Unclogging a Toilet! Here's how...

How to Unclog a Toilet!

It is only natural to panic a little when your toilet clogs, but you shouldn't repeatedly flush the toilet

because it will only cause it to flood. You can try several things to successfully unclog a toilet before you

call the experts in Kansas City or St. Joseph, Missouri.

Toilet clogs are a common issue; you shouldn't panic or panic flush if you find one in your home. Simply calm down and follow the mentioned unclogging methods step-by step.

- Blackstone Construction

1. Use a Plunger

While you can use a standard cup-shaped plunger, try to get your hands on a bell-shaped one or one

with a fold-out cylindrical extension. These are far more effective at creating suction in the toilet trap to

unclog the toilet.

Start by running your rubber plunger under hot water, softening the rubber to create a stronger seal.

Plug it so that it completely covers and seals the toilet trap. Start plunging slowly, as the initial plunges

only suck out the air.

After the first couple of times, start plunging harder. Push down as much as possible before pulling

harshly. Make sure to pull directly over the suction cup and not at an angle, as this can dislodge the

plunger.

Plunge hard around 20 times before removing the plunger and using the flush to see if it successfully

unclogged the toilet.

2. Try Dish Soap and Hot Water

If the plunging is unsuccessful, you should pour around half a cup of dish soap into the toilet and let it sit

for 15 minutes. Dish soap can help lubricate the toilet to make it easier for the clog to pass. Next, you

can start pouring some hot water from the waist height to create some added pressure on the dish

soap.

Wait another 15 minutes to see if it successfully clears the clog.

3. Time for Baking Soda and Vinegar

If the dish soap doesn't work, you can try another concoction. However, only do this if the toilet bowl is

half empty, as this next solution will react and fizz up. You can manually remove some excess water if

needed.

Add 1 cup of baking soda to the half-filled toilet bowl, then gradually pour a cup of vinegar. This solution

will start fizzing almost immediately. Let it do its job for at least 20 minutes before checking if it worked.

If not, you can repeat or leave the solution in the toilet overnight.

4. Use a Toilet Snake

There are many types of toilet snakes or augers; some are designed for plumbing purposes and not

toilets. Make sure to use a toilet snake, specifically designed for porcelain toilets. You can tell the

difference if you see a rubber coating around the metal to protect the porcelain of your toilet.

Toilet snakes can go deep inside the toilet trap and grab, trap, break, or push the clogged material to

force it through or out. Since different toilet traps have slightly different working, we recommend that

you follow the instructions from the manufacturer for the desired results.

Our Final Thoughts

Toilet clogs are a common issue; you shouldn't panic or panic flush if you find one in your home. Simply

calm down and follow the mentioned unclogging methods step-by-step. One of these will likely unclog

your toilet and have you flushing like before.

However, if none of these methods help, you may need to contact a professional. If things turn south

and there is flooding, you may require emergency plumbing services in Kansas City and St. Joseph,

Missouri.

If you want to learn more about unclogging a toilet, about our comprehensive construction solutions in

Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri, or if you want a free quote for your remodel or construction,

please visit our website today!

At Blackstone Construction, we offer the best and most comprehensive residential and commercial

construction solutions, including general electric, tile work, remodeling, new builds, and more.