There is never an appropriate or convenient time for your toilet to clog. Taking for granted our toilet and plumbing systems could lead to some embarrassing and frustrating messes when they do occasionally let us down. In this blog post we will discuss 5 ways to unclog a toilet that won’t drain, so when you are in need you can be prepared.
Specialising in drain blockages the QLD Coastal Plumbing team ensure that while the common household predicament can be an inconvenience, it is a call to action. It is important that solving the problem before it leads to larger potentially more expensive problems down the track is the priority for the health of your homes plumbing systems.
We asked our experienced QLD Coastal Plumbing team on the Gold Coast for 5 tips on how to solve your clogged toilet before calling in the experts.
How To Unclog a Toilet
- A Plunger
According to local Gold Coast plumbers Queensland Coastal Plumbing, this is the most useful and viable tool when dealing with a clogged toilet. Position the rubber cup of the plunger over the toilet bowl drain and apply downward pressure to create a seal and remove the air. Once there is a good seal, begin slowly and gradually pumping up and down increasing the force to dislodge the obstruction. Repeat with short sharp bursts and regularly stop to assess whether water is now draining from the toilet.
- Dish Soap
Pour a half cup of liquid dish soap into the clogged toilet. Dish soap can lubricate and break down material causing the clog and allow the lodged debris to slide down more easily. After pouring the dish soap into the toilet bowl wait a few minutes and then try flushing. Gold Coast Drain Blockage Plumbers believe that patience is key with this method and multiple attempts may be necessary.
- Hot Water
Pour hot (but not boiling) water into the toilet bowl. The heat can help break down blockages causing the clog. Queensland Coastal Plumbing also suggest pouring the water from waist height into the toilet bowl. This added step could create an extra force behind the water helping it dislodge any blockages.
- DIY Drain Snake
Unravel a wire coat hanger until its straight. Push one end of the wire into the clogged area. Prod the debris until it becomes free and flows down the drain. Queensland Coastal Plumbing are aware that a toilet auger would be a better alternative but if one is not available then the coat hanger is a potential DIY option.
- Baking Soda & Vinegar
Mix one cup of baking soda, two cups vinegar and pour mixture into the toilet. Allow it to fizz for a half-hour to break up the clog, then follow with a kettle full of hot water. Similarly to the dish soap, Gold Coast Drain Blockage Plumbers suggest that this method may be repeated if the clog has not been solved the first time.
Common Causes of a Blocked Toilet
Gold Coast Drain Blockage Plumbers would like to ensure that even though now you know some ways to solve a clogged toilet yourself, you should also be aware of the common causes. Flushing inappropriate items is the most likely issue of a clogged toilet. Items such as paper towels, feminine products, ear swabs and hair should be disposed of in a bin, not your toilet.
Excessive use of toilet paper, a clogged toilet trap, waste, and debris buildup, cracked or broken pipes and hard water issues are also common culprits of a clogged toilet.
While having these practical and useful tips at your disposal could be your saviour in a time of need, if, after multiple tries you are unable to solve your clogged toilet then it’s time to call an expert. Get help from the experts in the Gold Coast, Queensland Coastal Plumbing to rest assured knowing your toilet problems will be resolved.