Plumbing fixtures tend to become clogged over time. This is facilitated by deposits of salts from too hard water, urea and other sediment that gets into the pipes and narrows the internal opening. And the owners have to choose: either call a professional plumber, or look for ways to help clean the toilet on their own. We will analyze the best ways to clean your plumbing fixtures.
How to determine the causes and degree of blockage
The sewer system may not work for two main reasons:
- the drainage system is not made correctly;
- improper use, violations of operation.
If the drain pipe is not installed according to technology, for example, with a violation of the angle of inclination, then over time deposits will accumulate in the pipe and a blockage will occur.
Lack of sufficient ventilation also leads to clogged drains. This occurs due to a decrease in the rate of water drainage if air does not enter the riser pipe.
Violation of the terms of use of the sewer drain often occurs due to the fault of residents.
After all, people do not hesitate to pour leftover food and fermented homemade preparations, such as pickled tomatoes, into it. And sometimes, after cleaning the apartment, a rag accidentally “runs away” along with the dirty water that is drained. After such “feeding”, the toilet refuses to work, blocking the passage of water into the pipes.
Clogging the toilet with cat litter and large pieces of toilet paper leads to the same consequences. Clay, which forms the basis of the clumping filler, settles in the pipe.
Insoluble materials, objects, toys that accidentally fall into the drain form a plug in the pipe. The same thing happens with sand, cement, and other building materials.
Without preventive filling with chemicals, your pipes will gradually become overgrown with salt deposits and will stop passing water even without additional blockages
When choosing toilet cleaning products, first find out the degree of blockage and, if possible, its cause. Water may flow slowly or not flow at all. It's easy to find out: you need to pour about a liter of water into the toilet and see after half an hour whether it has gone away. You should not use the tank to check, because when you press the button, all the available liquid will flow into the toilet (and there is at least three liters of it!). If the channel is clogged tightly, then the water will begin to overflow out onto the floor of the toilet.
Next, check how local the blockage is. Open the faucet in the bathroom and kitchen and see how the drain is. If water leaves both points as usual, it means that the pipe leaving the toilet is clogged. It discharges the liquid into the common sewer pipe. If the flow in all places is weak, then the problem is in the common pipes, and more serious measures will have to be taken.
To prevent sewer pipes from becoming overgrown with salt deposits, preventive maintenance should be carried out at least once every three months. Any chemicals designed for cleaning pipes are suitable for this. Fill the liquid according to the instructions at night when plumbing fixtures are not in use. And then no sediment will have time to settle on the walls of the pipes and turn into stone, which is very difficult to deal with.
What to do if the toilet is clogged
If no preventive maintenance was carried out, and the pipes are still clogged, try to corrode the blockage by filling it with special compounds.
Folk remedies
The most simple remedies, which are in every kitchen - soda and vinegar.
They work like this:
- Scoop out excess water, leaving a little in the drainage area.
- Pour in 1/2 a pack of soda and push it as deep as possible.
- Pour in a glass of vinegar.
- Wait for the reaction to complete (about 15-20 minutes).
- Pour boiling water into the toilet bowl.
Soda ash diluted in water instantly produces a chemical reaction if you splash vinegar on it
If the owners prefer not to use aggressive chemicals, then they can resort to folk remedies that have been tested over the years and are safe.
If the problem concerns exclusively the toilet, then most often they use a mechanical method, chemicals and penetration with a plunger.
Chemicals
A more expensive option for chemical washing is store-bought special products, such as “Mole”, “Tiret”, “Floop”. They corrode everything that has accumulated inside the pipes (hair, limescale, salts, grease, etc.). These potent drugs should be used with caution, they have Strong smell, corrode the skin, they should not be allowed to get into your eyes, so it is advisable to work with gloves. Before cleaning, please read the instructions carefully. After removing the sediment plug, you need to flush the drain with water.
You cannot mix several different products or use them at the same time. As a result of a chemical reaction, toxic substances can be formed and the situation will only get worse.
But the maximum effect should be expected if the pipes are not too “overgrown” and the deposits are in the initial stages. If the sediment manages to petrify, then no chemistry is capable of breaking through it. That is why it is recommended to regularly flush the drains with special products.
Mechanical cleaning
If some object (a rag, an apple, etc.) gets into the toilet flush, and the owners guess the cause of the blockage, then the first thing they need to do is inspect the place of release and the siphon. To do this, you will have to scoop out all the water standing in the bowl, put a rubber glove on your hand and, if possible, cover your nose with a gauze bandage, because the smell will not be pleasant. Place your hand as deep as possible into the drain hole and find out by touch whether there are any objects in the pipe. A rag or sponge can be easily pulled out with your fingers, and if some vegetable or fruit is caught, you can pry it off with a wire with a hook bent at the end.
If some object or rag gets into the toilet, do not blow it out with air, otherwise you will drive the plug even further, from where you will not be able to remove it yourself.
Using a plunger
If the exact cause of the blockage is unknown, but the water slowly continues to drain, then you can use it. Almost everyone has this device, so it won’t be difficult to find. The main thing is that the diameter of the rubber suction cup must be larger than the diameter of the drain hole. Traditional models have a wooden handle, but more modern designs are also available. In this way, you can eliminate a blockage that has formed in a siphon or a local pipe that discharges waste into the general sewer system. Under the pressure of air and water, the garbage plug will move deeper and exit into a pipe of larger diameter, after which it will float freely out of the house.
The size of the rubber suction cup in the plunger should be larger than the toilet drain hole in order to tightly seal the area that you will pierce
In order for the punching to be as effective as possible, you need to close the hole for the bottom and top drains in the bathroom and kitchen and use a plunger to pump the water in the toilet with sharp jerks. If there is a slow flow not only in the toilet, but in all sinks, this procedure should be repeated in each plumbing fixture, closing the holes of the others.
How to get rid of a blockage using a “doll”
Another homemade device, which plumbers call a “doll,” is used to clear clogged pipes. Sand is poured into a small bag and tied tightly, forming a punchy “doll.” It is attached to the end of a thick curved wire and sharply lowered into the drain hole, breaking through the blockage, pushing objects or a lump of toilet paper further into the pipe, from where it goes down the riser. After this procedure, you must thoroughly rinse the toilet.
The “doll” is a tightly tied bag of sand
Cleaning with a plastic bottle
From the available means that you can always find at home, an ordinary plastic water bottle with a volume of 1.5 - 2.5 liters will do. The lid is left screwed on, the bottom is cut off with a sharp knife and immersed in the toilet so that the cut edge touches the bowl deeper. Make a sharp push down and repeat several times. With these actions we push through the blockage, causing a small water hammer and freeing the drain.
In some cases, an ordinary plastic bottle will be an equally effective remedy.
Video: using a plastic bottle to clear a blockage
Using a rubber hose
This method acts on the blockage not only mechanically, but also hydrodynamically, using pressure and high temperature. It works great in combination with chemically. We attach one edge of the rubber hose to the tap with hot water, and lower the other end into the toilet drain as far as possible. Open the tap all the way and let in hot water with strong pressure.
Corrugation cleaning
It often happens that the toilet is attached to the riser using a corrugated pipe. In the event of a blockage, this design feature will help eliminate the blockage. The water in the drain should be scooped out as much as possible, then the pipe should be removed, cleaned and replaced.
