How to unclog a toilet: comparison of the best methods and equipment

A clogged toilet is an unpleasant situation that requires urgent attention. To find out how to clear a clog in the toilet, you need to determine the cause of its formation.This may be due to the formation of a plug of dirt and debris or the quality of the water.

We will tell you about effective ways to eliminate blockages in the most popular type of plumbing. The article we have presented describes in detail the chemical compositions and mechanical measures used in the fight against plugs and persistent sediment. Here you will learn how to prevent such troubles.

How to determine the location of a traffic jam?

The build-up of residues on the pipe walls makes it difficult for water to pass through. Soon the drain becomes clogged and forms a plug, thereby causing a blockage. To determine the location of the plug, you can use a proven method. Try opening the faucet in the kitchen and bathroom at the same time.

If the water runs out as usual, then the problem is in the toilet. If liquid drainage is difficult in the bathroom and kitchen, this indicates problems with the pipe.

As soon as you discover a clogged toilet, do not rush to drain the water from the tank. You should know that its volume is more than 3 liters. It's better to just turn off the tap. This action will protect you from water leaking onto the floor.

For convenience, it is recommended to use a regular bucket. Fill it with a small amount of water (about 1 liter) and gradually pour it into the toilet. if water does not flow, the plug is firmly seated.

One of the main reasons for the formation of plugs in plumbing fixtures is improper operation. Often, the residents of the house themselves can flush various objects and food residues down the toilet, hoping that they will quietly pass into the drain hole.

To prevent water from leaking onto the floor, place as many cloths around the toilet as possible. They absorb liquid well, so the toilet coating will not be damaged

Let's look at some tips to avoid such situations:

1. If you are thinking about changing pipes, you need to select samples that are identical in size.
2. When making repairs, the toilet lid should be lowered to prevent debris, dirt and other waste from entering the toilet.
3. Avoid flushing items such as kitty litter, rough paper, and other types of debris that can cause a blockage. By doing so, you will extend the life of the plumbing fixture and save a lot of money on replacing the toilet.

Use these simple tips to avoid plumbing problems. By adhering to clear operating rules, you will forget for a long time about such a problem as dealing with blockages:

Methods for cleaning the toilet using folk remedies

There are times when there are no special chemicals at hand to combat the traffic jam. In this situation, ordinary detergents and substances that can be found in any housewife’s kitchen will help.

You can use regular baking soda or concentrated vinegar. Let's look at ways to remove debris and dirt using these two ingredients.

There are several options sewer pipe cleaning using regular baking soda. We will look at several interpretations so you can choose the one that suits you best.

The first proven method

To make it easier to apply the solution, you should take a bucket with a capacity of 8-10 liters. Pour half a pack of baking soda into the pre-drawn water (volume 5 liters) and stir. The resulting solution should be poured into the toilet and wait about 3 hours. Once the soda gets into the pipe, it will begin to corrode the fatty formations, thereby dissolving the plug and clearing the passage.

Use baking soda as a reliable solution for mild toilet blockages and drain problems.

Second proven method

This is the most convenient option. You don't have to mix the ingredients in a separate container first.

By following simple rules and following the instructions, you will quickly get rid of the traffic jam:

1. Half a pack of regular baking soda should be poured into the toilet.
2. Take a bottle of concentrated vinegar and pour it there.
3. It is necessary to close the drain hole and wait about two hours.
4. After a certain amount of time, you should pour hot water into the plumbing fixture and wait again.

After completing this procedure, the resulting debris and dirt should go away. Vinegar should be used with caution.

Third proven method

For best results, this regimen should be applied at night. This version uses salt instead of vinegar. The composition of the mixture is as follows:

1. A small amount (1 glass) of baking soda is mixed with salt in equal proportions.
2. This mixture goes into the toilet.
3. After a few minutes, pour in about 1 liter of boiling water and leave for 8 hours.

By morning, the dirt that caused the traffic jam should leave. For minor blockages, these options will help you on your own; you can deal with the blockage without the help of a plumber.

Using substances such as baking soda, salt, vinegar or more concentrated acetic acid can effectively break through blockages.

