How to Unclog a Toilet: A Guide for Montgomery, AL Homeowners

Do you hate plumbing problems?

If so, you’re not alone. This is especially true when it comes to discovering a clogged toilet in the Montgomery, AL area. After all, a clogged toilet can be a frustrating and unpleasant experience that no one wants to deal with. It can happen to anyone, and when it does, you may feel helpless and unsure of what to do.

Fortunately, with a few simple tools and techniques, you can unclog your toilet quickly and easily without having to call a plumber. 

In this guide, we will provide you with a step-by-step process for how to unclog a toilet effectively and safely. Keep reading to learn more.

Gather Necessary Supplies

Before you start unclogging the toilet, you need to gather the necessary supplies. You will need:

• A plunger
• Rubber gloves
• A bucket
• A toilet auger (optional)

Assess the Severity of the Clog

The first step in unclogging a toilet is to assess the severity of the clog. If the water level in the toilet bowl is high, do not flush the toilet. Flushing the toilet can cause the water to overflow, creating a mess.

Use a Plunger

Unclogging your toilet with a plunger is relatively simple. Here are the basic steps:

1. Put on rubber gloves.
2. Place the plunger over the hole in the toilet bowl, ensuring that it covers the entire hole.
3. Apply downward pressure to the plunger to create a vacuum.
4. Push and pull the plunger up and down vigorously to loosen the clog.
5. Continue plunging until the water drains out of the bowl.
6. If the water drains out of the bowl, flush the toilet to check if the clog is cleared. If the water does not drain or if the clog is not cleared, move on to the next step.

Use a Toilet Auger

Some clogs are too stubborn for plungers. These are situations where a toilet auger might be the best tool for the job. Here’s how to use one:

1. Put on rubber gloves.
2. Insert the toilet auger into the toilet bowl and push it down until you feel resistance.
3. Rotate the handle of the auger clockwise to loosen the clog.
4. Pull out the auger and flush the toilet to check if the clog is cleared.
5. If the clog is not cleared, repeat the process several times until the clog is cleared.

Use Hot Water and Dish Soap

If the clog persists, you might need to add some hot water to the toilet bowl. Follow these steps:

1. Put on rubber gloves.
2. Boil a pot of water on the stove.
3. Pour a cup of dish soap into the toilet bowl.
4. Pour the hot water into the toilet bowl from a height of about three feet.
5. Wait for about 10-15 minutes for the hot water and dish soap to break down the clog.
6. Flush the toilet to check if the clog is cleared.

Safety Precautions

Before attempting to unclog a toilet, it’s important to take some safety precautions. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from germs and bacteria.
2. Use caution when handling a plunger or toilet auger to avoid splashing water and waste.
3. Do not use chemical drain cleaners as they can be harmful to your plumbing system and the environment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when unclogging a toilet:

1. Flushing the toilet repeatedly without assessing the severity of the clog can cause the water to overflow and create a mess.
2. Using too much force when plunging can damage the toilet bowl or cause the water to overflow.
3. Pushing the toilet auger too far into the toilet bowl can damage the plumbing system or cause the toilet bowl to crack and create a water leak.

Prevention Tips

Preventing clogs in the first place is the best way to avoid having to unclog your toilet. Here are some prevention tips:

1. Do not flush anything other than toilet paper and human waste down the toilet.
2. Avoid flushing feminine hygiene products, paper towels, and other materials that do not break down easily.
3. Regularly clean your toilet to prevent a build-up of debris.

 

When to Call a Professional

If the clog is severe and cannot be cleared using the methods outlined in this guide, it may be time to consider hiring a plumber to handle the task for you. A plumber will have the necessary tools and expertise to clear even the most stubborn toilet clog.

There’s nothing worse than discovering plumbing problems at the most inconvenient times. Fortunately, this guide to tips on how to unclog a toilet can help keep the mess to a minimum.

Please contact Clark Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing today to schedule an appointment with one of our plumbing specialists in the Montgomery, AL area.