7 effective ways to unclog your toilet

The toilet is usually the last thing on our minds except when we want to use it. Then something goes wrong, and you’ll remember why it’s so important. The default thing to do is to call a plumber. But do you know you can actually unclog your toilet yourself? That is what this piece is all about.

Why am I writing about how to unclog your toilet? Well, the economy is bad, and you should probably be open to learning some useful skills that will save you some money. It’s the DIY season, and it’s especially important to know what to do when your toilet suddenly clogs on you. So, read this article carefully and learn. Thank you.

Table of Content hide 1What is unclog toilet? 2Unclog toilet without a plumber 2.11. The hot water method 2.22. The soap method 2.33. Science student method 2.44. Upgraded science student 2.55. The brush battle 2.66. The hanger method 2.77. Plunger method 3Conclusion

What is unclog toilet?

Unclogging a toilet means removing the unwanted particles that prevent your toilet from flushing effectively. A clogged toilet always stresses us out, and you might prefer to use public toilets instead of using yours and constantly forcing it to flush. You don’t want to stay in your house because your toilet is full and smelly. Not only is it inconvenient, you’ll also be exposing yourself and your family to unwanted diseases.

Unclog toilet without a plumber

Before we start, note that you should wear rubber gloves on your hands to prevent particles from the toilet from touching them directly. Unclogging a toilet is usually a dirty business, especially if you have an overflowing toilet. That said, here are seven effective ways to unclog a toilet without calling a plumber.

1. The hot water method

When you notice your toilet is clogged, using hot water is the best bet to unclog it. It’s easy and effective. All you have to do is to heat water with a boiling ring or stove. Don’t let the water get to a boiling point. Pour the hot water into a bowl or bucket and pour it into the clogged toilet. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to see if it loosens the clog. If the water starts to drain, then the unclogging is successful. Flush the toilet at least twice, and you’re good to go. This method is usually effective, and you don’t need a backup plan.

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2. The soap method

For this method, you’ll need dish soap or what we Nigerians call liquid soap. Get the liquid soap you use in the kitchen. Squeeze a generous amount into the toilet. Allow the soap to sit for 5 to 10 minutes, so it has time to move down the drain and reach the clog. Then, pour some hot water and let it sit for some minutes. Dish soap or liquid soap usually acts as a lubricant that will soften the clog in the toilet to drain and make everything move smoothly again.

3. Science student method

Please o, I don’t mean the type of science student Olamide sang about. This method is best if your toilet bowl is full and overflowing. You may have to get your hands dirtier than normal (you see why I said you should wear some gloves?). Scoop out some of the water. Then pour one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar down the toilet drain. When these two combine, they will release a chemical reaction that will bubble up and loosen the clog. Leave for about 30 minutes, and pour hot water into the toilet bowl to see if it drains. If it does, then you’re good. If not, repeat the same process.

4. Upgraded science student

If you want to take your science experiment up a notch, then create your DIY de-clogger by mixing the following ingredients: 2 cups baking soda, 1/4 cup Epsom salt and 8-10 tablespoons of dish detergent (add one tablespoon at a time). Pour the combination into a muffin liner. A muffin liner is a cup used for baking cupcakes or muffins. Allow your combination to harden overnight. Then drop one into the toilet bowl the following morning and add four cups of water. Let it sit for a few hours for the best result.

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5. The brush battle

Brace yourself. This is going to be a little messier than the rest. For this method, grab a toilet brush, and keep pumping up and down the toilet drain. Doing this a few times should be enough to loosen things up, so the clog clears in no time. Yeah, it’s messy, but it’s worth the effort.

6. The hanger method

Drain snakes are available in stores. However, if you don’t have access to one, you must construct your own using a wire coat hanger from your closet. All you have to do is to unwind the hanger so it’s straight except for the hook. Then, wrap a small rag around the hook to help prevent any scratches or damage to the toilet bowl. Gently angle the hanger down the drain until you find the clog. Push against the clog and keep going until the water begins to drain. Then, flush the toilet several times to clear the drain. Note that this method mostly works if the obstruction is in the first few inches of the drain.

7. Plunger method

The plunger method is probably the easiest method on the list. All you need is to purchase a plunger from a store. Then insert it into the toilet bowl. Make sure it completely covers the hole so you can pull and push water through the opening. Start slowly at first and gradually increase the tempo. You must pour water into the toilet bowl if it’s not enough to cover the plunger. This method may take 15 to 20 cycles before the toilet unclogs.

Conclusion

Some plumbers are probably going to come after me for spoiling their market. But what the hell? Anything to save money, right? It’s the DIY season, baby, so deal with it. Unclogging your toilet is probably the last thing you want to do, and you may struggle initially. But you’ll surely get positive results if you follow the instructions for the above mentioned methods.

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