If the situation does not improve after using soda and salt, you should call a specialist. It is quite possible that the problem is not in the toilet itself, but in the sewer pipes of a private house, therefore, in order not to aggravate the situation, use the services of a qualified plumber.

Chemicals for removing clogs

There are a large number of different chemicals for removing traffic jams of varying complexity.The modern market is filled with all kinds of gels, liquids, powders from foreign and domestic manufacturers.

Such products contain alkalis, acids and other chemical elements that effectively corrode dirt. We will look at the most famous brands and select the most affordable drugs in terms of effectiveness and budget.

Drug No. 1 Sanox

A highly effective “softened action” product. Suitable for cleaning all types of plastic and metal pipes and is notable for the fact that it does not have a strong unpleasant odor. At the same time, its price is low. It does an excellent job of cleaning old pipes and does not destroy them from the inside.

A universal product for cleaning sewer pipes and toilets, which you can purchase at any household chemical store.

But Sanox, for all its advantages, has some disadvantages. The first and main disadvantage is that it acts slowly, the waiting period can last several hours. The second disadvantage is its ineffectiveness against severe blockages.

The composition is more suitable for prevention and for combating unpleasant odors in the bathroom. Even if you exceed the dose and use the product in large quantities, this will not improve the situation. Therefore, in case of strong dirt formation, you need to use a more concentrated chemical.

Preparation No. 2 “Bio Favorit”

It is a good remedy for removing traffic jams, although the direct purpose of this powder is different. It is used to decompose various waste and debris. It is more advisable to use this option when cleaning cesspools, country toilets and septic tanks.

When purchasing a product for removing cork formations in a store, consult with the seller.He will select a chemical for you that will not harm pipes and existing plumbing

As practice shows, the bioactivator effectively and quickly removes sewer blockages of varying complexity. This budget option appealed to buyers.

Preparation No. 3 “Biocomposition Ventuz”

This is not the most budget option; on average, the cost of a pack is about 500 rubles. But buyers assure that the drug acts instantly, so overpaying in this case is appropriate.

Despite the fact that Vantuz is a chemical product, it has several advantages compared to other mixtures of similar composition:

• It does not harm human health when used, even if you operate without gloves.
• Can quickly deal with various types of blockages.
• Does not have a strong chemical smell.
• It can and should be used as preventative measures against traffic jams.

The advantage of Biocomposition is the absence of toxic substances that negatively affect human health and well-being. It clears blockages “naturally”. The product contains organic biobacteria that do not harm pipes and gently destroy salts.

A fast-acting remedy for blockages of the Vantuz brand is safe for earthenware and porcelain plumbing fixtures, does not harm enamel coatings and all types of plumbing pipes

Preparation No. 4 “Mole”

It will also reliably relieve traffic jams. You may come across several varieties of the drug, as it is available in both powder and gel form. At the same time, the price of the second one is significantly higher.

If you buy the drug in liquid form, its concentration may be higher than that of the powder, so before using it, you need to read the instructions in detail, as they may differ.

In addition, the chemical composition of the product is very vigorous and aggressive. When using, wear rubber gloves to prevent the liquid from causing burns or cracks.

“Mole” is recommended to be used only for severely clogged plumbing, as it has a very concentrated composition. Special protection required

It is important to know that some Krot brand products cannot be used for plastic pipes, since the alkali contained in the composition can corrode them. Please read the label carefully before making a purchase.

Drug No. 5 "Mr. Muscle"

The main advantage of the product is its instant action. If the blockage is not severe, then he can handle it in literally minutes. This reaction is associated with the high content of alkali and acid in the composition of the drug. Chemical elements recognize accumulations of dirt and debris and begin to corrode them.

If the plug has hardened, Mr. Muscle's action may slow down. In this case, you will have to wait a few hours, only then will you notice the result.

The drug is available in gel and powder form, so read the instructions on the package in advance, as the method of use may differ slightly. If you bought powder, then one package should be enough to clear only one blockage. The price of a pack will be about 110 rubles.

