Clogged toilets are more than just a hassle; they can be a real nightmare. Nobody enjoys dealing with a clog. 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 can be a frightening and icky situation.
It’s important to resolve this issue quickly. Delaying the fix can lead to bigger problems that affect not just your bathroom but your whole home. Here’s why Columbus Plumbing & Drain recommends addressing a clogged toilet right away, along with some tips on how to fix it, with or without a plunger.
The Horrors of Leaving a Toilet Clogged:
- Overflow and Water Damage: A clogged toilet can lead to overflow, which poses an immediate risk. When toilet water spills over, it can cause serious water damage to your bathroom floor, subflooring, and even the ceiling below if you’re 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 isn’t just a minor issue. 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 could render multiple fixtures unusable and create a major plumbing headache.
- Health Hazards: Naturally, when toilet water overflows onto your floor, it creates an unhygienic situation. Stagnant water from a clogged toilet can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Additionally, when toilet water spills over the bowl, it can lead to unpleasant odors and other health risks. Therefore, addressing a clogged toilet promptly is crucial to avoid further issues!
How to Fix a Clogged Toilet:
While getting professional help is often the best option, here are some quick steps to manage a clogged toilet:
- Use a Plunger: A plunger is your first defense and an essential bathroom tool. To unclog a toilet with a plunger:
- Grip the handle with both hands and place the suction cup at the end of the toilet bowl, covering the drain hole completely.
- Make sure you have a good seal around the drain; it should be level and flush against the bowl.
- Plunge steadily, pulling the cup back without breaking the seal to dislodge the clog.
- Repeat this until the bowl drains steadily and the toilet can be used normally once again.
- Hot Water and Dish Soap: Try pouring dish soap into the toilet bowl, followed by hot (not boiling) water. Dish soap can help break down the clog. Here’s how:
- Heat at least a gallon of water on the stove until hot, but do not boil it to avoid cracking the porcelain. Be cautious!
- While waiting for the water, pour dish soap into the toilet bowl.
- Once the water is hot, slowly pour it into the toilet bowl.
- Let the mixture sit for at least 5 minutes before flushing to give it time to work and soften the clog.
- Auger or Plumbing Snake: For particularly stubborn clogs, a plumbing auger or plumbing snake (available at home improvement stores) can reach deeper into the pipes. Insert the snake into the drain and twist it to break up or pull out the clog.
- Call a Professional: If you’ve tried these steps and the clog persists, it’s time to call a plumber like Columbus Plumbing & Drain. We have the right tools and expertise to diagnose and fix the problem quickly without causing additional damage.
A clogged toilet can go from a minor issue to a major problem fast. Act quickly to resolve it before it affects other parts of your home. Remember, professional plumbing services are always available and often the best way to keep your plumbing in top shape. Don’t wait until it becomes a bigger headache!
Call Columbus Plumbing & Drain for all of your plumbing needs or for any plumbing scare that tried to threaten the integrity of your plumbing system. We can be reached at (614) 879-3783 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
