Clogged toilets can be more than just annoying; they can turn into a real headache. Nobody enjoys dealing with a toilet that won’t flush! We’ve all experienced that moment when you go to use the bathroom, flush the toilet, and instead of draining, the water starts to rise—it’s a horrific nightmare!
It’s important to fix this issue as soon as possible, as delaying repairs can lead to bigger problems that affect not just your bathroom but your whole home. Here’s a closer look at why New Albany Plumbing & Drain recommends addressing a clogged toilet right away, along with some tips on how to fix it.
Here Are the Horrors of Leaving a Toilet Clogged:
- Overflow and Water Damage: A clogged toilet can quickly lead to overflow, causing significant water damage to your bathroom floor, subfloor, and even the ceiling below if you live in a multi-story home. The longer the water sits, the more extensive and costly the damage becomes.
- Plumbing System Backups: It’s important to remember that a clogged toilet is not just a localized problem. The clog can lead to toilet water backing up into other parts of your plumbing system, affecting sinks, showers, and even your home’s main sewer line. This can make multiple fixtures unusable and create a major plumbing headache.
- Health Hazards: When toilet water overflows onto the floor, it creates a messy and unsanitary situation. Stagnant water from a clogged toilet can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. If toilet water clogs the toilet and spills over the bowl, it leads to unpleasant odors and serious health risks. It’s crucial to address a clogged toilet as quickly as possible to avoid these issues!
Here’s How to Fix a Toilet Clog:
While getting professional help is usually the best option, here are some quick steps you can take to fix a clogged toilet:
- Use a Plunger – A plunger is your first line of defense and a must-have in every bathroom. To unclog a toilet with a plunger:
- Grip the plunger handle with both hands and place the suction cup into the toilet bowl, fully covering the drain hole.
- Make sure you have a good seal around the drain (it should be level and flush against the bowl).
- Use a steady plunging motion, pulling the cup back without breaking the seal. This should help dislodge the clog.
- Keep repeating this until the bowl starts to drain steadily.
- Hot Water and Dish Soap: Pour some dish soap into the toilet bowl, then add hot (but not boiling) water. Dish soap is thick and designed to break down grease and grime, so when mixed with hot water, it might help soften the clog. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat at least a gallon of water on the stove until it’s hot but not boiling to avoid cracking the porcelain. (Be careful!)
- While the water heats, pour dish soap into the toilet bowl.
- Once the water is hot, slowly pour it into the bowl.
- Let the dish soap and hot water sit for at least 5 minutes before flushing. This gives them time to work on the clog.
- Auger or Plumbing Snake: For tougher clogs, a plumbing auger or plumbing (available at 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 clog is still there, it’s time to call a professional plumber like New Albany Plumbing & Drain. We have the right tools and expertise to diagnose and fix the issue quickly, without causing more damage.
A clogged toilet can go from a minor issue to a serious problem fast. Acting quickly is key to preventing further impact on your home. Remember, we are always here to offer you our professional plumbing services. So, please don’t wait until it becomes a bigger headache.
For all of your plumbing scares, call New Albany Plumbing & Drain today at (614) 245-3319, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!