How to eliminate complete coking of the system
Now let’s figure out what to do if the toilet becomes completely clogged, blocking the flow of water. In this case, they buy or look for special devices from their neighbors. Of all the things you can use to clean a toilet, a special one is considered the most effective and convenient. It is quite flexible, has a metal braid and a handle at the end.
The flexible sewer cable is able to pass through the bends of the drain hole and pipes, but it must be assisted by rotating movements of the handle
It is better to clean the pipes together, since the cable is advanced gradually and at the same time they make rotational movements with the handle. It is necessary to rotate so that the cable can pass the bend of the pipe, which is made for. Having advanced the device to its maximum depth, you need to move it back and forth several times to loosen the deposits on the pipe walls.
When you remove the cable after completing the procedure, place an old rag on the floor and immediately wipe the removed part with a rag soaked in dishwashing detergent. Otherwise, you will get dirty yourself, and the floor will suffer. And the smell will be felt on your hands for a very long time.
Video: flexible hose for drain cleaning
Where to go if the toilet is clogged and you can’t clean it
If you tried as best you could to clean the clogged toilet, but there was no improvement, then the problem may be with the common riser, through which sewage is discharged from all apartments on the floors above. In this case, call immediately serving the house organization, and let specialists deal with the problem.
In this case, water can not only stand in the toilet, but also arrive at a significant speed and, after a short time, flow over the edge of the bowl and end up in the apartment.
In this case, urgently call the emergency service, the team that is available in every management company, HOA, or call the organization servicing the house, and let the specialists deal with the problem. You can call any plumbing service or master plumber. They eliminate the traffic jam quickly using professional equipment.
The problem of a clogged toilet has been solved, and to prevent it from occurring again, you need to monitor the condition of your plumbing and use it without any violations. Carry out preventive maintenance regularly using special means and then an atmosphere of cleanliness and comfort will reign in the house.
A toilet installed in a toilet is a simple and necessary plumbing device in everyday life, which is usually used several times a day, but sometimes not for its main purpose. As a result, blockages appear that disable the entire sewer system of the entrance, and in some cases, the entire residential building. You can find out how to deal with the problem from the article.
Main causes of blockages
The sewer system of a residential building almost always works under load and is at risk of clogging. The main causes of blockages include flushing the toilet:
- food waste;
- solid household waste, large garbage;
- remnants of building materials after repairs.
Lost food, vegetable peelings, and hygiene products are often washed down the drain, and during renovations in an apartment, builders like to flush water with residual adhesive mixtures down the toilet. In addition, water after washing the floors, which contains small debris, is drained into its fairly wide hole. From time to time, random objects that residents drop or spill from the dust collector of a vacuum cleaner are flushed down the toilet. On top of that, kids often mistake the toilet for a convenient container for water games and experiments, letting not only their toys swim there, but also other water-insoluble objects that are at hand.
When the vent is clogged fan pipe, which releases excess pressure in the system, such blockages cannot be avoided either. Neighbors from above, washing cleaning or garbage into the sewer, sometimes also create a traffic jam in the common riser. A toilet installed more than 1 meter from the riser also has a good chance of becoming clogged. As a result, the sewer becomes clogged, water from the flush tank does not pass through the toilet, and from that moment it becomes impossible to use it. This is where the question arises, how to clear the clog in the toilet. There is another reason why it is necessary to immediately begin to solve the problem as soon as the toilet is clogged. If you do not clear the blockage in the toilet in a timely manner, water and sewage from the clogged toilet may very soon begin to pour out, flooding not only the floor in the bathroom, but also the apartment on the lower floor.
The toilet is clogged: where to start?
How to unclog a toilet? You can, of course, just call a plumber, but there is no guarantee that he will appear quickly enough, and not everyone can afford it. There are situations when there is no plumbing service nearby at all, in which case the only way out is to clean the drain yourself. First you need to determine exactly where and how badly it is clogged. a drain pipe. This will help you understand how to clean a toilet at home.
There are several possible places where blockages may appear:
- toilet;
- connecting pipe;
- sewer riser.
The plug can be located both in the toilet itself and in the connecting pipe behind it, and sometimes the common riser on the floor or below becomes clogged. To check this, water must be drained into the drain hole of the bathtub, shower and washbasin. Poorly draining water will indicate that the vertical riser is clogged. If the drainage is normal, it means that either the toilet itself or the pipe coming out of it is clogged. It is also worth spending half an hour and observing whether the water in the toilet drains slowly or does not drain at all. This determines how dense the blockage is, and what methods and means are best to use.
If the vertical sewer riser or the pipe between it and the toilet is clogged, you will need to disconnect the toilet and break through the blockage manually. This is a very dirty and time-consuming procedure. If the connecting pipe is made of flexible corrugated plastic, then you can only limit it to removing it. In a situation where emergency plumbing is not expected, there are ways to solve this problem that do not require dismantling. If the toilet suddenly becomes clogged, you can find out how to clear a clog that has formed on your own without disconnecting it by carefully studying the pictures shown and the methods outlined below.
Note! Before starting work, it is recommended to wear rubber gloves, an apron and a good respirator.
How to clear a blockage
There are several methods to unclog a toilet:
- hydraulic;
- using a liquid product;
- mechanical;
- pneumatic.
Hydraulic method
You can start cleaning a clogged toilet using the hydraulic method. When hot water is poured into the toilet from a bucket or large pan from the highest possible height, it creates a overpressure to push through debris.
Note! You should not use this method if corrugated pipe, connecting the toilet to the riser, is made of soft plastic - due to high temperature it can change its shape or crack.
First, you need to pour boiling water into the toilet and wait 10-15 minutes, and then quickly pour another bucket of hot water into the drain hole. The procedure may need to be repeated, in which case the previously poured water will have to be scooped out first. After the water from the toilet begins to flow into the riser, you need to pour several more buckets of hot water through it to completely clean the walls of deposits.
Important! If the operation was successful and the water has passed further, before draining cold water from the flush cistern, you must let the toilet cool down, otherwise either the toilet itself or the pipe behind it may crack due to the temperature difference.
If the hydraulic method does not produce results, you need to use household chemicals. Cleaning a clogged toilet using a clog remover is a good way to clean the drain when it is clogged with organic waste. Bulk (in the form of powder or granules) and liquid (in the form of gel or liquid) products are available for sale. Such cleaning products: both domestic (Mole, Tiret, Anticlogging) and imported (Shumanit, HG and others) are designed to remove blockages in siphons of sinks and sinks. But if you get creative, they can also help clear a clogged toilet. When using such products, it is important to observe their dosage, and since there is less water in the sink siphon than in the toilet water seal, you must first scoop out excess water from it, then add the product and wait a few hours, then pour a bucket of hot water into the drain hole.
Additional Information. When using chemicals, it is necessary to observe safety precautions, since if they come into contact with the skin, they can cause a chemical burn.
If you don’t have any chemicals at hand, then you can try home remedies: citric acid or vinegar and soda. Having previously removed the water that has accumulated there from the toilet, pour half a pack of soda into the drain hole and pour in 200 g of vinegar, wait half an hour. Then, with a sharp movement, pour 3-5 liters of hot water into the toilet. If such cleaning of the toilet is unsuccessful, all that remains is to try to remove the stuck debris by other methods: mechanical or pneumatic.
