How to Unclog a Toilet: The Most Common Solutions For a Clogged Toilet in Wilmington
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A clogged toilet in Wilmington can be a very annoying inconvenience. Fortunately, there are many solutions that you can try to fix the problem on your own without having to call in the pros.
- Plunger It Out
One of the easiest and most effective ways to unclog a toilet is by using a plunger. The key is to get the right size plunger that won’t cause too much splashing or damage to the porcelain of the toilet. Place the plunger in the toilet bowl and make sure the flange is inside the hole of the bowl. Then, use steady, powerful thrusts to plunge the plunger down into the toilet drain. If the water doesn’t come out, repeat the process a few times until the clog is removed.
- Vinegar and Baking Soda
When a clog is small, a combination of vinegar and baking soda can work wonders. Pour the mixture into the toilet and let it sit for about 15 minutes before flushing it out. The mixture will help break up clogs, making them easier to move through the pipes.
- Dish Soap and Hot Water
In situations where you don’t have a plunger handy, dish soap can help unclog your toilet. Squirt a generous amount of dish soap into the toilet, then let it sit for about 15 minutes before flushing out.
- Brush It Out
You can also use a toilet brush to clear a clogged toilet in Wilmington. This method is a little messy, but it’s an easy way to unclog a toilet. Unlike a plunger, a toilet brush is designed to clean hard-to-reach places in the toilet.
- Snake It Out
A toilet auger, or plumbing snake, can also be used to clear a clog in the toilet. This auger uses a metal cable to rotate as it pushes through the toilet drain into the pipe. Its rotating motion helps break up clogs that may be difficult to push through with other methods.
- Avoiding Common Clogs
Several items commonly clog your toilet, including cooking oil and grease. These substances harden within your pipes and don’t dissolve when they’re flushed. The same is true for chewing gum. Pet waste and kitty litter are other culprits, too.
Talk to your kids about what is and isn’t safe for the toilet. Remind them not to flush toys or anything that might become a mess in your drains.
Keep a trash can near your toilet to discourage your kids from throwing any non-flushable objects in the bowl. You can even lock the lid to prevent children from accessing the toilet and flushing it on their own.
- Call a Plumber
Some clogs, especially larger ones, are too big to handle on your own. A plumber will be able to diagnose the issue and recommend an appropriate solution.
- Sewer Line Troubles
Larger sewer line clogs are usually caused by tree roots or corrosion. They can also be caused by a buildup of minerals, such as calcium, in the pipes. This can block water flow and reduce the performance of your toilet.
