How to Fix a Clogged Toilet?

A clogged toilet is one of those household issues we all dread. It happens unexpectedly, often at the most inconvenient times, leaving us scrambling for a solution. But fear not! With a few handy tools and some simple techniques, you can tackle this problem on your own. Here’s a straightforward, informative guide to help you fix a clogged toilet.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you dive into the unclogging process, it’s vital to gather all the necessary tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

- A plunger (preferably a flange plunger for toilets)

- Rubber gloves

- A bucket

- A toilet auger (for stubborn clogs)

- Old newspapers or towels (to catch any spills)

Step 2: Prepare the Area

To protect your bathroom floor, lay down old newspapers or towels around the base of the toilet. This will help catch any spills and make cleanup easier later. Put on your rubber gloves, as you'll be dealing with some messy materials.

Step 3: Use the Plunger

1. Position the Plunger: Ensure the plunger covers the toilet’s drain hole completely. If the water level is too low, add some water from the bucket to create a good seal.

2. Start Pumping: With a firm grip on the handle, push down gently at first to expel air, then apply force and pump vigorously up and down for about 15 to 20 seconds. Try to maintain a seal throughout the process.

3. Check for Success: After plunging, pull the plunger out quickly to see if the water drains. If it does, congratulations! You’ve successfully unclogged your toilet. If not, don’t worry—just keep reading.

Step 4: Consider a Toilet Auger

If plunging didn’t work, it might be time to use a toilet auger. This handy tool can reach deeper clogs that the plunger might not be able to handle.

1. Insert the Auger: Extend the auger into the toilet bowl until you feel resistance (the clog) and then crank the handle to break it apart.

2. Flush the Toilet: After loosening the clog, try flushing the toilet to see if the blockage has cleared.

Step 5: Clean Up

After successfully unclogging your toilet, it’s essential to clean the area thoroughly. Dispose of the used newspapers or towels and sanitize the toilet and surrounding surfaces to eliminate any germs.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried both plunging and using a toilet auger and still find yourself with a stubborn clog, it may be time to call Simpson Plumbing. There could be more serious blockages further down in your plumbing system that require professional help.

Conclusion

Dealing with a clogged toilet doesn’t have to be daunting. By following these straightforward steps and employing a little elbow grease, you can often resolve the issue yourself. Remember, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for minor emergencies around the house. Keep your plunger handy, and you’ll be ready for whatever toilet troubles come your way!

For more home maintenance tips or if you need assistance, feel free to reach out to Simpson Plumbing at (209) 229-4749. Happy unclogging!