There’s nothing worse than a clogged toilet, especially when it seems like the toilet bowl is going to overflow and cause a serious mess. The good news is a clogged toilet doesn’t have to be a disaster. Even a beginner handyman or woman can master these easy tips on how to plunge a toilet like a plumber.
Stop The Water From Overflowing
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The first thing you want to do with a clogged toilet is to stop the water from pouring over the sides of the bowl. Most toilets have a small valve (toilet shut off valve) in the back that you can flip to turn off the water. You can also take the lid off the tank and make sure the stopper or flapper at the bottom is closed. This will prevent water from flowing out of the tank and into the bowl.
Buy The Proper Plunger
Not all plungers are designed the same. A good toilet plunger should be made of sturdy rubber and fit securely over the hole at the bottom of the bowl. The best type of plunger is a funnel plunger. This type of plunger has a large bell-shaped middle section and a smaller flange that extends out the bottom. If your plunger is too stiff to create a good seal over the drainage hole in the toilet, try warming it up with some hot water.
Use Soap And Hot Water
Before plunging, try filling the toilet bowl halfway with hot water and soap. You can use any type of soap that creates suds, including dishwashing soap, body wash, shampoo, or laundry detergent. The combination of hot water and soap works to break up the clog and make it easier to flush or dislodge. Leave the hot water and soap in the bowl anywhere from 15 minutes up to an hour. Try flushing, and if that doesn’t work, then reach for the plunger.
How To Plunge Correctly
Make sure there is water in the bowl before plunging. This will help dislodge the clog. Place the plunger over the drainage hole and press down until there is a seal between the plunger and the bowl. At first, plunge gently to release air in the bell of the plunger. Then use strong pressure to push the plunger down and pull it back up. Do this multiple times. This strong downwards and upwards motion creates suction and forces water up and down to help remove the clog. Repeat until the clog is gone.
Try A Toilet Snake Or Closet Auger
If plunging isn’t doing the trick, try using a toilet snake. A toilet snake is a long wire with a corkscrew on the end. Slide the toilet snake down the drain until it reaches the clog, then use a twisting motion to force the corkscrew into the clog. This allows you to break up the clog or hook onto it so you can pull it out. A closet auger is similar to a toilet snake, but it has a handle on one end and a rubber sleeve to protect the toilet bowl from scratches. However, it is important to note that usually, when you get to this point, it may be time to call a plumber.
Safety First
Try to avoid using harsh chemicals to unclog your toilet because they can do harm to your skin and plumbing pipes. In addition, always use gloves when working with toilets to avoid contact with bacteria. You may also want to wear old clothes and lay down some old towels in case things get messy.
When To Call A Plumber
If you’re not able to unclog your toilet, it may be time to call a plumber. A good plumber will have experience with many different types of clogs and can identify what to do to fix the problem. This may involve shutting off the water supply and disassembling the toilet. One sign that you definitely need a plumber is when water starts coming up different drains in the house. This indicates that the problem is in your pipes. In that case, you need a professional plumber to assess the damage and make the necessary adjustments.
Call Robinson Plumbing For All Of Your Plumbing Needs
For reliable plumbing services, contact Robinson Plumbing, one of the Lehigh Valley’s most trusted plumbing service companies. Our plumbing services range from clogged toilets, faucet repairs and replacements, water leak repairs, clogged drains, to the installation of water-efficient plumbing fixtures. For any plumbing repairs, we always offer a wide range of solutions whenever possible. This way, you can choose the option that works best for your budget and family.
We are proud to offer the best and most affordable plumbing services in the area. All of our plumbers have the proper licenses and experience to ensure your satisfaction. We back all of our work with a guarantee. Contact Robinson Plumbing today to schedule a free estimate.
Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or click here to contact us for any questions that you might have!