A problematic clogged toilet can be a pain to deal with, especially when you need to use it at home. Luckily, you can fix a clogged toilet at an affordable cost using baking soda and a toilet vacuum cleaner before calling a plumber. In addition, it is important that you follow some basic guidelines so that the toilet does not get clogged again in the future once your toilet is functioning smoothly.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1. Pour 240 grams of baking soda into the clogged toilet
Measure out the baking soda using a measuring cup or spoon, then pour it into the toilet bowl. Let the baking soda fall and settle to the bottom of the water.
Baking soda has many benefits for household needs so it can be a powerful ingredient to provide. You can buy it from the nearest supermarket
Step 2. Pour 4 liters of boiling water and observe if the toilet is no longer clogged
Bring water to a boil in a pitcher and carefully pour it into the toilet. However, do not pour water if the water level in the toilet bowl is deep enough.
The heat and pressure from the hot water helps to drain the toilet drain faster. If you hear a sucking sound and see the water draining, gravity and hot water alone are enough to clear the toilet drain. Flush the toilet to ensure that the return line runs smoothly
Step 3. Pour 480 ml of vinegar into the toilet if it is still clogged
Add the vinegar carefully and watch the reaction between the vinegar and the baking soda so that the foam doesn't overflow and come out of the toilet bowl. Stop pouring the vinegar and wait for the mixture to stop bubbling if the foam is too high. After that, pour back the vinegar until it runs out into the toilet bowl.
The toilet drain is triggered by the "volcanic eruption" reaction between the baking soda and vinegar, but be careful not to let the "lava" overflow and spill onto the bathroom floor
Step 4. Let the mixture sit for at least two hours or overnight until the water drains
Check the toilet after two hours have passed and try to flush again if the water drains. If the toilet still seems clogged, let the mixture sit overnight before emptying and flushing.
Repeat this process if the toilet is still clogged on the first try
Method 2 of 3: Get Rid of Stubborn Blockages
Step 1. Vacuum the toilet two hours after you add the baking soda, water, and vinegar
Place the suction mouth in the toilet hole and press several times. When you hear a sucking sound and see the water level dropping, flush the toilet.
If the toilet is still clogged after you use the vacuum, let the mixture sit overnight and try again. Repeat the process as necessary until the toilet drain is functioning smoothly
Step 2. Use a plumbing snake if the toilet is still clogged
Place the drill head in the toilet bowl with the coil end in the hole. Gently turn the handle clockwise to insert the "snake" coil into the clogged toilet opening until the coil is stuck. After that, turn the handle counterclockwise to retract the drill, and flush the toilet back.
- If the toilet drain doesn't clear up immediately after you flush, repeat the process until the plug is released and you can flush the toilet smoothly.
- Use a plumbing snake designed for closets (known as an auger). It is important that you use this tool because the auger has a special rubber coating that will not damage the porcelain lining of the toilet bowl.
Step 3. Call a professional if you cannot clear a clogged toilet yourself
Sometimes, a clogged toilet is too difficult for you to fix yourself. Look for information on professional plumbing services from the internet or the phone book, and make an appointment with them to come to your house and clear a clogged toilet.
In an emergency, there may be a 24-hour professional plumbing service that can come to your residence to clear a clogged toilet whenever you need it
Method 3 of 3: Preventing the Toilet from Blocking in the Future
Step 1. Flush the toilet twice after using it to get rid of the dirt (and possibly the rest of the toilet paper) properly
Some toilets can only hold a certain amount of dirt and toilet paper for one flush. Therefore, flush the toilet once, wait for the water to drain, then flush the toilet again.
You can also flush the toilet before using it to make sure it drains smoothly
Step 2. Don't put anything in the toilet except feces (or toilet paper, if allowed)
Toilet drains are not designed to accommodate other objects. Throw items such as wet wipes, earplugs, dental floss, and feminine hygiene products in the trash.
You may think that everything that is dumped into the toilet will be washed away, but actually the items that normally go down the toilet bowl actually get stuck in the drain pipe and lead to more serious disposal problems in the future
Step 3. Don't overuse toilet paper
Often times, the problem of clogged toilets is caused by a lot of toilet paper being dumped into the toilet at the same time. Use paper towels sparingly or choose a thinner type of toilet paper (or even water) if your toilet tends to get clogged frequently.
