9 Questions About Blocked Toilets Answered By A Professional Plumber
You have probably encountered many clogged toilets in your lifetime. Some of them can be resolved with a plunger, and others may require the help of a professional. No matter how severe your blockage is, you probably have a whole bunch of questions about how to handle it. Continue reading for answers to nine of the most common questions about blocked toilets.
If you are ready to schedule professional plumbing, give our toilet plumbing team at Strittmatter a call at 940-246-2075.
WHY IS MY TOILET DRAINING SLOWLY?
A clogged toilet doesn’t always overflow. If you flush the toilet and the water rises all the way to the top, but eventually recedes over the next thirty minutes to an hour, then you most likely have a partial blockage. Sometimes a partial blockage can be removed using some of the methods discussed below. If those methods don’t work then you need to call a plumber right away. Eventually, the partial blockage can become a full blockage and cause your toilet to overflow. In the meantime, make sure that no one uses the affected toilet.
HOW TO UNCLOG MY TOILET?
The answer to this question really depends on the type of blockage that you have. If the clog is caused by too much toilet paper or toiletries being flushed, then the repair should be straightforward. You may even be able to use a plunger to unclog it. However, if the clog is caused by pipe corrosion or a malfunctioning pump, then the repair may be a bit more complicated. The best way to find out what you need to do to unclog your toilet is try a few home remedies, and if those don’t work, call a plumber.
CAN I USE BAKING SODA TO UNBLOCK MY TOILET?
While baking soda may work for smaller clogs in a sink or bathtub drain, it may not be effective on toilet clogs. Before you use baking soda, try a plunger first. If you do use baking soda, here’s what you should do:
- Pour ¼ cup of vinegar in the toilet
- Immediately pour ¼ cup of baking soda
- Wait a minute or two
- Pour very hot water into the toilet
- Repeat one or two more times
Be careful not to pour boiling water into the toilet as it can crack the ceramic. If this does not work after three tries, contact a plumber. If you try it any more times then you could damage the pipes.
CAN I USE DRAIN CLEANER FOR MY BLOCKED TOILET?
It is highly recommended not to use chemical drain cleaner for your blocked toilet. Chemical drain cleaner usually contains hydrochloric acid which can do major damage to your pipes. Drain cleaners, if not used correctly, can also cause health problems such as chemical burns and irritation. If you decide to use a chemical drain cleaner, be extremely careful. It is best to just use a plunger or call a plumber for drain services.
WHAT SHOULD I AVOID FLUSHING DOWN THE TOILET?
There are many common toilet cloggers that you should avoid flushing down the toilet. Take a look at this list:
- Feminine products such as pads and tampons
- Toiletries such as cotton swabs and cotton balls
- Large wads of toilet paper
- Paper towels and tissues
- Clumps of hair
HOW DO I UNCLOG A TOILET WITH A PLUNGER?
First, in order to unclog your toilet with a plunger you should make sure you have the right kind. Flange and accordion plungers are best for toilets because they are specifically designed for toilet drains. A cup plunger may work, but it will not be as effective. Next, you need to make sure you are correctly plunging. You should quickly plunge vertically in up and down motions. You will know if you have removed the clog if the toilet begins to drain. Then try flushing the toilet again to be sure that the clog has been removed.
WHAT IF I DON’T OWN A PLUNGER?
There are a few things that you can try if you don’t own a plunger. If you do a quick Google search, you will find that you can create a makeshift plunger. What you will need to do is wrap and tie a plastic bag around a mop head. You can use this to create the seal that you would have with a plunger. You can also try the baking soda and vinegar method. However, the best thing that you can do if you don’t have a plunger is call a plumber.
HOW CAN I GET RID OF DRAIN FLIES IN MY TOILET?
Drain flies are insects that are attracted to the buildup of hair, soap, scum and dead skin in your drains. The flies lay eggs in the buildup and the larvae feed on the organic matter. Eventually the larvae will grow up into flies and lay more eggs. The only way to get rid of drain flies permanently is to call a plumber to clean your pipes.
WILL MY LANDLORD PAY FOR PLUMBING TO FIX MY BLOCKED TOILET?
Not all landlords will pay for plumbing to fix a blocked toilet. If they can prove that it was your fault that the toilet is clogged, such as if a feminine product was flushed, then they may not pay for it. In other cases the landlord may pay for plumbing services if the pipes are in bad condition or if there is an issue with the pump or septic tank. The best way to find out is to check your lease agreement and ask. Either way, you will need to call a plumber to fix the problem.
Reliable Flower Mound Plumbers
If you are struggling with a clogged toilet, the best thing that you can do is to call a plumber. For excellent toilet plumbing in Flower Mound, Texas, contact Strittmatter Plumbing, Heating and AC. Our plumbers are highly experienced and trained so that they are ready for any plumbing situation that may come their way.
When Flower Mound residents call us, they can expect excellent workmanship and quality customer service. Serving Denton County for over 50 years, if you are looking for trustworthy plumbing service, you need Strittmatter Plumbing, Heating and Cooling.
To schedule an appointment with one of our Flower Mound plumbers, give us a call at 940-246-2075 or contact us online.