Solutions for a clogged toilet when a plunger isn’t sufficient
There’s almost nothing worse than having a clogged toilet. Most of the time, it’s easy to fix the problem without having to call a plumber. And no: a plunger isn’t the only solution!
Identifying the causes of a clogged toilet
You can solve just about any problem more effectively when you know the cause. This includes plumbing problems! When it comes to a clogged toilet, a number of different things could be responsible:
- Accumulated hard water deposits can reduce the water pressure
- An object that has fallen into the toilet bowl can block the drainpipe
- The flushing mechanism can become damaged
- Over time, the little chain that connects the handle arm to the flapper can wear out and break
- A low-flow toilet connected to a discharge pipe can run into problems if the angle of flow isn’t steep enough
If you’ve noticed a defect in the flushing mechanism, you can check to see if the flapper (the rubber valve at the bottom) closes completely, allowing the tank to refill. On the other hand, if the chain that lifts the flapper is broken, you can simply remove the broken link or buy a new chain at your local hardware store.
What solutions are available to unclog a toilet?
If the water level in your toilet is unusually high, hard water deposits that have accumulated over the years might be the cause. In that case, you’ll need to use what’s commonly known as a “toilet snake.”
Toilet snakes
A toilet snake (also called a plumbing snake) consists of a metal rod attached to a crank. Just corkscrew the end piece into the opening at the bottom of the toilet bowl to snag and dislodge the debris that’s clogging the drainpipe. A toilet snake is particularly effective at dislodging hard water deposits. Because it’s so flexible, a snake can zigzag around the curves of the drainpipe. As a result, it can travel a lot further than a simple wire. The best kind of toilet snake? A toilet auger is perfectly designed to unclog toilets without damaging the toilet bowl. It’s a tool that’s commonly used by plumbers.
Chemical drain openers
It’s recommended to avoid highly concentrated products, as they can damage the pipes. You’ll find a number of different products on the market to help dissolve the debris blocking your toilet. These include enzymes, vinegar, baking soda and degreasers like dish soap. However, you should be aware that these products are only effective in the event that the clog is of organic origin. Unfortunately, this method won’t work on solid objects or hair.
Pour a little dish soap into the toilet bowl
Add some very hot water to help dislodge the clog
Add a box of baking soda, followed by a bottle of white vinegar
Let the mixture sit for a while and then add four or five liters of hot water (for the chemical products to remain active)
Is the toilet still clogged? Call your plumber!
If your toilet is completely clogged, don’t panic! Avoid flushing the toilet, as you’ll just make things worse by causing it to overflow. If you’ve exhausted all your resources and you’re still having trouble unclogging your toilet, there may be problems with the plumbing. This would be the ideal time to call for reinforcements!
Contact Plomberie Roger Chayer for repairs and maintenance on your plumbing system, to get rid of clogs or to defrost your pipes. Available at all times for emergency service, our team of specialists is genuinely attentive to your needs!
