There is nothing worse than a blocked toilet. The first is the panic of wishing it doesn’t spill onto your floor. There’s also the frustration of trying to plunge it. All of this is without considering the possibility of embarrassment. We have two pieces of good news for you if this is your situation. You’re not the only one. We have tips and tricks that will help you.
Get quick stats about common plumbing problems.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing, Neighborly, has recently ordered a study to examine this exact situation and the other plumbing problems homeowners and renters face. These are the facts and figures that were uncovered by the study:
- One in five homeowners has a blocked toilet at least once a week.
- 15% of homeowners have spent time recently fixing a clogged drain.
- Nearly one in ten people regularly deal with a clogged drain.
- 6 percent of Americans have low water pressure
- 4 percent of Americans have problems with garbage disposal
Do you sound familiar? You want to resolve any plumbing problem that is affecting you as soon as possible. Fear not! We’re here for you if you’re among the 46 percent who have turned to the internet to get support. To get expert advice, we spoke with Mr. Rooter Plumbing.
How to clear a blocked toilet
First, get off the handle! Continue trying to flush the toilet when it is clogged can cause a mess on your bathroom floor.
Instead, grab your trusty plunger. Wait, that’s not the one. We were given a crash course on plungers by Doyle James, President at Mr. Rooter Plumbing. He showed us that not all plungers are the same. A sink plunger is the most popular type of plunger. It is a flat rubber cup with a handle attached. You may need something more for your toilet.
Toilet plungers are equipped with a soft rubber-flanged rubber flange that runs along the inside of their plunger cups. Which makes them more efficient at plunging your toilet. James highlights that the universal design of the flange plunger means it can be used on both sinks and toilet clogs. But don’t use the same plunger for both surfaces. One plunger should be used for the toilet, and one for flat surfaces.
Pro tips on how to properly plunge
Are you ready to plunge? James provides step-by-step guidance once you have your flanged plunger.
- Take your plunger and connect it to the toilet. Then, use a lot of force to push the plunger forward. You want to push the blockage out.
- “Be fast and repetitive in your plunging motion, and watch out for movement inside the toilet. This indicates that the blockage has been pushed through.
- Before you flush the toilet, make sure that the water is drained. Do not pour any chemical drain cleaner down the toilet. These chemicals can irritate your skin and eyes and damage your pipes.
- “If you are unable to fix a clogged bathroom on your own, call a professional plumber.”
You can clear your toilet in no time with the right tools and actions.
Other common plumbing problems in the home
According to Mr. Rooter Plumbing, a clogged bathroom is not the only problem you might have. They offer some other tricks and tips that you could use.
Clearing a blocked drain or pipe
A simple household item can help you fix a slow drain or clogged drain. Mr. Rooter Plumbing suggests using a wire coat hanger to straighten it and creating a small hook at one end. That hook can be used to reach down into your drain and remove any hairs or other debris, thus clearing out your pipes.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing suggests a natural but still effective way to get further into your pipes if your fishing expedition fails. Mix 1/3 cup baking soda and 1/3 cup vinegar and pour it down the drain. Be prepared to move fast, as this mixture will foam quickly. Allow it to sit for as long as possible. It is fine to let it sit for at least an hour. Still, it is better to leave it alone overnight. The fizzing action will break down any gunk in your pipes and allow water to flow freely.