Mechanical method
On sale you can find a special plumbing cable for cleaning about three meters long with a drill tip at one end and an L-shaped bent handle at the other. Cleaning a toilet with such a cable is a very messy procedure, so you should prepare in advance by covering the floor around the toilet with rags and wearing a protective apron and gloves. How to clean a toilet with a cable? First, its tip must be inserted into the toilet drain hole and, gradually pushing the cable forward, rotate the handle clockwise. When you reach the seal, push and continue rotating. Sometimes a foreign object gets stuck not in the toilet itself, but in the connecting pipe behind it, and then you need to try to reach the vertical riser with a cable. If it is stuck in the seal itself and no longer turns, you need to try to push it into the riser, or, conversely, pull it out of the toilet.
After removing the blockage, it is necessary, as in the previous methods, to pour in any chemical to clean the toilet and after about half an hour, rinse with several buckets of hot water to remove remaining deposits from the walls of the pipe.
Additional Information. When pulling out the cable, you should wipe it with a rag to avoid having to think about how to clean the floor and walls of the toilet after dealing with a clogged toilet.
Pneumatic method
When all the methods described above to break through the blockage have not led to a positive result, it becomes clear that the plug that has clogged the toilet is very dense and can only be pushed out using a pneumatic method. This type of clearing clogs includes the use of:
- plunger;
- rags on a mop;
- plastic bottle.
Additional Information. This rubber bowl on a stick was invented in France at the beginning of the 17th century by a court toilet cleaner, a certain Plunger De La Marcier Farte, who accidentally noticed that compressed air pushes waste further in the toilet. He came up with a device that was later named after him.
The rubber socket of the plunger should be placed on top of the drain hole of a toilet filled with water, and the handle should begin to make sharp movements up and down, creating water pressure that breaks through the blockage. Despite the fact that working with a plunger requires a lot of physical effort, as practice shows, this method is not particularly effective.
Note! To prevent the rubber bowl from accidentally flying off the handle when working with a plunger and getting stuck in the drain hole, it is advisable to fasten them together with a nail or self-tapping screw.
If you don’t have a plunger at hand, it can be successfully replaced by any rag wound to the size of the drain hole in the toilet on the end of a round mop or usually standing nearby with toilet brush for cleaning. Then you need to put a couple of plastic garbage bags on top of the rag and wrap the resulting tampon with tape. The water level in the toilet should be as high as possible to completely cover the flush hole. You must first seal all openings in the bathtub, shower and kitchen sink with plugs. Making sharp back-and-forth movements with this homemade device, as when working with a plunger, it will be possible to create water pressure between it and the plug. This popular method is the most effective - in most cases, the time and effort spent are rewarded by squeezing out the clogged plug from the toilet.
Craftsmen came up with another reliable, as it turned out later, way to clear a clogged toilet: using a plastic bottle with a capacity of 1.5 or 2 liters that fits the diameter of the drain hole. The bottom of such a bottle is cut off, and the cap remains tightly screwed. The cut part of the bottle is lowered into the toilet drain, a sharp push is made downwards, then it is sharply removed, this movement is repeated again and again until the water shocks created push out the accumulations that have clogged the toilet. A positive result is usually achieved in 5-7 presses.
Note! Before starting work using the last two methods, you should prepare in advance for the fact that the pressure created by either a mop with a rag or a plastic bottle can partially splash the water out of the toilet bowl.
Additional Information. After removing the clog using any of the above methods, you must immediately use cleaning products to completely remove all its remains from the inside, as well as clean the toilet.
In order to avoid problems in the future and prevent the toilet from clogging again, you should regularly prevent it with chemical cleaning agents, especially if the pipe connecting it to the vertical riser is longer than half a meter.
Probably every owner of an apartment or private house equipped with a central or autonomous sewerage system has encountered the problem of gaps, which can arise for various reasons. The discomfort that inevitably accompanies such a situation requires immediate action from the owners. However, for one reason or another, it is not always possible to promptly call a plumber. Therefore, the question arises of how to unclog a toilet on your own.
There are several ways to restore the functionality of sewer lines. But first of all, it is necessary to correctly determine the cause of the inconvenience and the location of the accident. The choice of means of clearing blockages will depend on what and where caused the obstruction of the pipes.
Causes of blockages
Toilet obstruction can occur due to various reasons. Most often they are associated with non-compliance with the rules of its operation.
- Such reasons include the entry of thick paper, rags, plastic bags, sanitary pads, diapers, and sometimes even children’s toys into the sewer system.
- However, the problem can also arise due to improper installation or even design errors, as well as due to damage to the pipes of the sewerage system.
If the sewer system has irregularities in the structure itself, or the toilet was connected in violation of the rules, then the system will let you know about this, and this often manifests itself immediately after it is put into operation.
- A common cause of toilet obstruction is deposits on the walls of its internal channel or the pipe extending from it. The thickness of the plaque may increase over time, complicating the free flow of water, which will inevitably lead to an emergency.
Find out how to do it correctly with step-by-step instructions from our new article on our portal.
How can a toilet become clogged if it is installed incorrectly?
If the design is incorrect or if pipes are used that do not match the diameter or are made from materials that do not have necessary qualities to install them in the sewer system, there is no way to fix the problem easily and quickly.
- Violation of technology can lead to sagging pipes. As a result, stagnation of water appears in them along with waste, which will inevitably lead to dense blockages.
- In the autonomous sewer system of a private house, pipes that are not deep enough into the ground can freeze, which leads to their damage - the plastic becomes brittle and can crack. In this case, soil can get into the pipe and block the drainage of water and waste. The consequences are obvious - a severe blockage, which will also be very difficult to find and eliminate.
- An unacceptably large number of pipe turns at right angles is a common cause of obstruction in the installation areas of bends.
To get rid of frequently recurring emergency situations due to an incorrectly installed sewage system, you will have to solve the problem radically. That is, replace the pipes or lay them according to a different, correct pattern. Otherwise, such problems cannot be avoided - they will arise again and again.
What requirements must a properly organized sewer meet?
We have to admit that often home owners, trying to save on materials and labor costs, violate installation rules, simplify circuits, and use components that are not designed for real operating conditions. All this usually ends sadly. In order to avoid, in principle, the preconditions for accidents, when carrying out one should strictly follow established rules. All this is described in great detail in a special publication on our portal.
Deposits on the walls
Deposits on the walls of the toilet channel and drainage pipe occur due to the settling of urinary and fecal stones on them, as well as rust and insoluble salts from water constantly flowing into the bowl when the drain is incorrectly configured
If in the visible area of the toilet its surfaces are cleaned regularly, then the walls of the internal channel, that is, the so-called knee, are difficult to control. Therefore, a layer of plaque inside it can eventually grow to a thickness of 15÷20 mm around the entire circumference of the pipe, leaving a very small hole for draining the contents of the toilet bowl.
So, mineral deposits on the pipe walls can quickly appear and actively grow in the following cases:
- If you do not flush regularly when using the toilet. This problem often arises if there are small children in the house, who often simply forget to press the flush button.
- If the tank leaks, then plaque forms not only in the elbow pipe, but also on the walls of the toilet. Rust is quite difficult to remove from the earthenware surface, so if the process is started, it may not be cleaned at all. And if there is also “hard” water in the water supply, then insoluble limescale deposits will also appear.
- A defective toilet with uneven surfaces or an unevenly applied enamel coating can also provoke the accumulation of plaque, dirt and, accordingly, dangerous pathogenic microflora.
