Toilet Won’t Flush? Four Easy Ways to Fix It

We’ve all been there—you flush the toilet, and instead of everything whirling down the drain as it is supposed to, the water level starts rising dangerously. A clogged toilet can be a real inconvenience, especially if you’re not sure how to deal with it. Fortunately, unclogging a toilet is a skill anybody can master. This guide from the plumbing specialists at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing will walk you through a few effective methods to unclog a toilet that won’t flush, helping you feel prepared the next time you face this common household challenge.

The Trusty Plunger Trick

The most time-tested means for unclogging a toilet is with a plunger. But don’t just reach for the first plunger you see in the aisle at the store. It’s crucial to use a flange plunger that is expressly fashioned for toilet bowls. The rubber flange on the cup produces a better seal to build up the pressure necessary to dislodge the clog. Here’s how to use a plunger correctly:

    1. Be sure there’s a little water in the bowl. If there’s no water in the bowl, add water from the sink using a cup.
    1. Place the plunger at an angle to be sure the flange goes into the hole at the bottom of the bowl.
    1. Push the plunger up and down several times, being careful not to break the seal.
    1. After several plunges, wait a few seconds and watch to see if the water level is receding. If not, continue plunging. But if the water recedes, take out the plunger and flush to see if the clog is cleared.

No Plunger? No Problem!

While all homes should have at least one plunger, you may not have one handy at the moment. Here are some alternative ways to unclog a toilet without a plunger.

Remove a Toilet Clog with Hot Soap and Water

Hot water and soap is an incredibly effective alternative to a toilet plunger. This strategy works better for softer clogs that need a gentle push. Here’s what you need to do:

    1. Transfer some water from the toilet bowl if it’s very full. Scoop the plumbing water out of the bowl with an old cup and dump it in a nearby tub or shower drain.
    1. Add a substantial amount of dish soap or liquid detergent into the bowl. The soap helps lubricate the clog, making it easier for it to slide down the pipes.
    1. Cautiously pour a bucket of hot (not boiling) water from waist height inside the bowl. The force of the water together with the slippery soap should dislodge the clog.
    1. Let the combination marinate for around 20 minutes, giving it time to work its magic.
    1. Try giving the toilet a flush. If the water drains down the pipe, you’ve successfully unclogged your toilet!

Use Baking Soda and Vinegar to Unclog a Toilet

Baking soda and vinegar is a potent concoction. Here’s how to attempt this environment-friendly method for unclogging toilets:

    1. 1Transfer excess water from the bowl to prevent an overflow.
    1. Pour about a cup of baking soda directly into the toilet bowl, followed by two cups of white vinegar. The combination of baking soda and vinegar generates a fizzing action that breaks down the clog. Add the vinegar slowly to reduce the chance of overflow from the fizzing reaction.
    1. Let the concoction sit in the bowl for at least 20 minutes.
    1. After waiting, give the toilet a flush. If the water flows smoothly, your problem is fixed. If it doesn’t, try a different method or call a plumber for help.

How to Unclog Your Toilet with a Coat Hanger

This approach is especially effective for clogs caused by foreign objects or dense materials. It involves making a do-it-yourself drain auger from an old coat hanger. Follow these steps:

    1. Unwind a wire coat hanger until it’s pretty straight.
    1. Wrap a tiny piece of cloth around the end of the hanger and secure it with duct tape to shield your toilet bowl from scratches.
    1. Place the wrapped end into the toilet and with great care push it in the drain hole.
    1. Maneuver the hanger in different directions to free the clog. Remember to be gentle to avoid harming the porcelain or plumbing.
    1. After a few minutes of careful prodding and poking, take out the hanger and attempt a flush. If the water drains away, you’re right as rain. If the clog persists, it may be time to call in the professionals at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

Contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Your Plumbing Needs in the U.S.

While the strategies detailed above work good for simple clogs, some circumstances call for professional assistance. If you’ve tried plunging or other tactics without success, reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for help. We understand how aggravating a clogged toilet and other plumbing problems can be in a home or business. That’s why our highly trained plumbers provide speedy, durable solutions. Let us do the hard work, and we’ll ensure your 100% satisfaction. To schedule our professional plumbing services in the U.S. and nearby areas, call 866-397-3787 today!

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