Plumbing issues in the bathroom aren’t exactly something you tend to talk about with people, and really it’s not the sort of thing that you even think about – until something happens. While a clogged toilet is relatively common, one that has become backed up and is no longer responding to the typical at-home remedies can spell out a much bigger problem. So, rather than declaring the entire bathroom off-limits, why not tackle the problem and get that backed-up toilet fixed. Here are some of the steps you can take to do just that.
Stop Repeatedly Trying to Flush It
Often the first instinct is to flush the toilet a couple of times to see if it “gets better” all on its own. While this can certainly happen from time to time, more often than not, all that will occur is the bowl becomes more and more filled with water since it can’t drain. You then risk an overflow, which will be a rather large mess to clean. So, it’s wise not to keep flushing it with the hopes of it suddenly draining by some fluke.
Opt for the Simple Tool – the Plunger
If your toilet is plugged and won’t drain, the first response should be to reach for the plunger. In many cases, this step alone will prove to be enough. Just make sure that you continue plunging until the water is able to drain completely and then the bowl refills as usual to its normal water level.
Plungers are one of the most basic tools to have in your home. There is no need for anything fancy; any basic plunger will do the trick. The last thing you want to deal with is having a clogged toilet and no plunger on hand to attempt to fix it.
Create Your Own Non-Toxic Solution
Another tip is to create your own non-toxic cleaning solution that can sometimes do the trick to unclog the toilet. Simply pour one cup of baking soda into the toilet and then set a timer for two minutes. After the timer goes off you can then add two cups of vinegar into the toilet. Be prepared to see bubbles start to foam. This should be allowed to sit for a number of minutes, and then you can try giving it a flush.
Not Having Any Luck – It’s Time to Call in the Professionals
If you’ve tried all the above-mentioned steps and still aren’t having any luck, or the problem seems to be getting worse, then it’s time to put down the tools and call in a professional plumber. A plumber will be able to assess the situation and figure out the proper way to get the toilet fixed, using the right tools and without causing any damage to the toilet and the bathroom itself.
You can search online for “plumbers near me” where companies such as Maplewood Plumbing may pop up in the results. At the end of it all, hiring a professional can actually be the most cost-effective and time-effective approach to fixing the toilet.
The Issue No-One Likes to Deal With
While no one wants to deal with a clogged toilet, the fact is ignoring it won’t solve the problem. It’s best to deal with it as soon as possible.