- An old toilet bowl, on the surface of which microcracks have formed over the period of operation, into which organic and mineral deposits penetrate and, due to the rough surface, linger on the walls, forming hard growths.
As you can see, mineral deposits are the main cause of insufficient drainage of the toilet or sewer pipes. Therefore, under no circumstances should the process be started, and the fight for cleanliness should begin immediately after installing the plumbing fixture. Must be carried out periodically, with established regularity. preventive actions, which will be discussed in a separate section of the publication.
What should not be flushed down the toilet?
Another question that often arises when clogs occur is whether they can appear from a tampon or toilet paper thrown into the toilet? Therefore, it is necessary to clarify that nothing can be thrown into the central sewer except toilet paper, which decomposes in water. If the question concerns autonomous system, then it is not recommended to flush even toilet paper into it, since if it lingers in the pipes, then a blockage cannot be avoided over time.
Do not flush grease formed in frying pans during cooking down the toilet. They should be cleaned with a paper towel and then thrown into the trash.
Another worst enemy of the sewer system is tea leaves, which act worse than cement, taking away the pipes, especially if small deposits have already formed on their walls.
Construction dust, which can also form a plug inside the system, is never flushed down the toilet.
Cleaning the toilet yourself
Preliminary measures before cleaning the toilet
Before you start cleaning the sewer, it is necessary to inspect the visible part of the system in the bathroom and kitchen, since if water flows into one riser, the blockage may be common. If an obstruction occurs in a high-rise apartment, then perhaps a traffic jam has formed in a common building riser. And you won’t be able to eliminate it through your personal actions.
In an autonomous sewer system, toilet clogs most often occur in the internal elbow channel, at pipe joints at right angles, or due to cracking of a plastic pipe when it freezes. The latter option can occur if the sewer pipe runs above the freezing level of the soil, and it will have to be deepened.
If a general blockage has formed, then water will not flow out not only from the toilet, but also from the kitchen sink and the bathtub.
If you live in an apartment building, in this case you must contact management company, submitting a request for repair of the riser system.
In a private house, you will have to pierce the pipe laid from the house to drain hole(septic tank).
If the water does not flow well in only one of the branches of the system, then the plug must be looked for in a specific area. This localization simplifies the task somewhat.
If the blockage is not old, but formed literally today or yesterday, you need to act immediately in order to get rid of the uncomfortable situation as quickly as possible.
Methods for cleaning a toilet from urinary stone are somewhat different from methods for removing other types of blockages, so they should be considered separately.
But whatever cleaning method is chosen, it is necessary to preparatory work for pumping standing water out of the toilet. This process can be done using a plastic shampoo bottle or detergent by removing the cover.
By pressing the bottle, lower it with the hole into the water and gradually release the pressure - at this moment the liquid is taken into the container. After this, the water from the bottle is poured into a basin or bucket. The procedure is then repeated until the hole in the toilet is empty. Bottle in in this case It works like a syringe, only it gets water into it much faster.
Traditional methods for eliminating a sudden traffic jam in the toilet
If the blockage occurred due to a small amount of contaminants getting into the pipes, which contributed to the formation of a plug, methods that have been tested in practice more than once will easily help you deal with eliminating the problem.
The first option is to use boiling water
The first way to get rid of a blockage is boiling water. However, this method and all others that use boiling water can be used if the toilet is connected to the riser with a plastic or metal pipe. If a corrugated pipe made of thin plastic is used to connect the toilet, then hot water should be used instead of boiling water.
- To clean, you will need a bucket of boiling water. It must be poured as quickly as possible not onto the walls of the toilet bowl, but into its opening, so that the boiling water immediately enters the knee canal.
- After pouring water, you must wait 30÷35 minutes.
- If the boiling water took effect and the water began to go away, then after it leaves, the procedure must be repeated. And so on until the normal function of the toilet is restored.
The second option is to use soda
The second cleaning option is to use baking soda. Better fit To punch the gap, use washing soda, but baking soda is also possible. Some experienced housewives recommend adding regular salt - about half the amount of soda.
- Take a pack of soda (500 grams) and pour it into the toilet.
- Then the toilet is filled with a liter of boiling water. After this, a reaction will begin inside the knee, which can also clear it of the blockage. Soda is an active alkali that can dissolve many substances, so it is often used not only for cleaning plumbing fixtures, but also kitchen accessories.
The third option is a combination of soda and vinegar
The third cleaning method also includes soda ash, but in addition to it, vinegar and boiling water are used in this case.
- One and a half packs of soda (that is, 750 grams) are poured into the drain area.
- A glass or 0.5 liter of 9% vinegar is poured into it. When vinegar is poured in, a reaction should begin, accompanied by hissing and the formation of foam. This mixture must be left for 20÷25 minutes.
- After waiting this time, pour 2–3 liters of boiling water into the toilet and leave again for 15–20 minutes. After this, you can try rinsing with plain water.
Fourth option – mustard and hot water
In this case, powder mustard and hot water are used to clean the toilet (one small spoon of mustard powder is taken for two liters of water), and the composition is prepared as follows:
- 6÷8 liters of water are heated in a metal bucket or pan.
- Then add 3-4 tablespoons of mustard into it and mix.
- The solution is poured into the toilet and left for 15-20 minutes.
- After this, it is necessary to drain the water from the tank or from the filled bucket.
If necessary, the process must be repeated several more times.
Traditional methods of cleaning the toilet from urinary stone and limescale
From folk ways For cleaning surfaces from a layer of mineral deposits, there are several that are most often used at home. All of them will be effective if the substances used are poured or poured into a practically empty toilet - the level of the remaining water can be no more than 10÷15 mm from the bottom.
- Lemon acid. This substance can be used in crystallized or liquid form. For one stage of cleaning the toilet, you will need 200 grams of acid crystals or 300 grams of concentrated lemon juice, which is essentially the same acid. After this, the toilet must be left for 40-60 minutes, and it is better to perform this procedure at night, when the toilet will not be used. After this time, it is necessary to wash off the acid with water from the tank, and additionally rub the toilet hole with a brush. If plaque still remains, the procedure must be repeated.
- Electrolyte, used for car batteries. This substance is also a very aggressive sulfuric acid. It will require 0.5 liters. The product is poured into the toilet and left for one and a half to two hours, depending on the thickness of the dirt, after which it is washed off. If necessary, the procedure is repeated.
- Popular drink "Coca Cola" is an excellent remedy for mineral deposits in the toilet. This product will require 1.5 liters; it must be poured into a completely empty toilet and left until the reaction ends, that is, hissing, which can last up to two hours. Then you can rinse off the product. In addition to Coca-Cola, Fanta and Sprite are also used to clean mineral deposits.
It will be interesting to note that it is Coca-Cola that some cat owners use to clean litter boxes. cat litter, since it does not affect the animals' sense of smell, unlike other detergents.
- Chlorine powder and solution. This well-known remedy does not always work, although it gives a strong reaction and an unpleasant odor. However, it is often used to remove a thin layer of plaque, as in this case it is most effective.
450÷500 grams of bleach are poured into the toilet in the evening and left until the morning. In the morning, the bowl is further cleaned with a brush, and the mixture is washed off with water.
An alternative to powder can be “Whiteness”, used for bleaching fabrics. You will need one per cleaning. liter bottle solution. The inconvenience of using this product is the duration of exposure, as well as a persistent unpleasant odor.
