How to Unclog a Toilet When a Plunger Doesn’t Work—Expert Tips

When we’re dealing with a clog, most of us are advised and tend to reach for plungers. They’re the tried and true method for unclogging toilets and other drains, but naturally, they may not always work. So, what should you do as a homeowner in this case? Reaching out to harsh chemicals definitely isn’t the answer, as these chemicals seriously harm your pipes and plumbing system. There are some home remedies available, and in this article we will go over some of these, as well as when you should seek the help of a professional plumber.

Hot Water

If the toilet is completely full, you’ll need to drain some water first. Remove enough water from the toilet so that you have room to add hot water; preferably, use a container that you won’t be using again. Boil about a gallon of hot water, and then you can wait a little bit for the boiling water to cool down because even though the toilet bowl can handle very hot water, if boiling water is poured at once, this may cause the bowl to crack. Later, pour the hot water down the toilet bowl. Wait for a while so the boiling water can dissolve the clog, and then you can flush.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

One of the most popular home remedies is the vinegar and baking soda combination. It can assist in dissolving clogged toilets greatly. First, add one cup of baking soda and let it rest for a few minutes. Afterwards, slowly add two cups of vinegar. As a result of mixing these two, you’ll see some bubbling action, which is necessary to break down the clog. After letting the mixture sit in the bowl for about an hour, you can flush. If it doesn’t work the first time, you can repeat it a few times.

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Plumbing Snake

Many homeowners also own a plumbing snake or a toilet auger. It is a type of coil that is inserted into the drains or toilets to break up the clogs. So, if you have one readily available in your home, you can use that. You may also decide to get one from the nearest store or use one of the metal hangers as a plumbing snake, even though it’s a bit harder to use. When you get the plumbing snake, push it down the drainpipe and turn the handle clockwise. Push the snake until you feel that it has arrived in the area of the clog. After this, you can rotate the handle in the opposite way and try to remove the clog.

Dry/Wet Vacuum

Finally, a device called a dry/wet vacuum can be used to remove the obstruction, but it must be handled with the utmost care. First, a vacuum should be used to remove the water from the bowl. Make sure the vacuum is first in "wet" mode. Then you can insert the hose of the vacuum down the toilet and make sure that it is securely sealed with a towel. Turn the device on and try to let the vacuum pull the clog.

When To Contact Professionals?

If you’ve tried all of this, yet the clog still hasn’t dissolved, it’s time for you to contact the professionals of Mr. Rooter Plumbing for clogged drain cleaning. In the fastest and most efficient manner, our professionals will take care of the clog. Sometimes, if persistent clogs are present, this may indicate a deeper underlying plumbing problem like broken pipes. Luckily our professionals can look deeply into these types of problems and offer solutions because we offer all sorts of plumbing services. Remember that we value the safety of your home above all else and are only a phone call away. Call us today and schedule your appointment.