Three ways to unclog the toilet without calling the plumber
- by Kelly Smith (RSS feed) on Mar 10th 2008 3:00PM
- Filed under fix-it, household hacks, bathroom, plumbing, tools, cleaning
We've all been there: that rising feeling of dread and suspense. No, I'm not talking about one of Jean-Paul Sartre's books. I'm talking about when we flush the toilet and all of a sudden the bowl's contents slowly start moving in completely the wrong direction. What to do?
The first thing, since you're standing right there anyway, is to start kicking the base of the toilet with your foot. After all, the stuff wants to go down, and sometimes all it takes is a helping hand (or foot) to dislodge things and help the process along.
The next thing to try is the trusty old plunger. There are times when smooth, slow strokes will do the trick. Other times it takes quick, sharp jabs.
And if that doesn't work, get to the hardware store and pick up a toilet auger. It's really a snake, but inside a long pole with a hand crank on the end. It works every time and costs much less than a plumber's service call.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-11-2008 @ 3:39PM
Andy B. said...
You should not kick your toilet.
Toilets have wax seals connecting their drain to your home's drain. Kicking the toilet can crack/break these seals, causing sewage to spill out into your bathroom or worse, into your sub-floor which could go unnoticed for days, weeks, or longer causing bacteria and mold buildup. If your toilet has play in it around the base, then you should re-seal it and see about tightening the nuts that hold it in place.
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3-11-2008 @ 5:09PM
Kelly said...
I know that Andy... I wasn't advocating a ninja attack ( as the link explains, if you looked at it.. maybe not?) but just a "nudge". I've been doing this kind of stuff for, oh, about 40 years. But as you explain, the wax ring is really key and the new ones are really great, since they incorporate a plastic rigid piece.
3-11-2008 @ 5:25PM
Andy B. said...
I'm just fancying a guess that most homes do not have new toilets or new toilet rings, so a disclaimer might make sense, and/or a note stating that if your toilet shifts/rocks while trying this it could indicate a bigger problem.
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3-14-2008 @ 11:09PM
MODERNVINTAGE said...
I have an even better one old fashioned which I have tried several times with great success to both unblock a toilet and a shower drain.
You will need:
*A packet of bi-carbonate of soda - about 12 ounces
* A bottle of cheap spirit vinegar - 1 large cups or about 1/2 a bottle.
Pour bi carbonate of soda into toilet bowl, straight after pour in vinegar, and close the toilet lid. The bicarb and vinegar will begin to fizz and enlarge in volume so you don't want it spilling out. Wait about 30 seconds, or until fizziness stops (it will be safe to open lid then) and flush toilet. Repeat if necessary.
Plumber was going to charge me $250 to come and unblock my shower drain as it was clogged with hair and conditioner. I tried this method both in the bathroom and outside in the outlet drain and the whole lot came out in a solid clump. Total time 5 minutes - Total cost about $4!
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