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5 Suggestions to Keep in Mind If Your Toilet Won’t Unclog

clogged toilet

A clogged toilet is a common home issue in San Diego, just like every other city, It can be annoying and embarrassing. Sometimes, even plunging a toilet may not be enough to solve the issue, leaving you with a slow-draining toilet or one that has completely stopped up.

In such circumstances, it’s important to remember a few pointers that can help you unclog the drain and restore functionality to your toilet.

In this article, we’ll go over five clogged toilet fix ideas you can try if your toilet won’t clear itself. You can use these suggestions for drain cleaning in San Diego and get your toilet to function well.

Common Reasons Why a Toilet Won’t Unclog

While there are numerous fixes for toilets that won’t flush, it’s important to understand the typical reasons why a clog occurs in the first place.

The following are some of the most typical causes of toilets stopped up:

Blocked Trap

The S-shaped portion of the toilet’s drain known as the trap keeps sewer gases out of the house. However, it can also obstruct the drain by trapping solid waste and toilet paper.

Flushing Non-Flushable Items

Flushing items such as baby wipes, sanitary products, and paper towels can cause a clog in the toilet’s drain.

A buildup of Mineral Deposits

(calcium and magnesium) can accumulate in the toilet’s pipes over time, causing a slow drain toilet or toilet stop up.

Blocked Vent Pipe

It is the vent pipe’s job to let air into the toilet’s drainage system so that waste can flow out. The waste can back up into the toilet bowl due to a blocked vent pipe.

Broken Pipes

Even after attempting various methods, the toilet may still be clogged if there is a broken or collapsed pipe in the drain system. You can avoid subsequent clogs and keep your toilet’s functionality by knowing what caused the obstruction.

Remember to be mindful of what you flush down the toilet, avoid using harsh chemicals, and seek professional help if the problem persists.

Suggestions to Keep in Mind

Suggestion 1: Use a Plunger

The first suggestion to try for your clogged toilet fix is plunging a toilet.

A plunger is a simple yet effective tool that can help create pressure and suction to push the clog through the drain.

Here’s how you can use a plunger to unclog your toilet:

  • Make sure the plunger completely encloses the drain hole on the toilet.
  • To create suction and pressure, quickly lower and raise the plunger.
  • Until the water begins to drain down the toilet bowl, repeat the procedure several times.
  • If plunging a toilet with a plunger doesn’t work, try the next suggestion.

Suggestion 2: Use a Toilet Auger

If the plunger doesn’t work, you can try using a toilet auger, also known as a plumbing snake, to unclog the drain.

A toilet auger is a flexible, long, and narrow tool that can reach deep into the toilet’s drain and break up any blockages.

Here’s how you can use a toilet auger:

  • Turn the handle of the auger clockwise after inserting it into the toilet drain.
  • Pushing and pulling the auger will help remove the clog. Continue rotating until you encounter resistance.
  • Retract the auger after removing the obstruction, then flush the toilet to see if water now flows into the bowl.

If the toilet auger doesn’t work, try the next suggestion.

Suggestion 3: Use Hot Water and Dish Soap

If plunging and using a toilet auger haven’t worked, try using hot water and dish soap to break up the clog. Here’s how you can do it:

  • On the stove, warm a pot of water until it nearly boils.
  • Mix well after adding a few drops of dish soap to the hot water.
  • Fill the toilet bowl with a solution of hot water and dish soap.
  • Allow the mixture to dissolve the clog for about 15 minutes.
  • Check to see if the water goes down the bowl by flushing the toilet.

If the hot water and dish soap method doesn’t work, try the next suggestion.

Suggestion 4: Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum

If the clog is still stubborn, you can try using a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the blockage. Here’s how you can use a wet/dry vacuum to unclog your toilet:

  • Set the vacuum to wet mode and place the hose over the toilet drain.
  • Seal the hose around the toilet bowl using duct tape.
  • Turn on the vacuum and let it suck out the clog.
  • Flush the toilet to see if the water drains down the bowl.

If the wet/dry vacuum method doesn’t work, try the final suggestion.

Suggestion 5: Call a Professional Unclog Drain in San Diego Service

If all else fails, it’s time to call a professional unclogging drain in San Diego service like EZ Plumbing USA. A professional plumber will have the tools and expertise to quickly identify and fix the problem.

Additionally, a plumber can also offer tips on how to avoid plumbing clogs and maintain your toilet’s functionality.

How to Prevent a Toilet Clog

Prevention is always better than cure, and the same applies to toilet clogs. Here are some tips to help prevent a toilet clog:

Be mindful of what you flush:

The most important step in preventing a toilet clog is to be mindful of what you flush down the toilet. The only things that should go down the toilet are human waste and toilet paper.

Non-flushable items such as baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels should never be flushed down the toilet, as they can cause a clog in the drain pipe.

Even if a product claims to be “flushable,” it’s better to err on the side of caution and dispose of it in the trash can.

Using excessive amounts of toilet paper can cause a clog in the toilet drain. It’s important to use only as much toilet paper as necessary and avoid using excessive amounts.

A good way to use less toilet paper is to fold it instead of wadding it up, which allows for more efficient use.

Regular cleaning:

Regular cleaning of the toilet bowl and the area around it can help prevent the buildup of mineral deposits and other debris.

Mineral deposits can build up over time, leading to a blockage in the toilet drain. Regular cleaning also helps prevent bacteria and germs from accumulating, which can cause unpleasant odors.

Use a toilet auger:

A toilet auger is a tool used to remove clogs from the toilet’s drain. It’s a good idea to have one handy in case of a clog.

A toilet auger is a long, flexible wire that is inserted into the toilet drain to break up and remove any blockages. It’s important to use the auger correctly to avoid damaging the toilet bowl or drain pipe.

Have a professional inspection:

Regular professional plumbing inspections in San Diego can help detect and prevent clogs before they occur.

A professional plumber can perform an inspection of the plumbing system and identify any potential issues before they become serious problems. They can also provide recommendations for maintenance and repairs to prevent future clogs.

By following these tips, you can help prevent a toilet clog and avoid the frustration and inconvenience of a slow-draining toilet or a toilet that won’t flush properly.

Remember to also seek professional help if you suspect a serious issue with your toilet or plumbing system. A professional San Diego plumber can diagnose and unclog your drains in San Diego quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

An annoying issue that can result in inconvenience and embarrassment is a clogged toilet. To avoid future clogs and maintain the toilet’s functionality, it is necessary to understand the typical causes of toilet clogs and simple clogged toilet fixes.

The drain can be unclogged using methods like using a plunger, a toilet auger, hot water and dish soap, a wet/dry vacuum, and calling a professional unclogging service.

But since prevention is always preferable to cure, using less toilet paper and being cautious about what you flush can help avoid clogs in the future.

It is best to get in touch with a professional plumbing service like EZ Plumbing USA, which can offer efficient unclog drains in San Diego and prompt solutions if there are persistent clogs or complex problems.

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