One of the most common household issues is unclogging a toilet, which can normally be fixed with a few easy steps. Here is your guide to effectively unclogging a toilet:
Tools may be needed
Plunger (most effective with a flange or toilet plunger)
Toilet auger (or snake) for worse clogs
Rubber gloves
Pail
Old towels or rags
Step-by-Step Procedures
1. Analyse the Situation
Inspect the water level in the toilet bowl. If it has reached a high level where it starts to look like it might overflow, move directly to step 2. Otherwise, you can go to step 3, since it is at normal height.
2. Overflow Prevention
If the toilet bowl is close to overflowing, turn off the water supply. Locate the shut-off valve behind the toilet and turn it clockwise to close it. This will prevent further water from filling the bowl.
3. Apply a Plunger
Choose the Right Plunger: A toilet plunger (with a flange) is the best tool for this job.
Install the Plunger: Insert the plunger into the toilet bowl so that the flange fits into the hole of the drain.
Make a Seal: Take the pressure off to make a seal before you start plunging.
Plunge Forcefully: Pump the plunger upwards and downwards with much force for 15-20 seconds. Make sure to maintain the suction seal while pumping, moving both down and up, but don't lift the plunger out of the water at all.
Test the Flush: After plunging, flush the toilet to see if it has opened up. If this isn't the case, plunge again.
4. Use a Toilet Auger (If Needed)
If plunging doesn’t work, a toilet auger can help reach deeper clogs.
Insert the Auger: Carefully insert the auger into the toilet bowl and push it into the drain until you feel resistance.
Crank the Handle: Rotate the handle of the auger to break apart the blockage or grab onto it.
Remove the Auger: Slowly pull it out and keep on turning the handle. This may dislodge the blockage to some extent.
Flush the Toilet: Flush the toilet to check for loosening of your clogged toilet after using the auger.
5. Inspect for Obstructions
If the clogging continues to persist, then it might be further down the pipe or in the water plumbing system; hence, you may need to seek the services of a plumber.
Further Tips
Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners: These could damage your toilet and pipes and sometimes fail to dissolve the clog in your toilet.
Prevent Future Clogs: Be careful about what you flush. Don't flush items like wipes, feminine hygiene products, or too much toilet paper. Follow the above steps to successfully unblock your toilet. If the problem persists or seems to be complicated, it is better to seek professional help from a plumber.
Tools may be needed
Plunger (most effective with a flange or toilet plunger)
Toilet auger (or snake) for worse clogs
Rubber gloves
Pail
Old towels or rags
Step-by-Step Procedures
1. Analyse the Situation
Inspect the water level in the toilet bowl. If it has reached a high level where it starts to look like it might overflow, move directly to step 2. Otherwise, you can go to step 3, since it is at normal height.
2. Overflow Prevention
If the toilet bowl is close to overflowing, turn off the water supply. Locate the shut-off valve behind the toilet and turn it clockwise to close it. This will prevent further water from filling the bowl.
3. Apply a Plunger
Choose the Right Plunger: A toilet plunger (with a flange) is the best tool for this job.
Install the Plunger: Insert the plunger into the toilet bowl so that the flange fits into the hole of the drain.
Make a Seal: Take the pressure off to make a seal before you start plunging.
Plunge Forcefully: Pump the plunger upwards and downwards with much force for 15-20 seconds. Make sure to maintain the suction seal while pumping, moving both down and up, but don't lift the plunger out of the water at all.
Test the Flush: After plunging, flush the toilet to see if it has opened up. If this isn't the case, plunge again.
4. Use a Toilet Auger (If Needed)
If plunging doesn’t work, a toilet auger can help reach deeper clogs.
Insert the Auger: Carefully insert the auger into the toilet bowl and push it into the drain until you feel resistance.
Crank the Handle: Rotate the handle of the auger to break apart the blockage or grab onto it.
Remove the Auger: Slowly pull it out and keep on turning the handle. This may dislodge the blockage to some extent.
Flush the Toilet: Flush the toilet to check for loosening of your clogged toilet after using the auger.
5. Inspect for Obstructions
If the clogging continues to persist, then it might be further down the pipe or in the water plumbing system; hence, you may need to seek the services of a plumber.
Further Tips
Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners: These could damage your toilet and pipes and sometimes fail to dissolve the clog in your toilet.
Prevent Future Clogs: Be careful about what you flush. Don't flush items like wipes, feminine hygiene products, or too much toilet paper. Follow the above steps to successfully unblock your toilet. If the problem persists or seems to be complicated, it is better to seek professional help from a plumber.