A clogged toilet can be a major pain, particularly when there are multiple people in a home sharing only one or two restrooms. Fortunately, all is not lost when you have a clog.
At Zurn, we see common clogs all the time. Unfortunately, many of the do-it-yourself ways that people try to fix toilets end up causing even more harm, and inevitably end up with one of our team members fixing the toilet for them.
We believe it’s our duty to give you the ins and outs of what to do when you face a toilet clog.
Step One: Do Not Keep Flushing
While it’s true that sometimes all a clog needs to get moving is an extra flush, a person who flushes a clogged toilet runs the risk of the toilet overflowing. Wait until the clog is loose to attempt flushing.
Step Two: Close the Toilet Flapper
Lift up the back part of the toilet and close the toilet flapper. The toilet flapper is what allows water to flow from the toilet tank into the bowl, so by making sure this is securely shut, you can also ensure the toilet won’t overflow. For added protection, you can also shut off water to the toilet.
Step Three: Add Water
Before plunging, it’s important to ensure there is enough water in the toilet bowl to sufficiently plunge it. If there isn’t, then pour some water into the toilet bowl to create some suction, but only do this if the water level in the toilet is already low. Adding hot water can have the added effect of effectively melting some of the fats out of the clog. Some people report that they see a greater amount of plunging success when they also pour a generous amount of dish washing liquid or shampoo into the toilet.
Step Four: Use a Plunger
Ensure the mouth of the plunger goes around the toilet drain, and plunge away. Make sure to plunge vigorously but carefully for best results. If the clog begins to loosen, you can then try flushing to aid with the process. But, be prepared to grab the flapper in case the toilet backs up.
Step Five: Call a Plumber
If you’ve tried all of these options and haven’t had any success, then it might be time to call your Zurn technicians. Our technicians will have the right tools to help you get to the root of the problem, and can assist you if it’s time for a new toilet.
If toilet woes are brining you down this summer, call Zurn at 770-451-6765 to learn how we can help you. With 30 years of experience in the plumbing business, we’ve seen every type of problem and can ensure the right fix for a reasonable cost.
