Launching into adulthood involves tackling all sorts of messy situations, and few are quite as immediately pressing as a clogged toilet. While it might not be the most glamorous life skill, knowing how to unclog a toilet is essential for every homeowner, renter, and especially for teenagers and young adults gaining independence. Instead of waiting for someone else to solve the problem, taking matters into your own hands can save time, embarrassment, and potentially prevent a plumbing emergency.
Step One: Prevention is Key
Before you find yourself facing a backed-up toilet, understanding what causes clogs is the first step in prevention. Remember those childhood days of accidentally flushing toys? Well, the list of items that should never go down the toilet drain extends far beyond action figures. Avoid flushing items like paper towels, even those labeled “flushable” wipes (which often aren’t!), dental floss, cotton balls, feminine hygiene products (even tampons, especially in older plumbing systems), and excessive amounts of toilet paper. Toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper specifically; anything else can easily lead to blockages. Educating everyone in the household, including guests, about proper toilet usage is crucial. For homes with older plumbing, it’s particularly important to be mindful of what goes down the drain to avoid frequent clogs.
Step Two: Be Prepared with the Right Tools
Just as you keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen for safety, a plunger is your first line of defense against a clogged toilet. Having a plunger readily available, not hidden away in a far-off closet, is vital. Make sure everyone in the household knows where it is and how to use it. For young adults moving into their own apartments or homes, a plunger is an incredibly practical and thoughtful housewarming gift. It’s often overlooked in the excitement of setting up a new place, but it’s a necessity that will be appreciated when needed most. Investing in a quality flange plunger, which has a soft rubber flap that folds out from the cup, is recommended as it creates a better seal for most toilet types and is more effective than a standard cup plunger.
Step Three: Act Fast When Clogging Occurs
Despite your best efforts at prevention, toilets can still clog. The crucial first step when you notice a clog is to stop flushing immediately. Repeatedly flushing a clogged toilet will only worsen the situation, potentially leading to an overflowing toilet and a much bigger mess. If you see the water level in the bowl rising alarmingly close to the rim, your priority should be to shut off the water supply to the toilet. Locate the water valve behind the toilet, usually on the wall or floor near the base. Turn this valve clockwise until it’s completely closed to stop more water from entering the bowl and prevent an overflow.
Step Four: Master the Plunging Technique
Now it’s time to tackle unclogging the toilet with a plunger. Follow these steps for effective plunging:
- Ensure Sufficient Water: There needs to be enough water in the toilet bowl to submerge the cup of the plunger. If there isn’t, carefully add water from a bucket or pitcher, being cautious not to cause an overflow.
- Position the Plunger Correctly: Place the plunger cup completely over the toilet drain opening, ensuring a tight seal. For flange plungers, make sure the flange is extended into the drain opening.
- Start with Gentle Plunges: Begin with slow, gentle pushes to expel air from the plunger cup and create suction. Avoid forceful initial plunges, which can cause splashing and spread potentially unsanitary water.
- Increase Plunging Force: Once you have a good seal, plunge vigorously up and down, maintaining the seal throughout the process. Focus on creating a push-pull action to dislodge the clog.
- Maintain Water Level: Keep enough water in the bowl to keep the plunger submerged. If necessary, add more water as you plunge.
- Repeat as Needed: Continue plunging for several minutes. It may take 15-20 plunges or more to dislodge a stubborn clog. Patience is key.
- Listen for the Swirl: Success is often indicated by a swirling motion in the toilet bowl as the water begins to drain.
- Test Flush: Once you suspect the clog is cleared, carefully perform a test flush to ensure the toilet bowl empties and refills normally. If it flushes properly, congratulations, you’ve successfully unclogged your toilet!
After successfully unclogging the toilet, it’s a good time to clean the area around the toilet bowl to ensure hygiene. Hopefully, you won’t need to use your good bath towels for any spill cleanup!
Bathroom cleaning tools for post-unclogging toilet cleanup
If plunging fails to unclog the toilet after repeated attempts, it might be time to consider other methods or call for professional help. For persistent clogs, a plumbing snake (auger) can be used to break up or retrieve the blockage. However, if you’re uncomfortable using a snake or if the problem persists, don’t hesitate to contact a plumber. Having a reliable plumber’s number readily available can be a lifesaver. By knowing how to unclog a toilet yourself, you’re equipped to handle common plumbing issues, saving time and money while gaining a valuable life skill. Happy unclogging!
