Ah, a stopped up toilet. Everyone understands that sinking feeling when the flush just doesn’t sound right and they turn to see that the water is just not going down – or that the water is all gone and there is a bunch of toilet paper in its place. Managing a stopped up toilet is rarely enjoyable, and it may be extremely annoying, especially since it only ever seems to come about as you are expecting company. Nevertheless, it is generally not a job that needs Mr Fix Plumbing in Long Beach. Stopped up toilets can often be fixed relatively easy with a few methods and techniques.
First, here’s what NOT to do. Don’t keep flushing and flushing, hope that this would be the time the toilet magically repairs itself. It’s not likely to take place, and you’ll only add more water into bowl. Sometimes that water will eventually drain back out, but if it doesn’t, your repair job might be that much harder.
Your first step in really repairing the toilet is to put on some rubber gloves and lay some old newspaper or towels you’re willing to part with on the flooring. If it overflows, you’re not gonna want what comes out all over your bare floor.
Next, get a pail of cold water and dump it down the drain. You want the water to have some force behind it, so stand up and dump it from around chest level. Make certain not to dump too fast – if the water is not helping to push out the clog, then it will only sit in the bowl. Make sure you don’t pour it to over halfway up the bowl in case you need to use your plunger – it’ll only spray everywhere.
If that doesn’t work, it is time to shut down the water supply and get the plunger. The plunger must be underwater for the best outcome, so if there’s not adequate water inside the bowl, put in some so the plunger is underwater. Make sure the plunger covers the hole in the bowl entirely, and then give it one or two firm, fast pumps. Sometimes this can do the trick right away and the water will drain.
If the plunger isn’t working, sometimes a combination plan is required. Find some hot water – but not boiling – and pour it into the bowl. Then, add a small number of squirts of dishwashing detergent. Allow to sit and break up the blockage. Next plunge for a second time.
Should these tips fail, the final trick you’ve got up your sleeve is a chemical drain cleaner. Should that fail, then it’s time to call us (562) 988-2454. Almost every clogged toilet can be fixed in the home without expert help, however. Just keep in mind to turn the water supply back on before the next flush.
