Keeping Toilet Water in the Bowl

9/3/2022 (Permalink)

Unclog the Toilet

The only thing worse than water damage is dirty water damage. And nothing exemplifies that more than when your toilet suddenly begins to overflow. And if you find yourself unprepared without a plunger, the problem can quickly become even worse and all over your bathroom floor. And in an emergency, you can’t afford the time to go out and buy a plunger. So you have to find some alternative to stopping the flow quickly. The Family Handyman magazine has provided a list of “plunger alternatives” that could be a real help to you if you find yourself in a sudden bathroom emergency;

• Start with dish soap to help lubricate the clogged pipe and allow the lodged debris to slide down more easily
• Adding hot water might move things along and dislodge the clog
•  Unravel a wire coat hanger until it’s straight then push one end of the wire into the clogged area and provide the debris until it becomes free
• Pour one cup baking soda and two cups vinegar into the toilet, then allow it to fizz for a half hour and try to flush again
• Empty as much water from the bowl as you can, fill a large plastic bottle with warm water, place your thumb over the top of the bottle and fit the top end of the bottle into the outlet at the bottom of the toilet, remove your thumb and squeeze the bottle so the water inside shoots down the pipe to clear the clog

If this clog isn’t able to be cleared by any home remedies, even a plunger, call a plumber immediately to help. But a clog that bad is extremely rare. Additional actions you can take to try and prevent clogs come from regular cleaning, selective toilet paper use, and other small actions to avoid such a disaster. So if you ever find yourself without a plunger and in great need of one, try one of these simple remedies to help. And keep that certain water off your floor.

As always, if disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Springfield and SERVPRO of Morgan, Cass, Macoupin & Montgomery Counties are always here for you. We can be reached 24/7 at 217-528-7775.