While never fun, it is sometimes necessary to unplug a toilet. It doesn’t matter where you live or where you work, sometimes the toilet you’re using will suffer from an occasional clog. When this unfortunate event happens, the only thing you can do is try and clear the passage way in the clogged toilet. (Don’t be one of those people that walks away and leaves the plug for the next unknowing user…)
To avoid getting messy with this whole ordeal, here are some tips to unplug the toilet:
AVOID DOUBLE-FLUSHING: When you see signs that the toilet is plugged, DON’T flush the bowl multiple times. Normally, the first flush even when the bowl is blocked will not make the toilet overflow. However, the second flush with the bowl plugged will surely make water and bits & pieces of “stuff” in the bowl spill over onto the floor.
ARM YOURSELF WITH THE RIGHT UNCLOGGING TOOLS: To unplug a toilet can be very unsanitary and downright dangerous from a biological standpoint. So to avoid diseases and germs while working in the toilet, make sure to use a pair of hand gloves; a pair of rubber boots come in handy too since spills and splashes will happen. Make sure you use a good quality plunger too, this is one of the most important tools you will use.
PROTECT THE FLOOR: Before you get started on the toilet, lay down some old towels, newspapers or even a tarp to help prevent staining or ruining the bathroom floor. This will also make cleanup a lot faster once you’re done. Turn on the ceiling fan and open any windows you can, you’ll want as much fresh air as possible.
USE THE PLUNGER: Normally, a plunger is used when there’s a solid object blocking the passage; like a kids toy, a flush-able wipe, a large wad of toilet paper or other unmentionable “stuff”. Place the plunger into the toilet, it should cover the bottom of the toilet outlet and be submerged under water; then press the plunger down firmly but slowly. You may need to “plunge” several times before you clear the trap-way and the toilet is free of the obstruction. (Be sure to clean the plunger after you use it…)
If you can’t get it fixed yourself, fear not, Plumbing Professors is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and we never charge extra for nights, weekends or holidays…EVER.
Leave a Reply