- Oxalic acid is a special cleaner for cleaning plumbing accessories, which can be purchased at hardware stores. The acid is sold in powder form and copes well with difficult-to-clean deposits of urinary and fecal stones, as well as old rust on enamel surfaces.
Using this tool is easy. You just need to pour it out of the bag into the toilet drain hole and leave it for one to two hours. Then, the resulting mixture is washed off and cleaned with a brush.
- Soda, vinegar and iodine. This composition is good to use not only for cleaning the drain hole, but also for removing mineral deposits from the toilet bowl rim. To prepare the mixture, one glass of 9% vinegar is heated, a small spoon of iodine and a large spoon of soda are added to it. Everything is mixed well and poured into the toilet, and then distributed over the rim with a brush. This product will take 8-12 hours to work, meaning it is best left on surfaces overnight. In the morning, the mixture is washed off with clean water.
Video: Vinegar as a means of removing urinary and limestone deposits in toilets
Household chemicals for removing blockages
Compositions for clearing formed traffic jams
To break through blockages formed in the sewer, you can also use ready-made chemical compositions. They are presented in a wide range in hardware stores and supermarkets.
Almost everyone is familiar with such products as “Mr. Muscle”, “Tiret”, “Mole”, “Sanfor”, “Domestes”, “Floop”. The compositions are sold in solutions, gels and granules, so you can choose the most convenient form for use.
detailed instructions the use of such chemicals is always located on the packaging. And before you start using them, you must familiarize yourself with it.
It is not difficult to use ready-made cleaning compositions, especially since almost all bottles are equipped with a convenient spout, allowing you to easily deliver the gel or solution under the rim of the toilet bowl.
The product is poured or poured into the toilet drain hole in the doses specified by the manufacturer in the instructions. After which the toilet is left for a certain period, since the composition needs time to act. The contents are then flushed down the drain.
Chemicals for cleaning toilet bowls from urinary stones
All of the manufacturers listed above produce several types of compositions with different purposes, including specifically for removing mineral deposits. However, in addition to them, other effective formulations are presented in stores:
| Appearance of packaging | Brief characteristics of the cleaning product |
|---|---|
| "Bon" is a highly effective liquid mineral plaque remover made by a Czech manufacturer. It can be used not only for the toilet, but also for the sink and bathtub. In addition, the product dissolves lime deposits on the surfaces of metal products. "Bon" is also used to clean any plumbing accessories from rust and grease. The solution is non-toxic and has a pleasant aroma. It is convenient to apply it to both visible and hidden surfaces, since the bottle is equipped with a spray nozzle. Bottle volume - 500 ml. | |
 | "Eurogarant" is a universal sanitary gel Russian production. It is designed to dissolve and remove from internal surfaces toilet bowl urinary stones, lime deposits in the bathtub and sink, as well as for cleaning tiles. The volume of the bottle is one liter. |
 | “Cillit Bang Anti-plaque + Shine” “Ocean Fresh” is a Russian-made antiseptic cleaning product that can rid the surfaces and internal parts of plumbing fixtures of limescale, urinary stone, rust and other contaminants. The effect of this product begins within one minute after its application. Moreover, its effect is equivalent both under water and in its absence. The presence of a convenient spout on the bottle makes it easy to apply the solution under the rim of the toilet bowl. “Cillit Bang” removes not only dirt, but also unpleasant odors typical of the toilet and stagnant water in sink and bathtub drains. To achieve maximum results, just wait 30 minutes after applying the product. Then you need to clean the toilet with a brush and flush the water. The Cillit Bang is suitable for cleaning enamel toilets and sinks, but cannot be used on stainless steel items. The volume of the plastic bottle is 750 ml. |
 | "Shumanit" is an Israeli product made in the form of a concentrated gel. It is designed to remove limescale and urinary stone, rust and serious dirt, giving the toilet a long-lasting shine and freshness. "Shumanit" disinfects surfaces, preventing the spread of germs. The effectiveness of the product does not decrease even under water, so when using it you do not have to completely empty the toilet drain hole of it. A plastic bottle with a volume of 650 ml is convenient to use due to the presence of a spout. |
| Gel "ORO-fresh" is a German product for effective and quick cleaning toilet bowl from urolithiasis and lime deposits, grease deposits and other contaminants. The gel easily dissolves plaque accumulated on the walls without leaving any streaks or other marks. The product is antibacterial and gives surfaces a fresh lemon scent. The bottle, which has a volume of 750 ml, is also comfortable to use, as it has an easy-to-use shape. |
It should be noted that if the urinary stone deposit is quite thick, then it is unlikely to be dealt with with a one-time cleaning. Therefore, to achieve the desired result, the process will have to be carried out several times.
Strong chemicals must be used with a certain degree of caution, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Otherwise, the possibility of damage to both metal and plastic pipes. It is not recommended to use several drugs at the same time, as an unexpected chemical reaction may occur with unpredictable consequences.
Mechanical methods for removing plugs
Another direction in cleaning clogged drains is mechanical methods, which often solve the problem without the use of chemicals or improvised means. However, it is worth immediately noting that it is mechanically impossible to remove blockages caused by a thick coating of urinary stone or rust - a set of measures is used to clear them.
The first method is cleaning with a plunger
This is a well-known and perhaps the most popular method, which often provides good results. For example, in cases where a plug has formed in the toilet bowl due to constantly pouring coffee or tea grounds into it.
A plunger that has a nozzle with a cut cone at the end, with a cut diameter of 100 mm, works more effectively.
When cleaning a drain with a plunger, the toilet bowl must be filled with water. Then the plunger is installed in its drain hole and several pumping presses are made. After this, the device is sharply pulled out of the hole. This procedure is repeated several times if necessary. If the blockage was minor and had not yet “solidified”, after removing the nozzle from the drain, the water will actively drain into the pipe.
The second method is a homemade plunger from a plastic bottle
If there is no plunger in the house, and the toilet needs to be cleaned urgently, then a regular one and a half liter plastic bottle will do instead. To turn a bottle into something like a plunger, the bottom is cut off, but the rounding around the hole must remain, that is, only its lowest hard part is removed.
The process is carried out according to the same principle as using a plunger with a rubber nozzle. The cut side of the bottle is lowered into the drain hole and pressed well against its walls. Then several pressing movements are made, after which the “tool” is sharply removed from the drain.
The third method is to use a plumbing cable
Another device that will get rid of the blockage 100% if it has formed in the toilet elbow or in the pipe to the common riser is a plumbing cable. The device is a rigid spring with a handle attached to one side. The cable can have different lengths, depending on the conditions in which it will be used. For autonomous sewerage, a cable 15,000 mm long is sometimes required.
Cleaning with a metal cable is carried out due to its flexibility and ability to move into the sewer pipe to a considerable depth through curved sections.
The work is carried out in the following order:
- The end of the cable is lowered into the toilet drain until it hits the resulting plug.
- Then you need to start slowly rotating the handle, pushing the cable inside the pipe. As it moves forward, the cable will move the blockage.
- The final step of this procedure is to flush the pipes with hot water with the addition of technical soda.
If there is no cable, then you can try cleaning it using a rigid but flexible cable, the main thing is that it has the required length and diameter. It is pushed into the sewer pipe through the toilet, turning it periodically. Thanks to such actions, you can destroy the plug blocking the pipe, or push through an object stuck in the pipe or elbow.