Preparation No. 6 Deboucher

It is recommended to pour an intensive product for cleaning sewer pipes and removing blockages into a plumbing fixture for several hours. Although in practice, if the blockage is not serious, it will begin to act after 10-15 minutes.

In addition to alkali, the preparation contains an element such as chlorine. In addition to clearing clogs, the product disinfects well and, despite the chlorine content, does not have a strong odor. When using, it is recommended to pour the drug into the toilet for a few minutes and wait a little.

Deboucher is a proven tool in the fight against traffic jams caused by improper operation of apartment owners themselves who do not know the rules for using plumbing fixtures

Still, there are some disadvantages of this drug. Firstly, to effectively remove dirt, you need to pour out a considerable amount of liquid (about 0.5 l), that is, it cannot be called an economical option. Although the price of a bottle is not high, around 150 rubles.

The second significant drawback of the drug is the limitation in use. Due to its high chlorine content, it should not be used on plastic pipes.

All rules for selecting and using a chemical to remove blockages in the sewer system are given here.

Rules for using household chemicals

Using household chemicals every day, we rarely think about their harmful effects on the human body. The instructions supplied with the drugs are ignored.

We recommend following the general rules for using household chemicals:

• Carry out cleaning work with rubber, latex gloves (or use a special protective cream) to avoid burns and allergic consequences.
• Before carrying out work to remove blockages in the sewer, you need to make sure that the correct chemical is chosen (whether it will damage the integrity of plastic and metal pipes).
• Increasing the volume and concentration of the chemical reagent does not always help solve the blockage problem. In this case, it makes sense to use another tool.

After a certain period of time recommended for eliminating the blockage in the pipe, you should thoroughly rinse the product from the toilet.

Reliable products for preventing toilet blockages from famous manufacturers that will quickly cope with prevention, as well as the formation of blockages of any complexity

Something to remember! Do not use non-special chemicals such as formic, sulfuric or hydrochloric acid. They will not only remove the blockage, but also ruin the pipes (and then provoke an emergency situation with a leak).

Mechanical methods for removing traffic jams

Now there are a large number of different methods for cleaning plumbing. How successful and effective the cleaning will be depends on several components: the causes of the blockage, its volume and time.

Before you start the procedure removing the blockage, you need to get rid of the water in the toilet. To pump out water, you can use various devices, for example, sponges, unnecessary rags, etc.

It should be remembered that:

• If the blockage occurred recently and the main reason for this was some object, you can first put on rubber gloves and try to remove it from there.
• If unsuccessful, you must try to get the item using a special bent wire with a bent hook at the end.
• Use a proven method of getting rid of clogs using a plunger. To do this, you will need to close the drain hole with a rubber holder, while doing several pumps to get rid of the plug.

These simple tips will help you decide on the choice of tool. Once you understand the extent of waste accumulation, you can select the necessary equipment.

If you have little experience, we recommend that you use the services of a seller. By contacting the store staff with your problem, you will receive full advice. Experts will suggest the best tool to remove the traffic jam.

The plunger is an effective cleaning tool

There are a lot of types of plungers, so in order to quickly get rid of the blockage, you need to choose a device that suits your case. If you have a small plug, that is, the water is just draining slowly, you should purchase a regular plunger.

When selecting a plunger, it is recommended to choose a model where the diameter of the rubber tip will be slightly larger than the size of the toilet drain hole

If your budget allows, you can buy a pneumatic plunger. The advantages of such devices are that they are universal and therefore suitable for most models of modern toilets.

In addition, they are made of shockproof plastic. This is a wear-resistant material that will serve you for many years. Compact design and ergonomics are the main advantages of such products.

The pneumatic plunger quickly removes blockages and is very convenient to use. The kit includes various attachments that remove any type of dirt. It has the appearance of a hand pump and is equipped with a special rubber hose that also lowers into the toilet.

When the key is turned on, the hose begins to rotate inside the pipe, thereby picking up debris and pushing out the plug.

You can also use an aeration plunger for cleaning. It is needed to regulate the air in the system to prevent debris and dirt from appearing in the pipes and toilet.

