Emergency Plumbing

Ask a Miami Plumber: How to Fix a Clogged Toilet?

Whether you rent or own your home, you’ve probably dealt with more than your fair share of clogged toilets. This isn’t something anybody ever wants to talk about. It’s not as if you would call a friend and say hey, can you come help unclog my toilet? It isn’t until you’re standing in your bathroom with two inches of water on the floor that you realize you need to do something. Most people would call a Miami plumber right away. Rather than try to fix the problem itself and make things worse, they will rely on Florida plumbing services to resolve the issue.

However, it doesn’t make practical sense or financial sense to call a plumber every time your toilet gets clogged. It’s a good idea to know at least a few tricks on how to unclog your toilets all by yourself. Here, we will discuss 5 easy solutions to unclogging your toilet. If none of these tactics work, then it’s in your best interest to contact a Miami plumber right away.

Always Try the Easiest Solution First

When dealing with something as simple as a clogged toilet, it makes sense to try the easiest solution first. There’s no sense in going out and buying a snake or auger or dragging a wet dry vacuum into your house if you don’t have to. There are times, however, when the simple solutions don’t do the trick. Depending on what it is that’s causing the clog in your toilet, you may need to rely on professional tools. If, at any time you feel that you’re in over your head, it’s probably a good idea to contact a Miami plumber to come take a look.

If You’re Lucky, the Dish Detergent Trick Will Work

One easy solution to a clogged toilet is something we’ll refer to as the dish detergent trick. This is exactly what you think it is. In order to break up the debris that is clogging your toilet, you may require nothing more than some soap and hot water. What you need to do is fill a pot or bucket with steaming, hot water. Once you’ve brought this into the bathroom, set it down. Then put a liberal amount of dish soap in the toilet bowl. Pour the hot water in the toilet and give it about fifteen minutes to break up the clog. After the time passes, try to flush the toilet. If it is still clogged, try this solution one more time. If it still doesn’t work, it’s time to bring in Florida plumbing services.

Most People Know How to Use a Plunger

Usually, the first thing people do when they have a clogged toilet is grab the plunger. One of the reasons we suggest you try the detergent trick first is that some people don’t know how to use a plunger properly. The first thing you need to do is make sure your plunger is a soft plunger. You want to softly place the plunger directly over the drain. Then you want to make just a few quick thrusts and see if it breaks up the clog. Ideally, you’ll see the water slowly go down the drain. If this doesn’t work, try it a couple more times. If you still have a clog, it’s time to call a professional Miami plumber.

You May Have to Invest in a Snake or Auger

Most people don’t have a toilet snake or auger lying around at home. This is something only a plumber or construction worker would carry. However, it’s a good idea to invest in one. You can find it at your local hardware store. If you live in a house that has clogs often, then it’s worth the investment. The way this tool works is it has a claw-like end that you can put down the toilet. The end of the snake will rip up whatever is clogging your toilet. You want to be careful about how often you use this kind of tool. You don’t want to use it improperly and cause any damage to your pipes. If you’re not comfortable using a snake, leave it to the professionals and call a Miami plumber to fix the issue.

As a Last Resort, You Can Try to Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum

Very rarely will it come to this, but there is one other option for fixing your own clogged toilets. If you own a wet/dry vacuum, you can use it to suck out whatever is clogging your toilet’s drain. Bring the wet/dry vacuum into your bathroom. You’ll want to place the end of the hose directly into the drain. You should place a towel or rag around the end of the hose to create the most suction. This will increase the chances of breaking up the clog.

Most Homeowners Are Better Off Calling a Miami Plumber

Sometimes, it can be hard for homeowners to admit that they need help with a home repair. This can be especially true when you’re dealing with a clogged toilet. This is a problem you feel like you should be able to rectify all by yourself. You certainly don’t want to bring a stranger into your home and have them have to contend with the mess that lies in your bathroom. It can be extremely embarrassing to invite a Miami plumber into your home only to encounter an unsightly disaster in your bathroom.

What you need to understand is that this is what Florida plumbing services do. There are experts who know how to fix issues like a clogged toilet. They also know what not to do when it comes to unclogging a toilet. Rather than risk damaging your pipes with dangerous chemicals or tools, you can simply call a Miami plumber to come out and fix the problem for you in less than half an hour. If you’re dealing with a clogged toilet issue now, contact our office and we’ll send somebody out to give you a free estimate.