Clogged toilets are more than just a hassle; they can turn into a complete nightmare. Let’s be honest; no one enjoys dealing with a clogged toilet. We’ve all been there – you head to the bathroom, flush the toilet, and instead of the water going down, it starts to rise! Talk about panic!
You probably want to get this issue sorted out ASAP. But remember, putting off fixing it can lead to bigger problems that might affect not just your bathroom but your whole home. So, here’s a look at why Bexley Plumbing & Drain believes you should tackle a clogged toilet right away, along with some tips on how to fix it, whether you have a plunger handy or not.
The Horrific Aftermath of Leaving a Toilet Clogged:
- Overflow and Water Damage: One of the biggest risks of a clogged toilet is overflow. When toilet water spills over, it can lead to serious water damage on your bathroom floor, subflooring, and even the ceiling below if you’re in a multi-story home. Basically, the longer the water sits, the more extensive and expensive the damage can get.
- Plumbing System Backups: A clogged toilet isn’t just a minor issue to deal with. It can cause toilet water to back up into other parts of your plumbing system. This means sinks, showers, and even your main sewer line could be impacted. The result? You might end up with multiple fixtures in your home that are out of commission, and that could lead to a major plumbing headache.
- Health Hazards: It might sound obvious, but when toilet water overflows onto your floor, it’s definitely not the most hygienic situation. Stagnant water from a clogged toilet can turn into a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Plus, using toilet water creates even more problems when it spills out over the bowl—it’s a nightmare! Unpleasant odors are just the beginning when it comes to the potential hazards of untreated clogs. So, if you have a clogged toilet, it’s definitely a situation you want to tackle as quickly as possible!
How to Fix a Clogged Toilet:
While getting professional help is usually the best way to go, here are some quick steps you can take to deal with a clogged toilet:
- Use a Plunger – A plunger is your go-to tool for this situation. It’s definitely an essential bathroom tool that everyone should keep nearby. To tackle a toilet clog with a plunger:
- Grab the plunger handle with both hands and place the suction cup end into the toilet bowl, making sure it covers the drain hole completely.
- Make sure you’ve got a good seal around the toilet drain (it should sit level and flush against the bowl all the way around).
- Use a steady plunging motion, pulling the plunger back without breaking the seal. This should help loosen the clog.
- Keep at it until the bowl starts to drain, and empty out steadily.
- Hot Water and Dish Soap – Try pouring some dish soap into the toilet bowl, then follow it up with hot (but not boiling) water. Dish soap is thicker than water and designed to break down grease and grime, so when mixed with hot water, it might just soften that clog. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat at least a gallon of water on the stove. Just remember, it should be hot but not boiling—you don’t want to crack the porcelain! (Stay cautious!)
- While you’re waiting for the water to heat up, pour some dish soap into the toilet bowl.
- Once the water is nice and hot (but not boiling, to avoid cracking the porcelain), slowly pour it into the toilet bowl.
- Let the dish soap and hot water sit in the bowl for at least 5 minutes before you try flushing. You want to give it time to work its magic.
- Auger or Plumbing Snake – If the clog is being stubborn, plumbing auger or plumbing snake (which you can grab from any home improvement store) can help reach deeper into the pipes to break up the blockage. Just insert the snake into the drain and twist it to push through or pull out the clog.
- Call a Professional – If you’ve tried everything and the toilet is still clogged, it might be time to call in a pro like Bexley Plumbing & Drain. We’ve got the right tools and know-how to diagnose and fix the problem quickly without causing more damage.
A clogged toilet can go from a minor hassle to a major disaster in no time. The key is to act quickly and tackle the issue before it affects other parts of your home. Remember, professional plumbing services are always just a call away, and often the best way to keep your plumbing in top shape. Don’t wait for it to turn into a bigger mess!
Call Bexley Plumbing & Drain for all your plumbing scares today at (614) 368-9371 or schedule an appointment online by clicking here!