No one wants to talk or even think much about toilets, but deep down we all know how important they are. That is why a non-functioning toilet spells disaster at your home. You may not realize it, but a toilet is really just a big drain. It probably isn’t flushing because there’s a clog, one that makes it impossible to drain correctly. The same plumbing professionals who handle drain cleaning service in Birmingham, AL also work on toilets. It’s all pipes and drains!
If your toilet is clogged, a few simple steps are all it takes to get it working again. All you need is a plunger and some rubber gloves most of the time:
Step #1 Before trying to unclog the toilet with the plunger, remove the tank lid, lift the flapper valve slightly to let a cup or two of water into the bowl, and see if the water goes down.
Step #2 Nearly all clogged toilets can be solved with one special tool called a toilet plunger. Experts recommend you buy a toilet plunger with an extension flange on the rubber bell-shaped end. These are designed to fit toilets better, so you can deliver more power behind your plunge. Simply, push in and out vigorously, keeping enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger.
Step #3 Most of the time, plunging is all it takes to clear the clog. But for tougher clogs, try using a toilet snake. A drain toilet snake is a long wire coil with a corkscrew-like tip that you feed into your pipes until it encounters the clog. It can hook foreign objects, like crayons or little cars that may have been flushed by a child. A toilet snake can also be used on clogged bathroom sinks, so they’re pretty handy to keep around the house.
Be patient! This may take some time and make a bit of a watery mess. The last thing you want is to do extra damage or stick the clog down further because you’re using so much brute force behind the plunger. It’s also important to note that toilet clogs should be rare, unless you have a little one who likes to flush toys down the toilet. If you have repeated clogging, it might be a toilet performance issue.
If this isn’t working, you aren’t completely out of luck. It’s time to call in a professional drain cleaning service in Birmingham, AL. Some clogs are really stubborn and don’t want to break up. Don’t try over and over again, because you may end up doing more harm than good. It’s time to call in an expert! Someone who handles drain cleaning service in Birmingham, AL will be able to get your toilet functional again without causing further damage. Go ahead and make the call now!