One of the biggest challenges you may find yourself facing is unblocking a clogged toilet. You may excuse yourself to go to the bathroom, and the next thing you know is the toilet almost overflowing. The only option you’ll have is to try to fix the toilet yourself as you wait for an Essex plumber to get to your location. If you think the water will overflow, close the toilet flap immediately to avoid dealing with flooding.
Using heat to release the clog
After you control the flow, you can heat some water in a pan, but don’t let it boil. Pour the hot water into the sink and wait a few minutes. If the clog loosens, the water in the toilet will start to drain slowly. If this becomes successful, flush the toilet a few times to confirm that it’s working properly. Water is one of the most effective ways of unclogging a toilet, but that doesn’t guarantee that it will work for you.
Create a fizz
This method may create a bigger mess if your toilet is almost overflowing. You may be forced to empty the water manually to create room for the fizzy solution. Pour an equal measure of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. The reaction of the two will create a fizz that will unclog the toilet. You can follow up with hot water to get better results. You can also repeat the process with baking and vinegar to clear the drain completely.
Use the right plunger
A rigid plunger is never as effective or as easy to use as a flexible plunger. Look for a funnel-cup plunger and warm it before using it. Pour hot water on the plunger to warm up the rubber and then place it in a way that completely deals with the toilet bowl. Use enough effort to push the plunger downward but make sure you use the same effort on the upward pull. Repeat the downward and upward strokes several times, then flush the toilet.
Using an auger
Another option used by Essex plumbers is an auger. You can find them in hardware stores near you and use them to shake the clog. You insert the drain snake down the drain to loosen the clog by holding the end of the auger and turning the crank. If the crank stops, you’ve reached the clog. Shake it to make it loose then flush the toilet a few times to clear the drain. Alternatively, use a wire hanger you have available. Unwind the hanger then tie a small rag on one end to avoid scratching the toilet. Angle the hanger down the drain to shake the clog.
Call a plumber
If these methods don’t work, you should call a professional Essex plumber to unclog your toilet. Professional plumbers have the right experience, tools, and skills to work on any clog efficiently. ALK plumbers are some of the reliable service providers you can count on. Their fast-response ensures you get assistance within the shortest time possible. They are also dedicated and well-trained to handle every situation in a professional manner.