Clogged toilets are not just annoying; they can be a real nightmare. Nobody enjoys dealing with a clogged toilet. We’ve all experienced the moment when you go to use the bathroom and flush, and instead of the water draining, it starts to rise—what a horror!
You probably want to fix this problem as soon as possible, which is a fantastic idea in our opinion because it’s important to note that delaying a solution can lead to serious issues that affect not just your bathroom but your whole home. Here’s why Westerville Plumbing & Drain believes you should tackle a clogged toilet right away, along with some tips on how to fix it, with or without a plunger.
The Horrors of a Clogged Toilet:
- Overflow and Water Damage: One of the immediate dangers of a clogged toilet is overflow. When water spills over, it can cause serious damage to your bathroom floor, subflooring, and even the ceiling below if you live in a multi-story home. The longer the water sits, the more extensive and costly the damage will be.
- Plumbing System Backups: A clogged toilet isn’t just a minor issue; it can lead to problems in other parts of your plumbing. The clog can cause toilet water to back up into sinks, showers, and even your main sewer line. This can leave multiple fixtures in your home unusable and lead to a significant plumbing problem.
- Health Hazards: It may seem obvious, but when toilet water spills onto your floor, it’s not hygienic. Stagnant water from a clogged toilet can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. When toilet water overflows, it can lead to unpleasant odors and other health risks. Therefore, it’s crucial to address a clogged toilet as soon as possible!
How to Fix a Clogged Toilet:
While getting professional help is often the best option, here are some quick steps to handle a clogged toilet:
- Use a Plunger: A plunger is your first line of defense and an essential bathroom tool everyone should have on hand. To unclog a toilet with a plunger:
- Grip the plunger handle firmly with both hands and place the suction cup end into the toilet bowl, completely covering the drain hole.
- Make sure you have a good seal around the drain. It should sit level and flush against the bowl all around.
- Use a steady plunging motion, pulling the cup back without breaking the seal. This should help dislodge the clog.
- Keep repeating until the bowl starts to drain and empty.
- Hot Water and Dish Soap – Try pouring dish soap into the toilet bowl, then add hot (not boiling) water. Dish soap is thicker than water and designed to break down grease and grime, so mixing it with hot water can help soften the clog. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat at least a gallon of water on the stove until it’s hot but not boiling to avoid cracking the porcelain. (Be careful!)
- While waiting for the water to heat, pour dish soap into the toilet bowl.
- Once the water is hot (but not boiling), slowly pour it into the toilet bowl.
- Let the dish soap and hot water sit for at least 5 minutes before trying to flush it. This gives it time to work on the clog.
- Auger or Plumbing Snake—For tougher clogs, a plumbing auger or snake (available at any home improvement store) can help break up the blockage. Insert the snake into the drain and twist it to push through or pull out the clog.
- Call a Professional – If you’ve tried everything and the clog is still there, it’s time to call a professional plumber like Westerville Plumbing & Drain. We have the right tools and expertise to diagnose and fix the issue quickly without causing further damage.
A clogged toilet can quickly go from a small hassle to a big problem. The important thing is to act quickly and fix the issue before it affects other areas of your home. Remember, our professional plumbing services are always available and are often the best way to keep your plumbing system in good shape. Don’t wait until it becomes a bigger issue.
Please, don’t hesitate to call Westerville Plumbing & Drain for any of your plumbing concerns or scares. Call us today at (614) 540-3437, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!