How to Unclog a Toilet

A simple plunger volition make you the family hero! Learn how to unclog a toilet here.

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Fourth dimension

An hour or less

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

Less than $xx

Introduction

Clogged toilet? No problem. With a fiddling exercise and a plunger or a toilet serpent, fifty-fifty a home repair rookie can get most clogged toilets support and running in minutes (without flooding the bath and making the situation worse.)

Tools Required

Toilet Non Flushing All the Way? Here's What to Do.

A poor flush means that your toilet drain is partially or completely plugged. About clogged toilets are what are known as "slow drainers." That is, affluent water partially fills the bowl but doesn't rush out and clean abroad the waste. The h2o level remains high, and then ordinarily drains down to normal pinnacle within a minute or two. You lot might not even know the toilet is clogged until you flush it. And then if you suspect a trouble, test the drainage outset, then reach for the toilet plunger.

Project step-by-step (four)

Step 1

How to Exam the Drainage of a Toilet That Won't Flush

Earlier trying to unclog the toilet through creature strength, remove the tank lid, lift the flapper valve slightly to let a cup or two of h2o into the bowl, and see if the h2o goes down. Take towels set, though, because flushing a clogged toilet may alluvion your floor!

Lift toilet flapper to release a bit of water

Pace 2

Unclog a Toilet: Begin With a Plunger

For about 90 percentage of clogged toilets, yous only need one special tool — a toilet plunger. Purchase a toilet plunger with an extension flange on the safety bell-shaped end. A toilet plunger with an extension flange is designed to fit toilets better, then you can deliver more "oomph" to the plunge. The toilet plunger will unplug sink and tub drains, as well, if y'all simply fold the flange back into the bell.

How To Use a Plunger

Showtime, plunge the toilet with the rubber flange pulled out to get a better seal. Push button in and out vigorously, keeping enough h2o in the bowl to comprehend the plunger. Equally always, towels handy to wipe up any water that splashes out.

Plunging Tips

A toilet plunger fits over and seals the toilet bleed. Article of clothing prophylactic gloves — things can go messy— and follow these plunging tips:

  1. Make your showtime plunge a gentle one. Initially, the bell will be full of air. A hard thrust will force the air back around the seal and blow water all over the bath and you!
  2. One time you strength out the air, plunge vigorously in and out, maintaining the seal. You'll be forcing water in both directions in the drain, which volition effectively loosen most clogs. Stick with it, plunging 15 to xx times if necessary.
  3. Be patient. Effort alternate betwixt steady strokes and occasional monster heaves.
  4. Keep enough water in the bowl so the toilet plunger stays covered. Trying to force air through the toilet trap won't generate much pressure.

Most of the time, plunging is all it takes to articulate the clog. But for tougher clogs, try using a toilet snake.

(Note: If you have repeated clogging, it might be a toilet performance issue. Learn how to improve your toilet'south performance here.)

how to use a plunger to unclog toilet diagram

Step 3

Major Toilet Surgery (If All Else Fails)

If the clog resists all your efforts, you'll probably have to pull up the toilet. This job will take several hours, because you accept to turn off and unhook the h2o supply, partially disassemble the toilet, and unscrew it from its mounting band. Chances are you tin then get at the trouble. Be sure to purchase a new wax ring and new mounting bolts to reseal the toilet base to the mounting band.

If other drains in your dwelling house are plugged, or if water comes up through them, the trouble is probably farther down in the master drain pipes out of piece of cake accomplish. For those clogs, you may have to call a plumber. Plumbers are expensive, but they can put your bathroom dorsum in service fast, fifty-fifty if there'southward a major blockage.

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Family Handyman

Step four

Bonus Toilet Unclogging Dos and Don'ts

1. Avoid Chemicals.

Don't be suckered into thinking powerful chemicals will practise the messy work for you. They sometimes work, but they're slower. And when they don't work, yous have a drain full of corrosive water on your hands. If yous tried chemicals and they didn't piece of work, run as much water into the toilet as possible and let information technology sit overnight to bleed through the clog. Then, when yous plunge, article of clothing safety goggles and rubber gloves to keep the h2o out of your optics and off your bare skin.

2. Continue the Toilet Comprehend Down.

A good way to avoid preventable clogs in the get-go place, especially if you accept small kids. This keeps toys, crayons and hairbrushes from falling into the toilet.

three. Don't Pour Hardening Compounds Down the Toilet.

Merely pour a liquid down the toilet if information technology's going to stay a liquid. These include such things as drywall joint compound, grease, caulk and wax products.

toilet plunger

Originally Published: January 16, 2020