As part of normal household maintenance, it’s a good idea to take care of your toilet before you experience a clog. Not only is a stuffed-up toilet inconvenient, but it’s also disgusting! Of course, you don’t want to put the wrong things down your toilet and create a problem, which is why it’s always good to have some idea of what works vs. what doesn’t.
If, however, your toilet is already clogged and you need assistance removing the clog, we here at Plumbing by Jake are only a phone call away. You can reach us at (928) 377-5910 anytime, day or night, 24/7.
Drain Cleaners
Many homeowners opt for the tried and true drain cleaners to clean their toilet pipes. You can find both liquid and powder drain cleaners at the store. Most drain cleaners contain lye, which is a caustic chemical that can burn you, so you must handle the product carefully.
Read the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings before you begin. Use gloves and try not to inhale the product as you pour it down the drain. If you do use a drain cleaner and it does not work to unclog your toilet, you may need to call a professional. If so, warn the professional that you have already used drain cleaner, else the plumber may suffer a caustic skin burn as a result of working on your toilet.
Enzyme-Based Cleaners
Enzyme-based drain cleaners are another option, but these are typically more effective at preventing a clog than dislodging them. So, if you don’t have an actual plumbing problem right now and you’re just trying to maintain the health of your toilet’s plumbing, enzyme-based drain cleaners are the way to go, as they are less dangerous to handle.
Natural Drain Cleaners
If you’re not a fan of the idea of using harsh chemicals to clean your toilet’s pipes, then you can always opt for one of the natural cleaners out there. Natural drain cleaners are a great and healthy way to remove any smells or leftover chemicals that may have built up or reside in your pipes. Natural drain cleaners are definitely a favorite among families with young children.
Some ideas for natural drain cleaners include:
- Baking soda, followed by vinegar or lemon juice
- A salt, borax, and vinegar combination
- Boiling hot water
These cleaners may not necessarily remove a clog, but they are certainly a viable option for keeping your drains clean and preventing clogs in the future.
Water Blast
Something you can use to clean your toilet’s pipes is actually plain old water. A water blast (also known as a hydraulic ram or blow bag) is actually the least expensive tool you can use to clean your toilet’s pipes – and it’s totally safe!
A water blast uses a bladder (i.e., a large rubber bag), which you then attach to a garden hose and put down the toilet. When you turn the water on, the bag expands, forcing any clogs down and through the pipes!
Auger (“Snake”)
If you’re just trying to keep your pipes clean, then you may not need to use a closet auger, or “snake.” However, if you’re trying to clean your pipes because you’re experiencing a clog, then a snake is definitely a good idea.
All a snake consists of is a crank attached to a wound-up piece of metal. Simply put the end of the snake into the toilet and activate the crank. The snake will then wind its way through the pipe, breaking up and removing any clogs it runs into along the way.
Professional Drain Cleaning
Of course, if you don’t like the idea of handling your own plumbing, or if you’re afraid that what you do won’t be as effective, you can always call a professional for a drain cleaning. After all, it may cost a bit more to have a professional clean your plumbing, but it will certainly cost a lot less than the water damage and increased water bill that can result from an issue with your plumbing.
Plumbing is one of the most important functions in a home, and so it is important that you understand what needs to be done and do it effectively. That is the best way to prevent an issue that otherwise could have been avoided. So if you lack the confidence to handle your own plumbing maintenance, don’t worry – Plumbing by Jake is more than happy to help!
Having Toilet Issues? Let Plumbing By Jake Take a Look!
If you’re experiencing a clog with your toilet that you simply cannot remove, don’t stress over it – let Plumbing by Jake help!
At Plumbing by Jake, our team of plumbers is licensed and insured, and we are more than happy to help with any plumbing problem, great or small, to give you peace of mind and to prevent you from suffering water damage in the future. We are here 24/7 for all your plumbing needs, and we offer all our customers a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Don’t spend hours getting frustrated, trying to get your toilet pipes to clear. Give us a call now at (928) 377-5910, and let Plumbing by Jake handle the problem for you!