A clogged toilet is the most inconvenient and frustrating household problem. Whether it’s a slow drain or a complete blockage, the last thing anyone wants is a toilet that won’t flush properly. You don’t always need to rush and call a plumber. There are several easy ways to unclog a toilet that you can try yourself right at home.
In this guide, we have shared some effective methods for homeowners to tackle toilet clogs until professional help arrives.
What Causes Toilet Clogs?
Before discussing unclogging toilets naturally, you must understand what causes these blockages. Knowing the root cause of your clogged toilet can help you prevent future issues. Here are some of the common causes of a toilet clog:
Flushing too much toilet paper:
Excessive toilet paper can clump together and block the water flow in low-flush toilets designed to use less water per flush.
Non-flushable items:
Items like wipes, sanitary products, and tissues may seem flushable, but they don’t break down like toilet paper. These can easily clog your pipes.
Mineral or debris build-up:
Minerals in your water can accumulate inside your pipes, narrowing the space of water flow and increasing the likelihood of clogs.
Blocked pipes:
Slow drainage or full blockages can also result from blocked pipes due to hair, soap scum, or other debris making its way into the system. For effective solutions to these issues, consider our drainage solutions, which are designed to clear blockages and restore proper flow.”
Easy Fixes for Clogged Toilets
If you’ve found yourself with a blocked toilet, here are some quick and easy ways to unclog a toilet without a professional.
1. Hot Water and Dish Soap
The simplest solution is to use hot water and dish soap. Here’s how to unclog a toilet without a plunger using this method:
- Pour a few squirts of dish soap into the toilet bowl.
- Carefully pour a bucket of lukewarm water into the toilet from waist height. Wait a few minutes and try flushing again.
This method is an easy clogged toilet quick fix for minor blockages caused by soft materials like toilet paper.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar
A safe and efficient method, this solution combines baking soda and vinegar to dissolve stubborn clogs.
- Take baking soda and slowly pour in one cup of vinegar.
- Let the mixture fizz and bubble for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Pour hot water into the bowl and flush.
This method works well for dissolving minor blockages and is the best toilet unclogging hack for an eco-friendly fix.
3. DIY Wire Coat Hanger Tool
For blockages closer to the surface, you can use a simple wire hanger to create a makeshift auger. Here’s how:
- Straighten a wire coat hanger and wrap one end with a cloth (to avoid scratching the toilet bowl).
- Gently push the wire into the toilet drain, moving it around to dislodge the clog.
- Once dislodging the blockage, flush to see if the toilet drains correctly.
This method works best when you have a blockage near the top of the pipe and is the most effective DIY toilet unclogging tip.
Mastering the Plunger
The plunger is a classic tool people have but may not use correctly. To properly unblock the toilet DIY, follow these steps:
Types of Plungers
There are two main types of plungers:
Cup plunger:
Best for sinks and flat surfaces.
Flange plunger:
Used in toilets as it forms a better seal.
How to Use a Plunger Effectively
- Ensure the plunger forms a tight seal over the toilet drain.
- Push slowly to release the air, then pull up quickly to create suction.
- Repeat this motion several times until the clog dislodges.
It is one of the best methods to unblock the toilet quickly and is highly effective for most household clogs.
Dealing with Stubborn Clogs: Using a Toilet Auger
If the plunger doesn’t work, a toilet auger (also called a toilet snake) is the next tool to try. This flexible tool is designed to navigate deeper into the toilet’s pipes and break up tough blockages.
When to Use a Toilet Auger
A toilet auger should be used for clogs that are too deep or tough for a plunger to handle. Here’s how to use it:
- Insert the auger into the toilet and crank the handle to extend the coil down the drain.
- Once you feel resistance, continue cranking to break up the clog.
- After you dislodge the blockage, flush the toilet to ensure the drain is clear.
Toilet augers are available at most hardware stores or can be rented for larger jobs in Australia.
Simple Habits to Prevent Toilet Clogs
Regular maintenance and flushing habits are the best way to avoid future clogs. Here are some practical tips to keep your toilet running smoothly:
Limit Toilet Paper Use:
Encourage family members to use the necessary amount of toilet paper and flush more than once to avoid overwhelming the system.
Avoid Flushing Non-Degradable Items:
Ensure no one flushes non-flushable items like wipes, sanitary products, or paper towels.
Regular Maintenance:
Inspect your plumbing system for any signs of slow drainage or minor clogs. You can use natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar to keep your pipes clear and healthy.
Know When It’s Time to Call a Plumber
If you’ve tried these unclogging toilet naturally methods and the problem persists, it may be time to seek professional plumber help.
- Recurring clogs despite repeated attempts to fix them.
- Foul odours coming from the toilet or other drains.
These could point to a more serious plumbing issue, like a blockage in the main sewer line, which requires professional intervention.
Conclusion
Dealing with a clogged toilet doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these DIY tips, you will know how to unclog the toilet at home and fix many blockages easily. From using household items like dish soap and vinegar to mastering the plunger and knowing when to use a toilet auger, there are several methods you can try today. Timely maintenance of your plumbing system will help prevent future clogs and keep your toilet functional.
Let Perspective Plumbing transform your space. From leak detection to complete renovations, we are here to provide expert solutions suitable to your needs. Call 0411 295 646 and experience the difference of professional plumbing services.
