What to Do When the Toilet Clogs 

You flush the toilet, and it bubbles, gurgles, and makes a weird sound but then does not flush. Does that sound familiar? Toilet clogs are an unpleasant but common household problem that can happen to anyone. A clogged toilet can quickly become frustrating and embarrassing if not addressed promptly. Not only can it lead to unpleasant odours and a messy bathroom, but it can also cause water damage if left unattended for too long.

Let’s face it: dealing with a clogged toilet is nobody’s idea of a good time. Whether at home, in a public restroom, or at a friend’s house, a toilet clog can be a frustrating and embarrassing experience. But don’t worry, and you’re not alone! Clogged toilets happen to everyone at some point, and knowing what to do when it happens can make all the difference. This blog will review some simple steps to unclog a toilet and get things flowing smoothly again. We’ve covered you, from using a plunger to trying household remedies.

The next time you encounter a clogged toilet, don’t panic. Just read on to learn how to handle the situation like a pro!

Assess the Situation

Before you start plunging away, it’s important to assess the situation and determine the severity of the clog. If you notice that the water level in the bowl is rising, you may want to stop and wait for it to go down before proceeding.

Sometimes, the clog is more serious than you initially thought and requires a more extensive solution. In this case, it is best to contact a plumber for assistance.

Gather Your Supplies

Once you’ve assessed the situation, it’s time to gather your supplies. You’ll need a few things to effectively unclog a toilet, including a plunger, rubber gloves, a bucket, and old towels or rags. If you don’t have a plunger on hand, you may be able to find one at a nearby store or borrow one from a neighbour.

Use a Plunger

A plunger is one of the most common and effective ways to unclog a toilet. To do this, start by filling the bowl with enough water to cover the head of the plunger. Place the plunger over the drain hole in the bowl’s center, ensuring it creates a tight seal. Then, pump the plunger up and down vigorously, using much force. This will create suction that can dislodge the clog and get the water flowing again.

If the plunger isn’t working after several attempts, try pouring hot water into the bowl to help loosen the clog. Be careful not to pour too much water, as this could cause the bowl to overflow. You can also try using a toilet auger, a long, flexible tool that can break the clog deeper into the toilet drain.

Try Some Household Remedies

If the plunger and hot water aren’t doing the trick, you may want to try some household remedies to help unclog your toilet. One of the most popular remedies is using baking soda and vinegar. Simply pour a cup of baking soda into the bowl, followed by a cup of vinegar. Wait a few minutes for the mixture to bubble and fizz, then flush the toilet. This can help break up the clog and get things flowing again.

Another household remedy you can try is using dish soap. Add a few cups of hot water to the toilet bowl and let it sit for a few minutes. Then add a few squirts of dish soap to the bowl. Use a toilet brush to agitate the water and break up the blockage. Finally, flush the toilet to see if the water flows freely.

You can use a toilet snake if the hot water and dish soap method doesn’t work. A toilet snake is a long, flexible tool inserted into the toilet drain to remove the blockage. Insert the toilet snake into the toilet bowl and push it down the drain until you feel resistance. Rotate the snake clockwise to dislodge the blockage. Pull the snake out of the toilet and flush it to see if the water flows as it once did.

Flush the toilet and clean up

Once the blockage is cleared, flush the toilet to see if the water flows freely. Repeat the plunging process if the water does not flow freely until the blockage is completely cleared. After successfully unclogging the toilet, clean up any water that may have spilled on the floor. Use a disinfectant cleaner to sanitize the area around the toilet.

Call in the Professionals

If none of these methods work, it may be time to call the professionals. A plumber will have the tools and expertise to tackle even the toughest toilet clogs. They can also inspect your pipes to see if any underlying issues could contribute to the clog.