Most households have a plunger. But it could be such a rarely needed item that you one day decide to toss out that old nasty thing. Sure, you plan on buying a replacement, but it slips your mind until that moment when your toilet is about to overflow. Then you alternate between panic and self-ridiculing because you forgot to buy that new plunger you now need. But never fear. There are other ways to remove a clog from your toilet. They might not be a fast and simple as a few swift plunges, but they can do the trick and save you from a flood of nasty water on the floor.
DISH SOAP
Most people in Mesquite would never think of dish soap when looking for a clog remover. But it is designed to eliminate grease and breakdown waste. First, if the water is near the top of the toilet bowl, it is best to bail some of that water into a bucket to avoid a mess and get the soap to the clog as quickly as possible. Next, pour about half a cup of dish soap into the toilet bowl. It will sink down into the drainpipe and right to the clog in just a few minutes. Then, wait for about 30 minutes before trying to flush again. The soap should have coated the clog and ideally will help it slip down the drain line so that you have a functional toilet again.
HOT WATER
If the dish soap did not get the job done, try a bucket of very hot water. Of course, you want to be sure that there is room in the bowl and you are not going to flood the room. Use hot water from the shower, but NEVER boiling water as it could crack the porcelain toilet bowl and compound your problems. Stand over the toilet and pour the hot water from waist level to add more force to the water in an effort to move the clog on down the drain.
A COAT HANGER
For this clog resolution, you will need a metal coat hanger. Untwist the wire hanger to create a long, straight piece of wire. Next, be sure that you have rubber gloves on. Gently feed the end of the hanger into the toilet drain until you feel it hit the obstruction. Turn and twist the wire hanger to break up the clog in the toilet drain. You can also try removing the wire and reinserting it to break up the clog.
TRY SOME BUBBLES
If you are not keen on the hanger option, some homemade bubbles could do the trick. Pour a cup of baking soda and two cups of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let the fizzing action settle in and begin to erode the clog. After around 30 minutes, pour another bucket of hot water into the toilet to flush away the clog. If the toilet flushes slowly or only partially, add another cup of baking soda and two cups of vinegar and wait another 30 minutes before flushing.
If these tricks do not clear your toilet clog, it could be time to head to the store to purchase a plunger or call (214) 388-4525. The licensed plumbers at Metroplex are always ready to lend a hand removing a clog or assisting with any other plumbing issues. In addition, our team always provides a complete price quote before starting a job, so there are never any unpleasant surprises when the work is completed. And we stand behind all of our repairs and installations with a full warranty on the parts and labor.
