Mistakes When Unclogging Toilet- Blue Ribbon Plumbing

Picture this: you flush the toilet, expecting everything to disappear smoothly, but the water starts rising instead of draining away. It’s a clogged toilet situation, and you’re in a hurry to fix it. You’re not alone!

Many homeowners find themselves in this predicament, and their attempts to unclog the toilet can sometimes lead to costly blunders. To ensure you don’t fall into this trap, let’s explore three ways you could unintentionally damage your toilet while attempting to clear the clog.

1. Misusing Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners seem like a convenient solution to unclog drains by breaking down blockages through chemical reactions. However, the heat generated during this process can result in porcelain cracks, ultimately necessitating a complete toilet replacement.

Moreover, if the drain cleaner proves ineffective and the clog persists, you’ll end up with a toilet bowl filled with harmful chemicals. Plunging in this scenario could potentially splash these toxic substances onto your skin and eyes, causing burns.

Professional Myrtle Beach plumbers strongly advise steering clear of drain cleaning chemicals and instead reaching out to a skilled plumbing contractor for assistance.

2. Overzealous Plunging

When dealing with a clog, homeowners can sometimes get carried away with their plunging efforts, inadvertently causing damage. Excessive force can lead to cracks in the bowl. The key is to plunge correctly. Begin by placing the plunger in the toilet bowl, ensuring that water seals the plunger’s lips.

Gently press down, eliminating any trapped air to achieve a secure seal. With this set-up, pull up the plunger briskly. Repeat the process until the clog clears, or consider enlisting the help of a professional plumber, such as Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC, for expert assistance.

3. Incorrect Use of Plumber’s Snake

While drain cables or plumbing snakes are effective for sink clogs, they can spell trouble for your porcelain toilet bowl. If plunging doesn’t yield results, opt for a toilet auger, also called a closet auger. This specialized plumbing snake features a protective sleeve that safeguards your toilet bowl from harm while effectively removing the obstruction.