Getting Your Toilet To Flush

If your toilet has unexpectedly become clogged, you will want to go through a series of steps in an attempt to get the contents to go down. Here are some methods for you to use to try to unclog your toilet without needing to call a plumber.

Turn Off The Water

Start by turning of the water supply so you will not have a chance of an overflow. This is usually located on the back wall behind your toilet. Turn the knob to the left until it has been shut off. Now there will not be an accidental flushes that will cause water to spill out of the bowl onto the floor.

Use A Plunger

Before starting more aggressive methods, try using a plunger to dislodge whatever is obstructing the toilet from flushing. Moisten the rubber portion of the plunger underneath a faucet and then place it over the hole inside the toilet bowl. Use pressure to pump the plunger in an up and down motion. Remove the plunger to break the seal and try flushing to see if the contents go down.

Try A Snake

If plunging does not work, try using a plumber's snake. This is a tool where a metal rod will be used to place into the hole where the contents flush down. Wiggle it around as you unwind the plumber's snake until it cannot go any further. Wind it back up and turn the water supply back on so the tank will refill. If you feel the water level is getting too high from your attempts to flush, you may need to scoop some of the water from the bowl before trying another flush.

Add Hot Water

Sometimes using a bowl full of very hot water can help break up material that is embedded deep in the piping system. Fill a bowl with hot water and pour it into the toilet bowl from waist-level. Do it in a fast motion so there will be force when it is falling into the toilet bowl. This motion along with the hot temperature may be enough to push everything downward so you can use your toilet again.

Rely On Commercial Products

There are a few products manufactured to help with toilet clogs. Go to your local home goods store and look in the plumbing department to find a liquid that can be safely added to your toilet bowl. Let it sit overnight so it will be able to get to the source of the clog. The best products to use will contain enzymes. Products that are made from chemicals will be a risk to your pipe system, as they are known to strip away the material with excessive use.

For more information, contact a business such as Angeles Plumbing.