Most articles on how to unclog a toilet focus on providing practical tips and strategies for getting the job done. Far fewer focus on what you need to avoid. In this article we attempt to set the record straight and provide some “Don’ts” along with the ‘Do’s.” Let’s get started with three of each:
- Don’t flush the toilet if the water is close to reaching the rim of the toilet bowl. Your bowl is designed to hold an entire tank flush, but not any more than this.
- Don’t use an unfolded wire coat hanger to try and reach into the toilet trap-way and dislodge a clog. First, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll reach the cause of the clog (toilet trap-ways are around 3 feet in length, with numerous bends) and second, you can easily scratch the porcelain of the toilet.
- When using a toilet plunger, don’t plunge against air but ensure there is some water in the pipes. Air compresses under pressure far more than water does so your plunging action will be much less effective.
- Do use a toilet snake to get rid of stubborn clogs. These consist of a flexible cable that retracts and extends from a hollow tube when the handle is turned. They are also referred to as plumbing snakes and toilet augers.
- Do add hot water and detergent to the toilet to get things moving. The hot water will help break down soft clogs and the detergent acts as a lubricant. But you’re less likely to have success using this technique if you are dealing with a hard clog.
- Do be patient. Sometimes all you need to do is wait for 30 minutes and the clog will clear on its own. This is especially the case if the toilet bowl has filled with water. The simple action of gravity may be enough to get things moving again.