Cleaning with a cable should be carried out with special care if the toilet is connected to the sewer pipe by thin-walled corrugation. It doesn't take much effort to break through such a wall.
Check out the varieties and its installation from our new article on our portal.
The fourth method is a film plunger
IN South Korea A special high-strength film-plunger “Pongtu” has been developed, produced and supplied to the Russian market, which can be easily used for any toilet size.
The film is glued to the top of a toilet bowl filled with water, and then pressure is applied intensely and rhythmically with both hands. Thus, this device operates on the principle of a plunger, but there are no splashes flying in different directions or even in the face, which often happens during normal cleaning.
The kit comes with two disposable films and is a good idea to have on hand in case of unexpected clogs.
Video: An original effective method for cleaning a toilet - the Pongtu plunger film
An alternative to the South Korean development could be domestic wide adhesive tape, which can also serve as a plunger. It is used as follows:
- The surface of the bowl is wiped dry so that the tape adheres well to the enamel.
- Then, numerous strips of adhesive tape are glued on top, covering the bowl in several layers and firmly connecting the adhesive tape to each other. The edges of the film are glued to the side surfaces of the bowl, after which, for greater reliability, they are secured with a common strip. The tape must be well stretched so that the end result is a kind of membrane.
- Then, several intense pressures are applied to the film, as a result of which the plug should be eliminated.
- At the end of the work, the tape is removed from the surface of the toilet.
Call a plumber
If none of the methods have solved the blockage, and the water continues to stand in the toilet, you will have to turn to professionals who will solve the problem or determine that the toilet will have to be replaced. The last option is inevitable if the plumbing accessory is old and the drain hole has managed to become covered with a 15-20 mm layer of urinary stone, due to which the contents of the toilet bowl do not go into the sewer. It can only be removed by breaking the toilet.
If the cause of the obstruction is related to the formation of a dirt plug or a stuck object, then using special equipment, a plumber can easily cope with the problem.
The master can also determine what local sewer nothing to do with it, but the reason lies in a clogged riser. However, the latter option can be determined without a plumber, since the problem of blockage will arise not in one, but in several neighboring apartments using the same riser.
How to prevent traffic jams?
To reduce the risk of blockages and plugs in the toilet channels, it is necessary to periodically carry out preventive measures consisting of the following actions:
- Do not allow any objects to get into the toilet that could linger in one of the sections of the sewer and block the pipe completely or become a waste collector, as a result of which a dense plug is formed.
- Periodically clean the toilet with one of chemical compositions or the means that are present in every home - citric acid, soda, vinegar, etc. Moreover, it is necessary to use these compounds even in cases where the toilet is functioning normally.
- Daily cleaning of the bowl with cleaning solutions or hot water will also contribute to its trouble-free long-term operation.
To care for toilets with a colored enamel coating, it is better to use specialized chemicals manufactured in industrial conditions. On the packaging of such compositions, manufacturers usually specify the purpose - “for cleaning colored plumbing fixtures”, providing instructions for using solutions, gels or granules.
When using traditional cleaning methods, it is unknown how the coating and paint with which it was given a certain shade will behave. The enamel may crack or develop light or dark stains, causing the toilet to become damaged.
* * * * * * * *
In conclusion, it is worth recalling the personal safety measures that must be applied when starting the process of cleaning any plumbing accessories. Almost all products used for these purposes have aggressive properties and can easily harm the skin.
Therefore, during preventive work, it is necessary to wear high rubber gloves on your hands. And if events are carried out to remove traffic jams, then it would be a good idea to protect your eyes by wearing at least regular glasses. This is due to the fact that concentrated compounds are used to remove blockages, and when cleaning, splashes may scatter upwards and to the sides.
A clogged toilet is a fairly common problem. You can encounter it both in a city apartment and in country house and at the dacha equipped with a sewage drainage system. This problem usually requires a quick solution. If you wait for a leisurely plumber, the scale of the fecal water spill can lead to another repair and large budgetary expenses. Meanwhile, the solution to the problem of how to remove a blockage in the toilet is accessible even to ordinary person. This does not require special technological skills, but rather minimal knowledge and the availability of available tools that are sold in every hardware store.
What clogs our toilets?
In order to master the technology of cleaning a toilet and adjacent sewer pipes, you first need to become familiar with its design.
The toilet is a sanitary device, inside of which there is a wastewater receiver, which turns into a curved pipe, the outlet of which is connected to sewer system. The purpose of bending the pipes in the toilet is to create a water seal, which is designed to prevent unpleasant sewer odors from entering the apartment.
As a rule, various large water-insoluble objects get caught in this bend and get stuck. These can be scraps of thick paper, rags and other rags, bags and plastic, and so on. Mostly, such things end up in your toilet due to the actions of your own household members, but in a separate case, in apartment buildings, such items can end up in your section of the sewer system due to the activities of your upstairs neighbors.
Methods for cleaning toilets
In general, methods for cleaning toilets coincide with similar actions for removing blockages in other sanitary devices. Conventionally, they can be divided into two large groups:
- Mechanical methods involve destroying or removing the clogged object using mechanical solid devices.
- Chemical methods involve destroying and dissolving clogged objects with aggressive chemical liquids.
Chemical method for clearing clogged toilets
This is the easiest way to clear blockages. In order to carry it out, you need to purchase a special liquid or powder from hardware stores, which is poured or poured directly into the toilet drain. The powder or liquid creates an aggressive solution, alkaline or acid based, which dissolves all obstacles that get in its way.
But such methods must be treated with some caution. When using such aggressive solutions, there is always a possibility of damage to both the plumbing equipment itself and the adjacent sewer pipelines. So, before using such substances, carefully read their composition and instructions for use and compare the knowledge gained with the composition of the materials used in your sewer system.
Cleaning the toilet with soda - an easy way
A significant disadvantage of using chemically aggressive fluids is their inability to combat certain types of blockages, such as stuck solid objects.
Mechanical methods of cleaning toilets - plunger
The plunger is a very popular plumbing tool that should be present in every home. Its design is extremely simple - a rubber hemisphere placed on a mounting handle.
Working with such a tool is extremely simple: place a rubber hemisphere over the drain and, with sharp pressure, push the water deep into the drain. Water pressure is transmitted to the site of the blockage, destroying it or pushing it deep into the sewer system right up to the main sewer riser.
We use available tools for emergency cleaning
In emergency situations, if you don’t have a plunger, you can use improvised devices. To do this, take plastic bottle suitable size, cut off the bottom and lower this structure into the drain hole. Just like with a plunger - make sharp pushes that should destroy the blockage in the sewer or in a bend inner tube toilet.
You can also clear a blockage in the toilet or an adjacent pipe by simply pouring a bucket of water into it, heated to a hot temperature. Be careful. Firstly, you can burn yourself with such boiling water, and secondly, excessively hot water can crack the faience of the toilet bowl. Therefore, it is better to first pour a small amount of hot water into the toilet to warm up the surface. In general, heating the toilet bowl at the bend of the pipe with a hairdryer can also help push the blockage towards the main riser.
You can also make your own chemical cleaning liquid. To do this, find half a pack of regular household soda. Dissolve it in water and pour it into the toilet. This alkaline solution is great for removing some types of blockages.
