How to Clear a Toilet Drain? There’s nothing more frustrating than a blocked toilet. Whether it’s a slow drain or complete blockage, dealing with a clogged toilet can be messy and inconvenient. However, before you call in a plumber, there are several DIY methods you can try to clear the drain and get your toilet back in working order. Here’s a simple guide to help you clear your toilet drain using common household items, so you can solve the issue without breaking the bank.
1. Plunger: The Classic Solution
One of the most straightforward and effective tools you can use to clear a blocked toilet is a plunger. A good-quality plunger can help break up blockages in the drain and restore normal water flow. Here’s how to use it properly:
- Step 1: Ensure the toilet bowl has enough water to cover the plunger’s rubber part. If the water level is too low, add some more to the bowl.
- Step 2: Position the plunger so the rubber part covers the drain opening completely. Make sure you have a tight seal for the best suction.
- Step 3: Push the plunger down firmly, then pull it back up with force. Repeat the process about 10 to 15 times, maintaining a strong seal.
- Step 4: After a few plunges, check if the water starts draining. If it does, flush the toilet to ensure everything is clear.
If the blockage is stubborn, you might need to try a few more rounds of plunging.
2. Dish Soap and Hot Water
If plunging doesn’t do the trick, dish soap and hot water can sometimes work wonders. The soap helps break down grease and other substances that could be contributing to the blockage, while the hot water helps loosen the debris.
- Step 1: Pour about half a cup of dish soap into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the soap to break down the blockage.
- Step 2: Heat up a few litres of water (but not boiling). You don’t want to use boiling water, as it could crack your toilet bowl.
- Step 3: Slowly pour the hot water into the toilet bowl from waist height. This will help force the blockage through the drain.
- Step 4: After waiting another 10 to 15 minutes, flush the toilet. The combination of soap and hot water should have loosened or broken up the clog.
3. Baking Soda and Vinegar
For a more natural approach, baking soda and vinegar can also be effective in clearing minor toilet clogs. This combination creates a fizzing action that helps break down blockages in the pipes.
- Step 1: Pour one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl.
- Step 2: Follow it up with two cups of vinegar. You’ll see the mixture fizzing and bubbling.
- Step 3: Let the solution sit for at least 30 minutes, or longer if possible. The fizzy reaction will help loosen debris.
- Step 4: After waiting, flush the toilet. If the clog hasn’t cleared, you can repeat the process once more.
This method is a more eco-friendly option that can work well for minor clogs.
Read Also: Do I Call A Plumber For Water Heater Problems?
4. The Toilet Snake (Plumbing Auger)
If your toilet remains clogged after using the above methods, it might be time to bring out a plumbing auger, also known as a toilet snake. This tool is designed to break up or retrieve blockages deep within the toilet’s pipes.
- Step 1: Insert the end of the snake into the toilet bowl, making sure to feed it into the drain opening.
- Step 2: Turn the handle to rotate the snake down into the pipes. Keep going until you hit the obstruction.
- Step 3: Once the snake has broken through or grabbed the blockage, pull it back up slowly.
- Step 4: Flush the toilet to ensure the drain is clear.
A toilet snake is a great tool to have on hand for stubborn blockages that can’t be cleared by other methods.
5. Use a Wet-Dry Vacuum
If you have a wet-dry vacuum, it can be an effective tool for sucking out the blockage. Be careful not to use a regular household vacuum, as it’s not designed to handle liquids.
- Step 1: Set up the vacuum to suck up water and debris.
- Step 2: Place the hose in the toilet bowl, ensuring a tight seal around the drain.
- Step 3: Turn on the vacuum to its highest setting and let it run for several minutes.
- Step 4: Once the clog is cleared, flush the toilet to check if the water drains properly.
This method works well for more severe blockages, but be aware that it can get messy.
6. When to Call Emergency Drains
If you’ve tried all the DIY methods and your toilet is still clogged, it might be time to call in the professionals. Emergency Drains specialise in urgent plumbing issues, including toilet blockages. They have the tools and expertise to clear even the most stubborn clogs and get your toilet running smoothly again.
Emergency Drains offer fast and efficient service, especially when dealing with plumbing emergencies. Whether the blockage is caused by tree roots, damaged pipes, or an unknown obstruction, they can diagnose the issue and fix it quickly.
Conclusion
A blocked toilet can be an annoying problem, but with these simple DIY methods, you can often clear the drain yourself. From using a plunger to trying natural remedies like baking soda and vinegar, there are plenty of ways to get your toilet flowing again. However, if your attempts don’t work, don’t hesitate to call in professionals like Emergency Drains. We’ll ensure that the problem is taken care of quickly and efficiently.
