A toilet always seems to clog at the worst possible moment. Banish the panic you usually feel when the water rises by taking control of the situation and solving the problem yourself — without having to call a plumber. Here are some quick steps to take if the toilet refuses to flush.

How to Unclog a Toilet

1. Stop the Overflow

If the water is rising quickly and looks like it may overflow out of the toilet bowl, immediately take the lid off the toilet tank and close the flapper. The flapper is located at the bottom of the tank and looks like a circular drain stopper attached to a chain. You may hesitate to stick your hand inside the tank, but don’t worry — it’s clean water.

2. Plunge Away

Use a plunger to unclog the toilet. The most effective way to use a plunger is to create a seal between the rubber and the toilet bowl. Completely cover the exit hole and focus on pushing down and pulling up. After a few strokes, flush the toilet again. If it flushes successfully, you’ve unclogged it. If not, repeat the process of closing the flapper and plunging again.

3. Use Hot Water

Before you start plunging, add a half of a gallon of hot water to the toilet bowl. The warmth helps break up the clog. The water doesn’t need to be boiling to be effective. You can also add dishwashing detergent to break down the clog further.

4. Add Baking Soda & Vinegar

Another plumber secret is to use a baking soda and vinegar to unclog a toilet. Pour one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl, followed by two cups of vinegar. The fizzing chemical reaction helps dissolve clogs.

 

If you have a clog you can’t fix or another issue, call The Plumbing Source. Whether you need emergency plumbing services, a general inspection, or drain cleaning, their team of highly trained plumbers will help. Since 1985, they’ve been serving Cleveland, OH, with a high level of customer care, dedication, and workmanship. They also address HVAC repairs and installations, sewer line and more. Call (877) 768-7239 to speak with a plumber about your needs, or visit their website to explore the full line of services they offer.