Follow professional advice to avoid making a clogged toilet worse

It might come as a shock, but there is actually a right way and a wrong way to deal with a clogged toilet. Some people probably believe it is as easy as jamming a plunger into the toilet bowl, but it is actually a little trickier if you want to avoid making the situation worse.

Check out these common mistakes people make when dealing with a clogged toilet and some tips on how to rectify the situation.

Can Home Remedies Fix Clogged Toilets?

The easy answer is no. Penny pinchers looking to save a buck might be tempted to use home remedies such as baking soda or vinegar to deal with a bad clog in a toilet or sink.

One of the few home remedies that will actually help with a clogged toilet is to pour hot water into the bowl. While this method can help, it shouldn’t be relied on as a first line of defense when it comes time to unclog a stubborn blockage.

A Clogged Toilet Requires Proper Plunging Technique

Like with most things, there is a right way and a wrong way to use a plunger. First, get yourself a flange plunger. These are the plungers that look kind of like a closed up bell, not a simple cup. Flange plungers will help create the kind of suction needed to get the blockage moving along.

Once you have a flange plunger, make sure the toilet bowl is about half full with water. If it is too full, you will be forced to bail some water out. Now you are ready to use rapid, powerful downward strokes. Keep doing this for about 20 seconds and then try flushing. The obstruction should be broken up.

Know When A Clogged Toilet Needs Professional Help

It might seem like overkill calling a plumber just because your toilet is clogged, but sometimes the problem is just too big to deal with on your own. Recognizing the difference between a minor clog and a major problem can save a lot of hassle and money down the road.

If you’ve used hot water and you have repeatedly tried plunging using the correct equipment, it might be time to call a professional. It is best to rely on experienced toilet clog removers to fix the problem, saving you time and money as you avoid a nasty flooding mess.