It seems that the toilet is always clogged at the most inopportune moment. Fortunately, such blockages can almost always be cleared out on your own, and there is no need to go to a locksmith. In most cases, a good plunger or homemade cleaning solution for hot water, baking soda, and vinegar drains will help you. Deeper blockages may require a pipe cleaner or a wet and dry vacuum cleaner.
Steps
Method 1 of 7: Ventus
Step 1. Do not overflow the toilet bowl
If, after flushing, water does not leave the toilet well, then you do not need to flush it again, otherwise even more water will remain in it. Instead, remove the cap from the reservoir and close the flap. Now the water will not flow out of the cistern into the toilet.
- The flap looks like a round drain plug on a chain.
- Usually the water in the tank is not dirty, so don't be afraid to close the flap with your bare hands.
Step 2. Prepare the room
Place newspapers or paper towels on the floor in case of water spills or splashes. This will make it easier for you to remove the consequences. Turn on a fan or open a window to reduce unpleasant odors.
- Wear rubber gloves for severe blockages. The toilet is full of germs, but a good pair of gloves will keep them safe. Opt for elbow length gloves.
- You can also change into old clothes to avoid staining your new clothes.
Step 3. Try to see the blockage
If you can see a specific object, then try to remove it from the toilet. Is the object clearly visible (for example, a child's toy), but you can't reach it with your hands? Do not use the plunger and go straight to the other method.
Step 4. Use a quality plunger
Use a large and durable ball-shaped rubber plunger or plunger with a fold-out rubber lip at the bottom for better sealing. Don't buy a cheap little suction cup plunger, as it is almost always useless.
- If the plunger is not tightly connected to the handle, try wrapping it with an old rag to block the leaks.
- Soak the plunger in hot water before use to soften the rubber.
Step 5. Insert the plunger into the toilet
It must completely cover the drain hole. For effective operation, the plunger must be below the water level. Reciprocating should be done with water, not air. Add some water if necessary.
Push the plunger into the hole. The first movements should be unhurried, as you first need to create an airlock. Press in the plunger and then pull firmly towards you to loosen and move the blockage. Continue vigorously back and forth until the water starts to drain. The whole process may require 15–20 repetitions. Be patient. If there are no solid objects in the drain, the plunger will almost always cope with the blockage. The result will not be immediately, but after several approaches of ten repetitions, the water will begin to leave
Step 6. Drain the water tank to check the drain
If water flows out of the toilet, but the blockage still prevents the free flow, then leave the plunger in the toilet and fill it with water again. Pour in as much water as the cistern can hold, then use the plunger again. Stubborn blockages require long efforts.
Method 2 of 7: Enzyme Remedy
Step 1. Buy an enzyme waste dissolver
Use a product that contains a mixture of enzymes that can turn waste into liquid. These enzymes are used in septic systems to break down waste.
- The enzyme can be purchased at a hardware store and home improvement store. This product is preferred over chemical wastewater cleaners as it does not harm pipes and the environment.
- This method is only suitable for organic waste, not toys or other items.
Step 2. Follow the directions on the package
Pour the recommended amount of liquid into the toilet. You should usually leave it on overnight to allow the enzymes to dissolve the blockage. Subsequently, the water should freely go into the drain.
Method 3 of 7: Homemade cleaning solution
Step 1. Heat two liters of water
If the toilet gets clogged easily when trying to flush large amounts of waste, then a solution of hot water, baking soda, and vinegar will replace the purchased product. Heat two liters of water and let it cool slightly while you add the other ingredients of the solution to the toilet.
- Use at least a couple liters of water. With a smaller amount, there will be no result, since a certain water pressure is required for cleaning.
- The temperature of the water should not exceed the temperature of the tea that is already drinkable. If you take boiling water, the ceramic toilet can crack. You just need to raise the temperature of the water in the toilet in order to spill or push through the blockage.
Step 2. Add 1 cup of baking soda (250 g) and 2 cups of vinegar (500 ml) to the toilet
When baking soda and vinegar interact, a chemical process takes place that helps dissolve the blockage. Usually white alcohol vinegar is used, but any other will do. The mixture will foam and sizzle a lot.
- If you don't have baking soda and vinegar on hand, add a small amount of liquid soap to the toilet to loosen the blockage.
- This method will not help remove stubborn blockages such as children's toys.
Step 3. Pour hot water into the toilet
Keep a container of water at waist level, not at the rim of the toilet. The pressure of the falling water will help clear the blockage.
Step 4. Leave the solution overnight
The water should be gone in the morning. This homemade solution helps to remove blockages from organic materials. If, after the second try, the water does not leave the toilet, then a solid object may be the cause. In this case, use a wire hanger or a pipe cleaning cable.
Method 4 of 7: Pipe Cleaning Rope
Step 1. Buy or borrow a pipe cleaner
Such a cable (also called "flexible shaft", "hedgehog") is a flexible wire that can penetrate the bends of the drain pipes deeper than the rigid wire. It is best to use an auger cable to remove the blockage without damaging or staining the toilet. Almost all locksmiths use such a cable.
Step 2. Insert one end of the cable into the drain hole
Push and feed the rope until it hits an obstacle.
