Clogged Toilet? Easy ways to unblock it
A
few ideas from plumbers who routinely solve this rather nasty problem.
When you tackle the job make sure you spread some old newapapers around
the base of the bowl to minimise the effects of 'splashback' use old
clothes or overalls - and rubber gloves are a must. Afterwards
carefully wash all non-disposable soiled items.
Educating the
younger family members as to what is to be flushed and what is not is
also a very good idea and can often help prevent the unhappy situation
arising in the first place.
Hot
water will help clear the blockage but using boiling water can cause
the bowl to crack or break, add a bit at a time, gradually building up.
The Plunger
Get yourself a good one, the puny or floppy ones really do not do a good job. You want a good seal so bigger is usually better.
When
using a plunger it is better to suck than to push, so make sure there
is enough water to cover the the plunger (hot, soapy water is best) and
use gentle movements to avoid splashes.
Rodding - Use an Auger
Sometimes
referred to as a snake, this is the plumber's solution. They can be
surprisingly cheap and are by far the most effective method. You may be
tempted to use an uncoiled wire coat hanger but they are often too
short and will mark the porcelain.
Select
one that looks as if it can do the job. Some devices are designed
specifically for unblocking pans, others are more suitable for
industrial use, a cheap one advertised on the internet uses an electric
drill to supply the rotation!
The
head of most augers are designed to grab or break up the material
causing the clog so if you are using the 'grab type' it is sometimes
possible to actually extract the offending material.
Chemicals
If
you have used the above methods without success then it is usually time
to send for a plumber, however you may wish to use some of the
proprietary unblocking agents. They are quite effective but are
expensive and damage the environment, both in the manufacturing process
and in their use.
Plumbers
Finding
a good plumber is not always easy, ask a friend or neighbour if they
know a good one. If you do find one that does a good job, then treat
him (or her) well and keep their phone number for the next time. -- DE
Did you know that the energy in one litre of petrol is the equivalent of 13 units of electricity (kWh)