For many homeowners, one of the most
distasteful, yet necessary tasks you may need to perform may be
unclogging a toilet. Face it; we all know that at one time or another,
something happens to clog that most necessary item in any house.
The kids have stuffed their washrag down it, too many tissues
or even an entire roll of toilet paper has found its way inside
the drain, but not out the other end. Rust and buildup in old pipes
is often the main cause of slow or a clogged toilet drain, and if
you don't clear it out, you'll find a big mess on your hands the
next time you flush. To avoid the potential disaster, try
a few simple remedies to start. One tip includes a special recipe
that may help to clear up the matter before it causes trouble.
Homemade Clog Recipe: Measure 3
tablespoons of common dish soap into a clogged toilet bowl.
Let it sit for a few minutes and then try using the plunger. Try
to use force when plunging, and plunge at least 10-12 times before
looking to see if you've forced the drain open.
If that doesn't work, you may have
to rely on other methods to get rid of that clog. Be advised that
there are several things that you should never use on your toilet:
Never pour chemical drain cleaners
into your toilet bowl.
Don't use a coat hanger to try to unclog the drain.
Don't use a hand auger, more commonly known as a snake, on your
toilet, as you may shatter the porcelain.
Do use what is known as a closed auger
to unclog your toilet. Its natural design is made specifically for
toilets and won't cause irreparable damage or breakage. A closed
auger is extremely simple to use and consists of inserting
the padded end into the toilet drain.
Then, turn the crank handle. You may
feel some pressure as the tip of the closed auger comes into contact
with whatever is clogging the toilet. As you turn the crank, slowly
pull the auger from the drain and you may be able to pull the object
out that way.
If that doesn't work, you have one
option left: removing the toilet and checking the drain to try to
remove whatever's clogging it. If you feel uncomfortable about removing
the toilet bowl, call a plumber. However, if you decide to check
it yourself, make sure you run to the hardware store first
to purchase a new "O" ring for your toilet, as you will
need to properly re-seal the toilet when finished.
Grab a bucket of water, hold it up at least waist high and pour it into the toilet, aiming at the hole. The weight of the water will often unplug the toilet.