Cables with different ends

In difficult cases, you may need a special cable for cleaning sewer pipes.This simple tool is an indispensable assistant for any type of plumbing cleaning and is very easy to use.

The cable is a device in the form of a metal “snake” that is lowered into the pipe. The materials from which this device is made can be different: from metal with strict weaving to plastic with a rough braid. Special tips are sold for each type, which effectively remove blockages in the toilet.

How to choose a plumbing cable for removing a plug in a toilet is written in detail in our recommended article.

When choosing a plumbing cable, you should use the service of a sales consultant so that he can help you choose a model that is convenient to use.

Professionals and plumbers prefer classic types of cables with a metal tip. They are guided by the fact that this design allows them to penetrate deeply into pipes and push debris through well.

The undeniable advantage of a plumbing cable is its flexibility combined with strength. Such cables are used when cleaning metal pipes of various diameters and sizes.

Removing a blockage in the toilet using a cable is performed as follows:

If stronger cables inspire confidence in you, they are made from alloy steel. Such products have certain advantages. Firstly, they are stronger and more reliable; they allow you to clean not only old sewer pipes, but also modern plastic ones.

Nowadays there is a large selection of different cables for cleaning toilets and sewer pipes, so when purchasing, you should be guided by the material of manufacture, the shape of the handle and the set of nozzles

If blockages are a constant problem for you that you are tired of dealing with with chemicals, think about buying such a device. Now in plumbing stores you can buy various attachments for metal cables that effectively and quickly push debris into the main pipe. The most common types of attachments are hook, brush, and spiral.

Choose a nozzle based on the type of cork. For example, if you understand that the cause of an obstruction in the toilet is an object that has gotten into it, use a hook. This attachment will pry up a rag that accidentally gets into the toilet, after which you can quickly remove it. At the same time, you will do everything yourself and save your budget.

Bottle as an original cleaning method

Surely few people have heard of such a technique for dealing with traffic jams as using an ordinary plastic bottle. This is an excellent option when you don’t have a plunger or plumbing cable at hand. Getting rid of the blockage is not difficult, you just need to carefully read the features of this method.

Use a regular plastic beer or lemonade bottle if you don't have a plunger or cleaning cable on hand.

You will need a plastic bottle with a volume of 1.5-2.5 liters. Without unscrewing, you need to cut off the bottom of the bottle. We turn the bottle over and place it in the toilet where the cut bottom is located.

Then quickly immerse the bottom in water and turn it several times with sharp movements so that a vacuum plug is formed.If successful, you will get rid of dirt and debris by pushing the plug further into the riser.

All the subtleties of the process of breaking the mash and cleaning the toilet with a bottle are given In this article. We recommend that you read the instructions included.

Preventive measures against blockages

To forget about such a problem as clogs in the toilet forever, you should follow some simple rules:

• Use the toilet strictly for its intended purpose. Do not throw garbage and various objects into it that could clog the sewer pipe and form a blockage.
• Once a month, wash your plumbing fixtures with special chemicals, which prevent the appearance of growing sediment.
• When installing a toilet, do not forget to seek help from experienced plumbers who, according to all the rules, will be able to carry out the installation quickly and carefully.
• If you are faced with a choice of pipes, purchase plastic products that are smooth inside.

Don’t forget that you need to take care not only of the plumbing fixtures and the drains connected to them, but also behind sewer pipes. It is easier and healthier for the system to carry out regular maintenance than to remove blockages. By following these simple tips, you can prevent clogs.

If you still cannot avoid the problem, try to deal with it yourself or call a plumber.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

From these videos you will get useful information on how you can get rid of a clogged toilet. Familiarize yourself with some of the nuances of the work to get everything done quickly and accurately.

Video #1. Demonstration of unusual ways to break a blockage in the toilet:

Video: Prevention for a washing machine

Video #2.Instructions for cleaning the toilet using a plastic bottle:

When carrying out plumbing work, you need to be careful not to aggravate the situation, so pay attention to the degree of blockage. If you can’t handle it yourself, call a plumber who will quickly get your toilet working.

Do you have in your arsenal the only original way to clear a clogged toilet? Want to share secrets or ask a question? Please write comments in the block below.