A clogged toilet is one of the most common plumbing problems you'll encounter. However, that doesn’t make it any less inconvenient. To manage the problem as efficiently as possible, follow the advice in the guide below.

Do:

Stop any spills.

If the toilet is continuing to run and threatening to overflow the bowl, use the shutoff valve, which is usually behind the base of the toilet. This should help keep the problem self-contained so that you don’t have to worry about floor damage or additional clean-up.

Use a plunger.

There are two types of plungers: a cup plunger, which has the simple open shape, and a flange plunger, which has a bulb shape with a narrow nose. While the cup plunger is probably what you think of first, it's actually designed for use on sinks and showers, where there's a flat surface around the drain. For clogged toilets, you want a flange plunger because it forms a better seal with the sides of the toilet drain.

Don't:

Use store-bought cleaners.

If a plunger doesn't work, pour a cup of baking soda and two cups of vinegar into the toilet bowl, followed by at least half a gallon of hot water. Then, allow it to sit overnight. Avoid store-bought cleaners as most are dangerously corrosive and bad for both your pipes and the environment.

Try advanced methods yourself.

If a plunger or homemade cleaner doesn't work, call a plumber for professional drain cleaning. Not only do they have a wider range of tools at their disposal, but the knowledge of how to use them. In the process, they can also look for the source of the problem—for example, toilets with a weak flush are more prone to clogging—and offer a long-term solution.

 

If you're having trouble with a clogged toilet, call Drain Doctor in Levelland, TX. Serving a 30-mile radius around their location, their trained technicians provide reliable, affordable service, including both plumbing repairs and maintenance. To learn more about their offerings, visit their website. Arrange a visit by calling (806) 894-3796.