[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”33950″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Believe it or not, the holidays are right around the corner. This year will probably be different than last, as more families will be able to get together. If you host a family party, you know that this means heavier usage of your fixtures and utilities. One item that comes to mind is the dreaded toilet clog. This is especially concerning if your home only has one or two toilets, and the guest bathroom is not clogged. It is always handy to know how to unclog a toilet fast. Maybe you don’t have a plunger or have never purchased one. Never fear; below are time-tested tricks that can help unclog a toilet without calling a professional plumbing service.
Use Hot Water
Get a large amount of hot water in a bucket. This water should be hot but not boiling. Slowly pour the hot water down the toilet to break up or dissolve materials causing your toilet to back up. You mustn’t use boiling water as this can cause your porcelain toilet bowl to crack or even break completely.
Dish Soap
This can be an ideal alternative to harsh chemicals and acids as it won’t wear down on your pipes as harshly. If you have the time to wait for dish soap to work, it can remove more minor blockages from your toilets and sinks. Dish soap is designed to break down grease and food materials that can build up and cause clogs. Pour at least a cup of dish soap down the drain and let it sit for 30-40 minutes. You will know this is working when you start to see the water levels go down. Try flushing the toilet when water levels have dropped enough that a full flush will not leak over the sides of the bowl.
Epsom Salts
Although this product is not as standard as dish soap, it can be helpful and safe to use. If you have Epsom salts in your bathroom, try pouring a large amount down your clogged toilet. As soon as the salts hit the water, they will begin to fizz and make bubbles. These bubbles can help to remove and dislodge stuck materials. If you do not have Epsom salts, you can also achieve this outcome by baking soda and vinegar. Remember to let the mixture sit in your toilet for at least 30 minutes. This can help clear up your pipes if you face a big clog that requires a rooter or drain snake.
If all else Fails, Call a Plumber.
Clogs are never fun to deal with. Especially if you are having a Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas party, if you have tried the methods above and still cannot flush, call a local plumbing company. Sometimes clogs are more stubborn than we know. In some cases, a camera line inspection is necessary to see the clog and best diagnose the issue visually. If you live around Sandy, Utah, we invite you to call Plumbing Utah Heating & Air to speak with a professional about how to get your home or business toilets flushing again.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]