At some point or another, all homeowners are going to face the dreaded situation of a clogged toilet. Whether it be from a foreign object that fell into the bowl or something more organic, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. We’ve all been there, and we’ll all be there again. Luckily, clogged toilets are our thing. Our professionals at Central Plumbing gathered 3 simple ways to unclog a toilet in Southampton, PA.
- The Plunger: This is the most iconic tool that comes to mind when it comes time to unclog a toilet. A plunger is an iconic household item, found in nearly every home and commonly utilized in many older cartoons. The first step is to make sure you have the correct type of plunger. Having a higher quality large plunger with a rubber flange on the bottom that creates a seal is the only type that will word. Smaller suction cup-like plungers generally don’t have the same effectiveness when it comes to unclogging a toilet. Take the plunger and put the rubber end over the drain in the bowl. Push down to create a seal, then pump the plunger. Start slow at first, then build up until you’re pumping vigorously. This may take 15-20 pumps and a few tries to clear the obstruction, so patience is key.
- Kitchen Made Drain Cleaner: Another method to try is a homemade drain cleaner with products commonly found in your kitchen. The first step is to heat a half gallon of water to a hot-but-not-boiling temperature. If the water is too hot, it can damage the porcelain of your toilet. Have this at the ready. Next, take 1 cup of baking soda and 2 cups of vendor and pour these into the toilet. The combination will fizz, and the chemical reaction will help break up any clogs in the toilet. Now, pour the warm water into the toilet from waste level to force the fizzing concoction you just poured into the toilet down the drain. Let this sit overnight, and it should dissolve any clogs that are made of organic material.
- A Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner: If the obstruction in your toilet is a physical object and can’t be easily removed, using a wet/dry vacuum cleaner for heavy-duty blockages may be necessary. The most important step for this is to use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner. A traditional vacuum cleaner will not be able to handle the water and will break. The first step is to remove the water in the bowl with the vacuum cleaner. Next, remove any attachments on the end of the vacuum nozzle so it’s just the hose. Put the end of the hose into the opening of the drain. Get a wet towel and put it around the hose to create a seal. Turn on the vacuum, and it should unclog the drain.
At some point, you’re going to have to unclog a toilet in Southhampton, PA. While calling a professional like Central Plumbing is wise for major obstructions, these three steps can help homeowners work to unclog toilets without the help of a professional.