Having a blocked toilet can be an embarrassing and frustrating experience, but it is not an uncommon problem. While some minor blockages can be cleared with a plunger or hot water, more serious ones require more effort. This article will discuss how to unblock a badly blocked toilet and provide tips and tricks to prevent it from happening again.
Using A Plunger
A plunger is one of the most common and effective ways to unblock a toilet. Here are the steps to follow:
- Ensure you have a good-quality plunger with a flange and rubber flap that fits into the toilet bowl.
- Add some water to the bowl if it is low.
- Place the plunger over the hole at the bottom of the toilet bowl and push it down firmly.
- Pull the plunger up quickly to create a suction.
- Do this repeatedly until the impediment is gone.
Using A Toilet Auger
If the plunger doesn’t work, you may need to use a toilet auger, a tool designed to clear blockages in the toilet drain. Here are the steps to follow:
- Insert the end of the drill into the toilet bowl and turn the handle clockwise.
- Till the drill encounters the obstruction, keep rotating the handle.
- To remove the obstruction, pull and push the drill.
- Turn the handle and push and pull the drill until the blockage is cleared.
Using Hot Water And Dish Soap
Use hot water and dish soap to dissolve the obstruction if you don’t have a toilet auger or plunger. The steps are as follows:
- Fill the toilet bowl with hot water.
- To the basin, add a few drops of dish soap.
- Allow the soap and hot water to work on the obstruction for a few minutes.
- Flush the toilet to see if the clog has been eliminated.
What Is A Drain Liner?
If you have a badly blocked toilet that cannot be cleared with any of the above methods, you may need to consider using a drain liner. A drain liner is a flexible tube inserted into the drain and then inflated to create a new, smooth pipe inside the existing pipe. The following are some advantages of using a drain liner:
- Cost-Effective: Installing a drain liner is often less expensive than digging up and replacing a damaged pipe.
- Minimal Disruption: The installation process of a drain liner is quick and doesn’t require excavation, which means minimal disruption to your property.
- Durable: Drain liners are made from high-quality materials designed to last many years.
- Prevents Future Blockages: The smooth surface of the drain liner prevents waste and debris from sticking to the pipe’s inside, reducing the likelihood of future blockages.
In conclusion, there are several ways to unclog a blocked toilet, which may be a frustrating and unpleasant experience. If you have tried all the solutions above and the toilet is still clogged, you may consider installing a drain liner to stop further clogs. To prevent future blockages, keep in mind to take preventive actions, such as refraining from flushing non-degradable materials and routinely cleaning the toilet.