We use a plumbing cable
An excellent device for removing blockages in the toilet and sewer system is a plumbing cable. It allows you not only to destroy the blockage or push its source towards the main jamb, but also to remove large objects (for example, rags) that accidentally got into the sewer system.
Plumbing cable for cleaning the toilet - photo
The plumbing cable is equipped with an L-shaped handle on one side and a sharp nozzle or spiral on the other side. The spiral nozzle can be used as a kind of hook to remove an object that has clogged the sewer.
The procedure for working with a plumbing cable is very simple:
Place the end of the cable into the toilet drain hole or into the sink or bathtub drain hole. To make it easier to work in the sink, you can remove the drain grate; it is held on by just one bolt. Also, the end of the cable can be inserted directly into the sewer pipe by disconnecting the siphon from the sink, which is cleaned and washed under running water.
Holding the cable with one hand, tuck its tip as deep as possible. Then, by rotating the L-shaped handle, push the cable tip closer to the blockage. The stuck object can either be pushed into the main riser or removed by hooking it with a spiral nozzle.
It also helps to effectively deal with blockages in the toilet and sewer pipes. homemade instrument, called pumping.
It is made in the following way:
- Find a steel rod and cut a thread on one end,
- Cut two plates out of steel and rubber and make a hole in their center.
- Screw a nut onto the end of the rod, then secure the plates and secure them with another nut.
- Make a handle on the opposite end of the rod for ease of use. It can be formed by simply wrapping the end with electrical tape.
The manufactured tool can effectively remove blockages. Place the plates in the toilet drain hole and use sharp pushes, similar to using a plunger, to push a mass of water into the sewer pipes.
Blocked toilet in an apartment building
If clearing a clogged toilet in an apartment building is quite simple, since you have access to the entire sewer system, from the toilet to the septic tank, then clearing blockages in apartment buildings can cause certain problems.
Due to the chaotic movement of sewer drains, a clogged object, be it a rag or a plastic bag, can get into your system and with upper floors. In order to avoid such problems, you need to place a check valve at the junction of your apartment’s sewer system and the main riser.
We eliminate the blockage by removing the corrugations
If the toilet is clogged, a situation may arise when you have to disconnect the waste pipe of the sewer system from the toilet. When using this method, you can not only effectively clear the blockage that may form in the bend of the toilet, but also gain direct access to the sewer pipes. In this case, the plumbing cable can be directed directly into the pipe, which will make troubleshooting easier. However, such work must be carried out with caution and with warning to neighbors to ensure that no new portion of wastewater enters.
We carry out preventive work
In order to avoid emergency troubles, certain rules must be followed when operating toilets. Remember that the toilet is not designed to dump large and water-insoluble objects into it. Even a small rag that gets into the toilet drain can become an anchor for smaller objects and form a serious clog.
Be careful with liquids poured into the toilet. Some of them may, upon contact with cold sewage form insoluble compounds and clog pipelines.
To prevent clogging, toilet bowls should be cleaned regularly using special cleaning products.
To learn more about the process of clearing a clogged toilet, watch the video tutorial.
How to clear a clogged toilet: video tutorial
It is believed that life in a private house requires its owners to constantly take care of its various systems and communications. At first glance, living in an apartment building allows you not to think about such a need, because monitoring the serviceability and troubleshooting systems is the concern of housing office workers. In fact, residents of city apartments quite often face the problem of a clogged toilet.
The water does not go away, rises in the toilet bowl, an unpleasant odor appears - all these are “symptoms” of a blockage. However, you can deal with it yourself.
Why is it clogged?
There can be many reasons for clogging, but if we talk about the nature of the clogging, then There are only two possible reasons for this.
- Unexpectedly and acutely occurring blockages appear as a result of objects entering the drain hole, the dimensions of which exceed the diameter of the drain. Naturally, the object gets stuck, paralyzing the entire sewer system. Often such objects are textiles, food waste, hygiene items or solid products that are voluntarily or involuntarily flushed down the toilet.
- Chronic blockages usually occur gradually. First, difficulty in the outflow of water is detected, which, becoming more and more aggravated, turns into a complete absence of outflow. The causes of such blockage are organic (grease, hair) and inorganic (salt deposits, scale contained in water) deposits.
Before dealing with a blockage, you should try to determine its cause, because this is what determines the choice of method for removing the blockage. Typically, by recalling the recent events of the day, you can determine whether the problem is caused by foreign objects getting into the drain.
What problems arise?
A clogged toilet is an unpleasant problem, which can mean several types of incorrect operation of the sewer system. Until this problem affects a specific user, he may not think about it, and when mentioned, even remember with a grin the words of the song about a broken “blue toilet.” However, no one is able to completely insure against this trouble, which usually arises unexpectedly.
A blockage can manifest itself as a slowdown or disruption of the outflow of water from the toilet bowl when flushing, an increase in the level of wastewater in the inlet pipe, the occurrence of unpleasant odor and gurgling sounds, screaming in the pipe. You can cope with all these difficulties on your own. If there is no opportunity or desire to remove the blockage, you can invite a specialist from the housing office. Such situations are not critical, so you can wait for his arrival within a few hours or one or two days.
A severe blockage manifests itself by increasing the level of sewage water to such an extent that it overflows from the toilet bowl. Evidence of the criticality of the situation is also a broken valve on a common pipe. In this case, you need to immediately call the emergency service and shut off the riser before they arrive.
Often, water accumulates in the toilet bowl or other malfunctions appear due to improper design of sewer pipes. This could be sagging and freezing of pipes, too sharp bends in inappropriate places. As a rule, the problem is not detected immediately, but after some time of operation. It is unlikely that you will be able to solve the problem quickly and solely on your own. The only way out is to dismantle the system and correct errors.
Sometimes a question arises or the drain can become clogged. toilet paper. The answer is no because modern products completely dissolve in water. However, the same cannot be said about ordinary paper for writing, drawing, or newspapers. The cellulose included in them swells under the influence of moisture, after which even a small lump of paper increases 2-3 times in size and risks getting stuck in the pipe.
It is unacceptable to drain fat and used oil from frying pans, as it settles on the walls of the pipes and over time turns into a plug. Sleeping tea poured into the toilet in the pipes turns into real “cement” - the tea leaves clump and compact. It is unacceptable to flush hygiene items, diapers, packaging film and plastic bags down the toilet. Those who flush these things down the toilet should not be surprised that it becomes clogged.
One of the reasons why water does not drain from the bowl is the growth of urinary stones. It appears on the surface of the toilet bowl and sewer pipes due to stagnation of urine in the device. This may not only be due to users not pressing the flush button after urinating, but also due to other reasons. Thus, a leaking tank promotes the spread of mineral deposits. Defective or outdated plumbing fixtures with damage are also susceptible to urinary stone attack. Residues of urine and bacteria accumulate in cracks, scratches, and recesses.
Urine stone is not only an aesthetic problem, but also a serious threat to the integrity of the lumen of the toilet pipes. The fact is that as the deposits grow, they close this gap. You can get rid of urinary stones mechanically or chemically.
Could it be that the toilet is clogged because of the neighbors? If you live in an apartment building, then maybe. This is due to the peculiarities of the organization of the sewer system. Sewer riser common to all residents of the house (“line” of apartments above each other from the first to top floor), a main outlet is connected to it from each apartment. The diameter of the common riser is no more than 100 mm.
