When it comes to plumbing, nothing is more aggravating than a toilet on the fritz. Here is some advice on how to deal with the problem with a minimum of fuss.
One of the most common plumbing problems is a clogged toilet. Clogged toilets usually have one of two characteristics. They are either slow drainers or no drainers. The no drainer does not drain at all, but rather it fills up to the brim and sometimes overflows. The slow drainer will gradually drain back to almost the normal level, but usually will not remove the waste. The number one tool for dealing with either type of draining problem is the handy plunger.
The best type of plunger for a toilet is the type with a flange type extension on the rubber bell shaped end. The flange fits into the mouth of the toilet drain and creates a tighter seal. If you have a no drainer, wait at least ten minutes to allow as much water to drain as possible. If it is a slow drainer, don’t flush it again, but allow it to drain as far as possible. Then you are ready to use the plunger.
When you begin, start slowly. The bell is going to be full of air and that air will break the seal and splash water all over you and your bathroom. Once you have pushed the initial air out of the bell cup then you can begin to plunger with a little more force. Alternate between steady strokes and occasional monster thrusts. Be patient and stick with it. Use at least 15 to 20 strokes if necessary. Keep enough water in the bowl to cover the end of the plunger. Pushing air through the drain generates very little force.
It is a good idea to avoid chemicals. They are hazards and often do not work. If they do work, they will be slow. If they do fail, you are stuck with a drain full of corrosive water. If this happens, run as much clean water into the toilet as possible and let it sit at least over night. If you then attempt to use the plunger make sure you are wearing protective clothing, rubber gloves, and eye protection. This is to protect you from any accidental splashing.
Sometimes the plunger will fail. You might have to resort to a snake should this happen. A closet auger style of snake works well on toilets. It is shorter and stiffer than a regular snake, and usually has a protective cover to keep from damaging the enamel inside the bowl. In some cases the toilet bowl must be removed to get better access to the clog. If you take this step, be sure to have a new wax ring and mounting bolts ready to replace the bowl when you have cleared the clog. When all else fails, call a professional plumber. They will have the tools and materials to get you back in working order shortly.
Fred Linson is with PlumbingStop.com - a directory of
plumbing companies.
