3 Ways to Unclog Your Toilet

Nothing will kick your reflexes into high gear more than a toilet getting ready to overflow! Here are some quick actions you can take to stem the tide.

Unclog Your Toilet Using a Plunger

When your toilet is stopped up, your first instinct is to grab a plunger. Great plan! A plunger is the first line of defense for unclogging your toilet.

1. Make sure there is at least some water in the bowl. You may need to add water manually if there isn’t enough to cover the rim of the plunger cup.
2. Lower the plunger into the toilet bowl at an angle so the cup fills with as much water as possible.
3. Cover the toilet drain hole so the flange is inside the hole and the rest of the plunger completes a seal around it.
4. Using a push and pull motion to create a vacuum. This might take five to seven thrusts.
5. Pull the plunger out and repeat until the bowl empties itself.
6. Flush the toilet. If it operates normally, you have cleared the clog.
7. If it is still clogged, stop the water from overflowing by closing the flapper inside the tank.
8. Continue to plunge until the toilet is clear.

Unclog Your Toilet Using a Toilet Auger

Sometimes a toilet can become clogged by items other than toilet paper that were mistakenly flushed.

A toilet auger is like a drain snake and can be used to dislodge a clog near the toilet drain’s surface. It’s important to use a specific auger for toilets that has a protective sleeve to keep it from scratching the toilet’s porcelain surface.

1. Put on gloves and insert the toilet auger curved section into the drain hole.
2. Crank the cable of the auger into the toilet drain slowly for it to be effective.
3. Reverse the crank to gradually feed the back until the handle is against the top of the auger tube.
4. If you feel resistance, you may have reached the clog.
5. Rotate the handle and pull backward to remove the auger cable from the toilet.
6. Flush the toilet to test if the clog has been resolved.
7. You can repeat the process if the clog persists.

Unclog your Toilet Using Hot Water

In some cases, a minor clog can be cleared with hot water. However, you shouldn’t use boiling water.

Pour the hot water into the bowl and flush to see if the heat of the water resolved the clog. If the clog persists, add a bit of dish soap. It can act as a lubricant to move the clog along.

Call Russo Bros. & Co. for Drain Cleaning If You Can’t Clear The Clog

Overflowing and stopped-up toilets can create a panic, but having the tools to deal with the situation can get things flowing again quickly.

If you have a persistent clogging issue or a tough clog to resolve, let the experts at Russo Bros. & Co. provide the professional drain cleaning you need.

We’re available at your first sign of a plumbing problem, including overflowing toilets, poor water pressure, clogged drains, and more. Make our team your first and last call for emergency plumbing services in Northern New Jersey!

Schedule drain cleaning online or call Russo Bros. & Co. at (973) 887-1334 today.