The only thing that a person wants to see flowing throw his/her toilet is the flushed water after using the toilet. Things can look and get very ugly if a toilet is not made clog free as early as possible. If you have been through such a, one can get an idea how hard it is to remove a clogged toilet.
Toilet stoppages are quite common and quite disruptive as well. Luckily clearing a clogged toilet is not difficult, if you are equipped with the right kind of tools and a little know how. And if you feel it cannot be done by yourself always call up a local plumbing company who could carry out all the general plumbing services.
Read the following steps on how to unclog a toilet by starting with the easiest method and progressing to a more involved process for difficult stoppages.
Using a Plunger
The first step to clearing a clogged toilet is by the use of a plunger. But before you start the plumbing work make sure you know how to use. Although using a plunger may appear to be easy, but many a times it is possible you may use it incorrectly. If you learn the correct way to use a plunger it can become a very effective tool. One main tip while unclogging would be to try clearing the stoppage by plunging the toilet several times and allowing time in between plunging (about 1 minute) for the clog to move down the line. Remember that if a plunger, if used correctly, can clear many of the most common drain stoppages in the home such as a clogged sink or a clogged bathroom drain line as well.
Using An Auger
The second plumbing tool, which comes into action, when a plunger is not enough to clear a clogged toilet, is a toilet auger. The flexible cable in a toilet auger is fed into the toilet drain using a hand crank and the sturdy head of the cable is designed to dislodge tough clogs. Do remember that when used correctly, a toilet auger can clear a clog without scratching the toilet bowl, making it flush free and smooth flowing.
Check The Main Drain Line
After trying the two easy options, it’s time to go for an in depth checking. As toilets have the most direct path to the sewer line and the drain line in the house, they will usually be one of the first signs of a sewer line clog. If you find out that more than one fixture is clogged, look for the list of signs that indicate a possible sewer clog before trying to unclog the toilet. A sewer line clog needs to be cleared through the clean out and it requires a sewer drain snake. If things don’t work out by the DIY process its never too late to take professional plumbers help.
Check for the ‘Root’ Cause
Roots in the drain line are a big cause of concern and is also one of the prime reasons for the bathroom and toilet drain line to be clogged. If your house has a slab foundation it is possible for tree roots to grow up from under the slab, into the bottom of the toilet, and then grow back down into the drain pipe. Keep in mind that roots growing up from under the house’s slab foundation can cause all kinds problems including frequent toilet stoppages.
Remember that there are many plumbing issues that can erupt at any given time. Be it a fixing a leaking tap or having to apply grease trapping, or even a frozen pipe burst in the winter season. But with some study and information on using the tools one can replace or repair all the plumbing fixtures by himself.
