Thanks to the prevalence of old pipes and vintage plumbing fixtures that come with the city’s numerous craftsmen-style houses, clogged toilets are a common problem in Seattle. Fortunately, it is a plumbing issue that sometimes people can solve on their own — if they know how. Please remember that it is always a good idea to call a professional, but if you’re willing and adventurous, Here are a couple of different ways you can unclog your toilet.
Use a Plunger
One way to fix a clogged toilet is to use a plunger. Insert the plunger so it fully covers the drain in the center of the toilet. Then push down gently, allowing the air in the plunger to be forced out. Once the plunger is compressed, pull back to create a suction and dislodge the clog. Most people try to “force” the clog through the toilet and what really happens is that the clog gets packed tighter. By trying to remove the stoppage the way it went in, you are more likely to be successful. This method may also be successful at retrieving objects that have gone down the drain accidentally.
Use a Plumbing Snake
Another way to break up a clogged toilet is to use a drain snake or auger. A toilet auger can be purchased at most hardware stores and may be a good investment if you own an older home. The auger is flexible enough to reach past the curves on the inside of the toilet, but not so powerful that it will break the toilet. As you crank the handle the spiral head should break up the clog and allow the toilet to flush. Continue this process until the water drains.
Unfortunately, in some cases, no matter what you try your toilet will not unclog. If you are dealing with a blockage and the above methods didn’t work, this indicates that you’re dealing with a more serious issue. This is when it’s time to call in the plumbing experts to diagnose the cause of the block and quickly get it fixed for you. Call us today to schedule your appointment and we’ll get all of your bathroom draining issues fixed!
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