Clogged toilets are more than just a hassle; they can turn into a real nightmare. Nobody enjoys dealing with a clogged toilet. We’ve all been there—when you go to use the bathroom, flush the toilet, and instead of draining, the water starts to rise! What a disaster!
As you know, it is important to fix this issue as quickly as possible. Delaying repairs can lead to serious problems that affect not just your bathroom but your entire home. Here’s why Kettering Plumbing & Drain believes you should tackle a clogged toilet right away, along with some tips on how to fix it with or without a plunger.
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, subflooring, and even the ceiling below if you live in a multi-story home. The longer the water remains, the more extensive and costly the damage can become.
- Plumbing System Backups: It’s important to note that a clogged toilet isn’t just a minor problem. It can cause toilet water to back up into other areas of your plumbing system, affecting sinks, showers, and even your main sewer line. This can lead to multiple fixtures becoming unusable, creating a major plumbing issue.
- Health Hazards: It may seem obvious, but when toilet water spills onto the floor, it’s not hygienic. Stagnant water from a clogged toilet can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. The overflow can lead to unpleasant odors and other serious health risks, making it crucial to address a clogged toilet as soon as possible.
How to Fix a Clogged Toilet:
While it’s often best to call a professional, here are some immediate steps you can take to deal with a clogged toilet:
- Use a Plunger: This is your first line of defense and an essential bathroom tool. To use 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 toilet drain.
- Use a steady plunging motion, pulling the plunger back without breaking the seal. This should help dislodge the clog.
- Repeat this process until the bowl starts to drain.
- Hot Water and Dish Soap: Pouring dish soap into the toilet bowl, followed by hot (not boiling) water, can help soften the clog. Here’s how:
- Heat at least a gallon of water on the stove until it’s hot but not boiling to avoid cracking the porcelain.
- While waiting, pour dish soap into the toilet bowl.
- Slowly pour the hot water into the bowl when it’s ready.
- Let the mixture sit for at least 5 minutes before attempting to flush.
- Auger or Plumbing Snake: For tougher clogs, plumbing auger or plumbing snakee can reach deeper into the pipes to break up the blockage. Insert the snake into the drain and twist it to push through or pull out the clog.
- Call a Professional: If you’ve tried these methods and the clog persists, it’s time to contact a professional plumber like Kettering Plumbing & Drain. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose and resolve the issue quickly without causing further damage.
A clogged toilet can quickly go from a small hassle to a major problem. The important thing is to act quickly and fix the issue before it affects other areas of your home. Remember, our professional plumbing services are always available, and going this route is often the best way to keep your plumbing system in good shape. Don’t wait for it to turn into a bigger nightmare.
We can confidently handle and take care of all of your plumbing concerns and plumbing scares for you! Call Kettering Plumbing & Drain today at (937) 764-3788, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!