Step 3. Rotate and push the cable through the blockage
Your task is to grind the blockage so that it goes into the drain pipe. Everything about everything will take a few minutes. When the water is gone, flush the toilet bowl out of the cistern and make sure that the water drains out at the normal rate.
Step 4. Cleaning in the opposite direction
Sometimes it is necessary to remove the toilet and run the cable the other way (for example, if a curious child has flushed his toy down the toilet). If you know for certain that a solid object is stuck in the toilet, but you have never removed the toilet, then call a locksmith.
Method 5 of 7: Wire hangers
Step 1. Straighten the wire hangers
Wrap a rag around one end of the wire. Secure it in place with duct tape or tape. This precaution will help protect the toilet from scratches. This method will be very effective if a blockage has formed at the very beginning of the drain pipe.
Step 2. Insert the coiled end of the wire into the drain
Turn and push the wire forward, and then use a twisting motion to unclog the drain. If the edge of the wire runs into a blockage, try pushing it through. Continue until water starts to drain freely from the toilet.
- Remember to wear rubber gloves to avoid splashing your hands while working.
- If you cannot reach the blockage and the water still does not drain, the blockage is too far away. If this happens, try using a pipe cleaner.
Step 3. Rinse off when the water starts to drain
The blockage and dirty water should now normally drain into the drain. If the water still leaves slowly, then the blockage could move further and now the shoulders do not reach it. In this case, use a pipe cleaning rope.
Method 6 of 7: Chemical Downpipe Cleaner
Step 1. Buy a chemical drain cleaner
This product can be purchased at most grocery stores, hardware stores, and hypermarkets. Use this method only as a last resort. The chemicals in these products are toxic to humans and animals and destroy pipes. Chlorine cleaners are also hazardous to the environment.
- In the case of a solid object, you do not need to use a chemical solution. Better to use a wire rope or call a plumber.
- Use only special toilet products. Other foods can damage the toilet.
Step 2. Pour the indicated amount of liquid into the toilet
Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Also, do not forget to lower the toilet lid to prevent toxic fumes from entering the room.
- Never use the plunger immediately after adding the solution, otherwise hazardous splashes may come into contact with the skin.
- Ensure good ventilation to avoid inhaling toxic substances.
Method 7 of 7: Wet and dry vacuum cleaner
Step 1. Buy or borrow a wet and dry vacuum cleaner
If the plunger and cable for cleaning could not clear the blockage, then use a vacuum cleaner. A regular vacuum cleaner will not work: the device must support dry and wet cleaning, since you have to deal with water.
Step 2. Remove water from the toilet with a vacuum cleaner
The toilet should be free of water and debris to remove the blockage with a vacuum cleaner.
Step 3. Lower the end of the hose into the drain
Push it a few centimeters deep. Use a flexible hose without a nozzle. Wrap an old towel around the end of the hose to seal the hole.
Step 4. Turn on the vacuum cleaner
Use one hand to press on the towel so as not to compromise the tightness of the seal. Please wait a few seconds. Chances are good that the vacuum cleaner will be able to suck in all the debris and remove the obstacle.
Advice
- If the toilet gets clogged up frequently, try to identify and eliminate the causes. Too much toilet paper, tampons (almost all of them cannot be rinsed off at all), toys for children and pets, cotton swabs and baby wipes usually lead to blockages. Discuss with all family members about what should not be flushed down the toilet.
- Clean after cleaning. Disinfect the toilet with a disinfectant. Throw away the wire, disinfect or discard rubber gloves and other items (plunger or rope). Dirty tools can contain germs that give off an unpleasant odor. Water may remain in the plunger (especially with a fold-out flange). Hold it over the toilet, open it and gently shake out the water to avoid splattering the floor.
- Before clogging: if after each flush it is noticeable (or audible) how the water rises in the sink or shower tray, then somewhere in the drain there is a blockage that will interfere with the water leaving the toilet. In this case, the above methods will not help. Call a locksmith right away.
- Rinse the flush holes under the rim of the toilet regularly so that the water runs out with full force and thoroughly rinses off any waste. If the holes are clogged, it may be necessary to gently clean off the plaque with a screwdriver.
- A mop with a cloth attachment and a plastic bag wrapped around the edge can replace a plunger.
Warnings
- Most store-bought drainpipe cleaners are not suitable for toilets. Read the label and make sure the product is suitable for cleaning toilet flush. Please be aware that some foods generate a lot of heat due to a chemical reaction when they come into contact with water. If used improperly, such heating can severely damage plastic pipes and the toilet.
- The chemicals in these products are highly toxic and dangerous. Do not allow them to come into contact with the skin or eyes, and do not mix with other products. Always follow all manufacturer's instructions and heed all warnings.
- The straightened hanger and pipe cleaner can easily scratch the ceramic toilet. Be careful not to damage at least the visible part. The end of the wire from the hanger, which must be inserted into the hole in order to "catch" the blockage, should be shaped like a hook using pliers, and then wrapped with electrical tape. Slide the hook very carefully to pick up the debris or toy, and then gently pull it out in one continuous motion.
- You do not need to use extra force when working with the plunger. This will only spray the room.