How to unclog a toilet?

Is your toilet clogged? Don't panic. You don't have to call a plumber. You can easily solve your problem yourself using simple techniques. Some methods may require specific equipment such as a suction cup, a snake or a pump unblocker. But if you don't have one, several everyday products will do the job very well.

How to unclog a slightly clogged toilet?

If your toilet is not completely clogged, a bucket of water may be enough. Pour a bucket of hot water into the bowl at once. The goal is for the pressure generated to have an effect on the blockage. If the water level gradually decreases, the technique has been effective. Flush the toilet several times to be sure that everything has been completely eliminated.

Unblocking a toilet using a plunger

The suction cup should be placed at the bottom of the toilet, so that it completely covers the hole. Press it firmly so that it adheres completely to the toilet bowl and a suction effect is produced. Air should no longer be able to get into the pipes.

Once the suction cup is perfectly installed, press it in up and down movements. The aim is to create a draft to help unclog the pipe. Repeat this operation until the water is flowing again.

I don't have a suction cup... what should I do?

If you don't have a plunger to unclog your toilet, you can achieve the same result with a plastic bottle. Simply cut off the bottom of the bottle while keeping the cap screwed to the neck. Place the now cut part in the bottom of the bowl. All you have to do is make an up and down movement identical to the one you would do with a plunger to achieve the same result.

How to unclog your toilet using a snake?

To unclog your toilet, you can also use a snake. You can find one in a drugstore from 5 euros or even rent it. You will find two types of snakes: with or without a crank. It is good to know that the model with a crank is much more practical.

Once you have the ferret, you just need to follow a few steps:

• gently insert the snake into the pipe;
• when it blocks, it means the plug has been reached;
• Use the crank to break and dissolve the clog completely. When you no longer feel any resistance, the clog is gone. Flush the toilet to check that the water is draining properly.

How to use a pump unblocker for your toilet?

A pump drain cleaner is used in the same way as a plunger. The pump drain cleaner consists of a rubber bowl, a plastic tube, and a plunger. Simply pull the plunger up as far as it will go and place the rubber bowl so that it plugs the hole to prevent air from flowing in the same way as with the plunger.

Once the accessory is correctly installed, press the plunger vigorously while making back and forth movements with the handle. Carry out the operation until the water drains.

Can you use natural products to unblock your toilet?

If you mix white vinegar and baking soda, the resulting chemical reaction can unclog your drain. First, pour the baking soda into the bottom of the toilet bowl, then quickly follow with the white vinegar. You need to add as much baking soda as vinegar. The chemical reaction should be quick: the water will start to fizz in the toilet bowl.

Wait a few minutes for the products to work, then flush the toilet to check that the result is conclusive. If this is not the case, do not hesitate to repeat the operation.

Is a chemical drain cleaner effective for unblocking a toilet?

Chemical products are indeed extremely effective at unblocking toilets. Unfortunately, for the majority, they are not at all environmentally friendly and should therefore be used as a last resort. You can buy them in supermarkets as well as drugstores.

These chemicals should be used with caution:

• wear a mask and gloves to avoid contact with the product;
• follow the instructions on the bottle carefully;
• Flush the toilet several times after the product has rested.

Since these chemical drain cleaners are really harmful to the environment, avoid using them as much as possible. Instead, opt for a natural solution like a bucket of water, a snake or vinegar.

All these techniques show you that unblocking a toilet is within everyone's reach. All you need is the right equipment or just a few tips. However, if none of these methods have solved your toilet, do not hesitate to call a certified plumber.

What if you can't unclog your toilet?

You have tried the techniques explained above one by one and nothing works, your toilet remains blocked? There is no point in insisting any longer, at the risk of damaging the pipes to boot. Calling a relative could be a solution, but there comes a time when you need professional equipment to solve the problem. This time, the verdict is final: you need a plumber, and fast! But how do you find a service provider available for unblock a toilet urgently in Paris, without it costing you an arm and a leg? Here are some tips to help you deal with this type of problem as calmly as possible.

Anticipate with a list of reliable contacts

The problem with this type of event is that we often find ourselves faced with a fait accompli, having to find a service provider urgently, all in a state of stress. There is nothing worse: we naturally turn to Google (or the directory) to look for the contact details of a professional who can carry out a repair quickly, and that is how we find ourselves dialing the number of a craftsman who will be happy to draw up an exorbitant bill for you with hefty travel expenses, not to mention the increase for the intervention at night or on the weekend.

To avoid the troubleshooting you need leaving a bitter taste in your mouth, you need to anticipate: don't wait for problems to arise to find a solution. To do this, you can put in place a few very simple things that will save you valuable time and money:

1. Make a list of items that might need troubleshooting in your daily life. This could be electrical, plumbing, roofing, or even your household appliances;
2. For each item listed, try to associate a professional capable of providing the repair: they must be located near your home so that they can get to your home quickly (and save you large travel costs), and they must be reliable;
3. If you don't have the contact opposite the repair station, don't hesitate to ask for recommendations from your relatives, friends, or even the shopkeepers in your neighborhood; nothing beats word of mouth!

In this way, you will gradually build up a ready-to-use professional notebook.