It’s a situation you hope never happens to you. You finish using the toilet and pull the flush lever. However, instead of the water flushing down, it starts to rise up toward the brim of the toilet bowl.
In this situation, you don’t have the time to Google public contractors San Francisco — you have to assess the situation in order to put an end to it. Use the following steps when this situation arises.
Stop the Toilet Bowl from Filling Up
With the water rushing up toward you, the number one priority should be the preventing the water from reaching the brim and spilling over to the floor.
Remove the lid from the tank as quick as you can, and press the toilet flapper downward. The toilet flapper is the conduit through which water leaves the tank and enters the toilet bowl in order to flush, unless there is an issue with the flapper itself. The flapper is a lifesaver and can save you from a world of embarrassment. Look for it at the bottom of the tank. Generally, you should not flush a clogged toilet. Therefore, if you have a suspicion that your toilet is clogged but are not sure, open the tank and take a hold of the flapper before you pull the flush lever.
That way, you can allow a cup or two of water through in order to see if the toilet fills up or drains down. If the water starts rising, close the flapper at once.
Pull Out the Plunger
Once the danger of the rising water is averted, and now that you know for sure that your toilet is clogged, it’s time to reach for the plunger. However, not just any plunger — you need a plunger with an extension flange. These are specially made to fit toilets perfectly so that your pulls and pushes are much stronger than you would have with a regular plunger.
- Warm up your plunger. Stiff plungers are not as effective as those that are soft and pliant, so run your plunger under some hot water to soften up the rubber before you use it.
- Use the plunger properly. Make sure you firmly cover the exit hole with your plunger when you use it. Give a few solid pushes and pulls before withdrawing your plunger. If the water starts rushing away or the toilet begins to flush normally, then you have unclogged the toilet effectively.
- Add hot water and detergent for more effectiveness. Adding hot water and detergent to a clogged toilet can help break down whatever organic material is responsible for the clogging. Pour some down the toilet before you begin plunging if you can.
If All Else Fails, Use an Auger
As much as 90 percent of toilet clogs will be resolved by a plunger. When the plunger fails, it’s time to bring out the auger, which is a cable-like device that you can send down the toilet pipes to unclog whatever is in them. You can find these at any hardware store. To use an auger, send it down the toilet hole, and start turning the crank at your end until it stops. Once it stops it means you have arrived at your blockage. The auger will either break past a clog or hook it so you can pull it out. Be sure to discard of whatever you pull out properly.