbing Works in Reading, PA will always be there for you, there are a few ways you may be able to handle minor toilet clogs on your own. Check out these five professional tips for unclogging your toilet all by yourself.

Grab the Plunger

The most tried and true method for at-home toilet unclogging is reaching for the trusty plunger. If you don’t have a plunger in your home already, a clogged toilet is just nature’s way of telling you it’s time to buy one.

In the event that your toilet overflows, having a simple plunger handy can end up saving you thousands of dollars in water damage costs that would result from a flooded bathroom. When selecting a plunger, look for a durable, rubber plunger complete with a flange. This design is much more effective at unclogging than cheaper designs.

When taking the plunge, the first thing you’ll need to do is ensure you’re creating an effective seal. Be sure to get a tight fit at the bottom of the toilet bowl, and double check that the top of the plunger is fully submerged (adding more water, if necessary). Plunge as vigorously as possible without splashing. With a little luck, you will have resolved your problem in no time!

The Scientific Method

Did you know that the same ingredients that make science-class volcanoes erupt can also make for a great toilet clog cleaner? Don’t worry, your throne won’t erupt anytime soon, but simple elements like baking soda and vinegar are cheaper and gentler on your plumbing than harsh chemical cleaners.

To utilize this method, start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil, then allow it to cool for five minutes. Add one cup of baking soda to your toilet bowl, followed by two cups of vinegar. Then, pour the water in (careful not to overflow!) and allow the mixture to go to work for a few hours. So long as your clog isn’t too major, you’ll be back in business soon.

The Slippery Method

A variation on the above method, this method uses liquid dish soap to help get things moving. Just like before, heat a large pot of water to a boil and then allow it to cool slightly. While you’re waiting, fill your toilet bowl with a generous amount of liquid dish soap and allow it to settle.

When the time comes, pour the water into your toilet bowl, taking care to pour from at least a foot above it. This will force the water to push things through your soaped-up toilet drain, and with a little luck, the clog will slide right on through.

Charm with a Snake

If you have access to a plumbing snake, you have exactly what you need to tackle even some of the most stubborn clogs.

There are many variations of drain snake models, but the basic concept is pretty universal. Start by feeding the flexible end of the snake into the toilet drain until you feel the clog. Then, twist the snake handle to break up the debris and dislodge the obstruction.

While doing this, be wary of using a drain snake that is too large for your toilet, and take extra care to take your time when extracting the flexible end. If you take it out too quickly, you could end up with a messy situation.

When in Doubt, Turn to the Pros

When the clog is just too much for mortal men, there’s no shame in calling in the professional, friendly, and experienced plumbers at The Plumbing Works in Reading, PA. When it comes to home service companies, few offer true customer satisfaction — at The Plumbing Works, we’re different.
As a family owned and operated company, we’re proud to provide thorough, ongoing training for all our employees. In addition, we ensure that all our Reading-area plumbers and HVAC technicians are professional, polite, and on time, every time. Most of all, we treat you and your property with respect. Once a job is complete, we clean up after ourselves. The only evidence that we were ever there is a perfectly working system!

Remove yourself from the stress of the situation by calling us today at (610) 708-1297, or book online right here! We’ve never met a clog too tough to tame.