4 Tips For Clearing A Toilet Clog

When your toilet gets clogged, you may think it is easy to clear with a plunger, but this isn't always the case. You might be using the wrong plunger, or it may require other tools. Here are tips for clearing a toilet clog.

Use a Plumbing Snake

If your plunger isn't working at clearing the toilet clog, the next thing to do is use a plumbing snake. You want one specifically meant for toilets, as they are slightly different than those used with regular drains. There will be a wire that uncoils and extends out. Extend out the wire as long as you can, then place it into the toilet bowl. Put it down as far as it will go. It will typically stop when it reaches whatever is causing the clog. You will then use the lever on the snake to start reeling the wire back in, which hopefully brings the clog along with it. However, you might need to rotate the wire and try a few more times before clearing the clog completely.

Rent a Wet-Dry Vac

Believe it or not, you can also use a vacuum to release the toilet clog. If you don't have a wet-dry vacuum at home, you should be able to rent one from a nearby home improvement or home supply store. What you want to do is place the hose of the wet-dry vacuum into the drain of the toilet, then turn on the vacuum. It will use a strong sucking motion to start removing the water and any debris caught inside the toilet bowl, hopefully freeing up the clog. It may take a few tries before it clears the clog completely.

Get a Heavy-Duty Plunger

Even though you have likely tried using your regular household plunger on the toilet, you may be using the wrong one. Head down to the local hardware store and pick up a heavy-duty plunger. You want one that can make a tight seal, instead of just a cheap suction cup. Major clogs don't go anywhere with a regular plunger. Using one with the ball shape at the end is often ideal. Soften up the rubber by running it under hot water, then placing inside the toilet. The plunger should over the hole completely. Pump it down with a firm motion, then pull up sharply. If you do this a few times, it should make enough suction to pull up the clog after a few tries. Contact a business, such as A Absolute Plumbing & Heating, for more information. 


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