The team at Cornerstone Services is excited to offer plumbing repair, maintenance, and repair throughout New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts! As such, we are here to discuss one of the most common issues homeowners face — a clogged toilet. We know how inconvenient and oftentimes out-of-the-blue this problem can be, but we’re here to help! All you’ll need is a plunger and a pair of rubber gloves. Let’s get started:
How Do You Unclog a Toilet?
The first step in unclogging a toilet is to ensure the toilet is, in fact, not draining correctly. So, flush the toilet and wait until the bowl fills back up with water. If it fills slowly (or does not fill at all), you’ll likely have to unclog it. Remove the tank lid, lift the flapper valve, and let a cup or two of water drain into the bowl. In some instances, doing this may unclog your toilet without using force. Still, it’s a good idea to have towels ready in case the toilet overflows.
90% of toilet clogs can be solved using just a plunger. If you don’t already own one, or are looking for a new one, go with a model with an extension flange on the rubber bell. These plungers were designed to fit tighter on the toilet, making the unclogging process easier overall. Place the flange in the water and create a seal around the drain of the toilet. Make sure your first plunge is relatively gentle — the bell is, at first, full of air, which you’ll be introducing to the drain. After the initial plunge, start to plunge in and out as vigorously as possible. Doing so should be enough to break up the majority of toilet clogs — but even here, patience remains a virtue!
How Do You Unclog a Toilet When a Plunger Doesn’t Work?
Sometimes, a stubborn enough clog will need sophisticated tools or expertise to repair. If you have tried just about everything to unclog your toilet and are still not seeing results, you know it’s time to reach out to a specialist. For more information about our comprehensive range of plumbing services offered throughout New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts, contact our team today!