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Ways to Unclog a Toilet

Posted on September 18, 2017 by Melbourne Plumber

Whether you like to talk about it or not, toilet clogs happen.  And when they do, they are never pleasant.  Your trusted Melbourne, Florida plumbers are always available to help you when you get into a jam, but clogs can usually be handled on your own.  Here are a few tips to get the job done.

Grab the Plunger

If you don’t already have a plunger in your bathroom, now is a good time to head out to get one.  While it may sit unused in the corner for long periods of time, the plunger can save your bathroom in the event of an overflowing toilet.  Rubber plungers with flanges are the most effective.  You can add a bit of petroleum jelly around the edge of the plunger for a better seal.  Make sure that the top of the plunger is completely submerged and that the seal is tight.  Hopefully, with a few vigorous plunges, your toilet will be willing to flush once again.

Head to the Kitchen

There are a few things in your kitchen that can be quite effective at clearing up a clog.  Baking soda and vinegar make a great cleaner, and are nowhere near as harsh as commercial chemical cleaners.  Bring a large pot of water to boil, and allow it to cool for five minutes.  Add one cup of baking soda and two cups of vinegar to the toilet bowl.  Add the water, but don’t let the bowl overflow.  Leave the mixture to sit for several hours.

Another common kitchen item you can use is dish soap.  Again, bring a large pot of water to a boil and allow it to cool for five minutes.  Add a healthy dose of dish soap to the toilet bowl, allowing it to sink to the bottom.  When you pour the water in, do so from higher up, so that it generates force.

Snake It

For more stubborn clogs, a snake may be your best option.  Place the flexible end of the snake into the toilet drain and feed it through until you encounter the clog.  Then, twist the handle to break it up.  This tool is quite effective, but you should make sure that you don’t use a snake that is too large for your particular toilet, otherwise you could be facing some other issues.

With a little know-how, and the assistance of a few common household supplies, unclogging a toilet isn’t usually a difficult job.  However, in the event that none of these methods work, it may be time to call in your local Melbourne, Florida plumbing experts.