If the blockage extends beyond the main pipes of your neighbors, but does not go down the riser, sooner or later a traffic jam will form in this place. Another option for the development of unpleasant events is that a foreign object got into the siphon of the neighbor’s toilet. Instead of pulling it out, they pushed it into the common riser where the foreign object got stuck.
Evidence of a clogged common riser at the apartment level above or below the floor is a gradual increase in the water level in the toilet. That is, it rises on its own. You will not be able to remove such a blockage on your own; you need to promptly call the emergency service. To remove the clog, the plumber will use a long cable or other device that can reach the clog. In more advanced cases, they resort to dismantling the pipe.
What to clean with?
The variety of cleaning methods can be divided into two groups.
- Mechanical. As a rule, they involve the use of a plunger and a cable, as well as other devices. This method is suitable if there is an object stuck in the drain. Using various liquids to remove blockages is useless, because they will not be able to dissolve, for example, a stuck apple or rag.
- Chemical. Effective in the formation of blockages caused by sediments in the sewer pipe. The principle of operation of such products is based on chemical reactions, during which the blockage dissolves.
In some cases, only a combination of these methods can solve the problem. Typically, this applies to cases where a foreign object gets stuck in pipes that have deposits. Pushing it with improvised means or cables does not help, so first dissolve the deposits. As a result chemical exposure the diameter of the pipe becomes the same (that is, it increases compared to what it was at the time of the jam), and the object passes through the pipe.
It is necessary to dwell in more detail on each of the methods.
Mechanical cleaning is effective if the toilet does not flush well, which is caused by a foreign object stuck in the pipe no further than the siphon. Armed with long gloves, a ladle and a bucket, you can begin to diagnose the problem. Your task at this stage is to scoop as much water out of the toilet as possible. After this, gently examine the siphon space with your hand. Soft objects can be removed by hand, hard objects can be removed with a wire, having first bent its end.
You can try to clean the toilet with a bottle. The principle of operation is based on the capabilities of a water hammer, with the help of which a stuck object is pushed into a wider pipe. To implement this method, take a bottle whose diameter matches the diameter of the toilet. Cut off the bottom and screw the lid on. Start slowly immersing the resulting device into the toilet until you feel air resistance. At this moment, sharply press the bottle even deeper into the toilet, and then quickly pull it out.
Similar actions must be performed several times until the desired result is achieved.
After the first water hammer it may seem that the situation remains unchanged. However, with each new manipulation the object gradually moves towards a pipe of larger diameter. That's why you need to do a "series" of water hammers. If you don't have a bottle at hand, use a stick or mop with rags wrapped around it. The diameter of the resulting winding must correspond to the diameter of the toilet inlet flush. The process is the same as when using a bottle.
Specialized tool To create a water hammer, use a plunger. Unlike homemade analogues, it does not need to be placed in the release hole. On the contrary, the diameter of the plunger must exceed the diameter of the hole. Using this tool, a vacuum is created, and then a hydraulic shock, with the help of which it is possible to remove the blockage. The procedure will be more effective if you close the drains and overflow holes of the plumbing fixtures in the bathroom and kitchen during the procedure.
A blaster for the sink, bathtub and toilet will also create a hydrodynamic shock. This device is equipped with a piston with which air is pumped into the blaster, causing high pressure. After this, you should attach the unit to the drain hole and press the start button. The convenience of the device is that it has several attachments for different diameters holes for drainage, therefore it is universal.
Another tool that is used by both professionals and ordinary people is a flexible plumbing cable. Made of metal, it has a spiral-shaped tip with a pointed point, thanks to which it penetrates a hard layer of deposits. The cable should be smoothly inserted into the drain channel, while making rotational movements. (The device has a handle, so it is convenient to use).
Having broken through the blockage, you should move back and forth to get rid of deposits on the walls of the pipe and increase its internal diameter. A plumbing cable will not be able to completely eliminate the problem. This tool is an “ambulance” for blockages. After the outflow has been restored, the sewer pipes should be cleaned using chemicals.
If you don’t have a bottle, a plunger, or a cable at hand, you can try to create a water hammer using cling film. To do this, fold it 3-4 times to increase its strength. After this, the film is sealed with tape around the entire circumference of the toilet lid. You must stretch the film from one edge of the toilet lid to the other and secure the film with tape.
After this, water is drawn into the toilet bowl until it begins to touch the film. Now you need to press the surface of the film several times, causing a water hammer to occur. The steps must be repeated until the blockage is broken or until it becomes clear that in your case the method is ineffective.
In general, any available item can help break through the blockage. There are many stories online about how this was done with a stick, a lath, even a fork. In this case, the improvised dipstick must not only be pushed forward, but rotated in order to quickly destroy the plug.
Chemicals can be store-bought or homemade. The easiest way to clean a toilet from sediment is with boiling water. You need to pour it down the toilet drain. This method is effective only if the blockage is caused by the formation of a greasy plug in the pipe. Boiling water will allow it to dissolve and the water will begin to drain. You need to pour boiling water at a right angle, quickly.
This method helps in limited cases, but it will not be superfluous to use it. You can add a little baking soda to the boiling water or first pour ¼ of a bottle of dishwashing detergent into the toilet. It is unacceptable to pour boiling water into the toilet if it has a thin connecting corrugation. In this case, just hot water is enough.
The simplest chemical way to solve the problem is a method based on the alkaline reaction of vinegar with soda. It is necessary to scoop out the water to increase the concentration of the composition. After this, a pack of soda is poured into the drain hole. You should give it 15–20 minutes for the soda to settle on the surface of the pipe and the clog. After the specified time, 200 ml of 9% vinegar is poured out. As a result of a chemical reaction, it is sometimes possible to break through the blockage in its thinnest place.
If necessary, repeat the procedure, but no more than two times. If after using baking soda and vinegar twice, positive results do not appear, you should look for other methods.
It is believed that solutions based on aggressive acids are most effective. They truly eat away the blockage, and with it the surface of the sewer pipes. Such recipes should be used with caution and only if the entire sewer system is cast iron. In the store you can buy products based on weakly concentrated acids. They can be in the form of a gel, powder, or tablet.
Among the most popular are such products as “Mole”, Tiret, “Mr. Muscle”, “Floop” (in the form of granules). When using them, you should protect your hands with gloves and avoid contact of the composition with mucous membranes and skin. The product is poured or poured into the drain according to the instructions. After the time recommended by the manufacturer, the toilet should be flushed big amount water.
Please note that not every product is suitable for breaking through a blockage if a porcelain toilet is installed in the apartment.
You can find a lot on the Internet original ways clearing clogs with Coca-Cola. However, this drink will help in the fight against minor deposits on the surface of the toilet bowl. He is unable to break through the blockage. The white cleaning method is also ineffective. It can be used as a preventative against plaque and nothing more.
One of the causes of blockage is an overgrown urinary stone. It can be removed mechanically by scooping out the water and simply cutting off the deposits and cleaning the surfaces with a stiff brush. However, this method is practically not used, because after it the surface of the toilet becomes covered with cracks and chips.
It is much more convenient and safer to use store-bought chemicals for sanitary ware.“Mr. Muscle” in granules, Domestos Pink gel (designed specifically to combat blockages) and “Toilet Duckling” demonstrated their effectiveness in combating significant growths of urinary stones.
It is important to follow the instructions and maintain the accuracy of the time of exposure to the drug. Otherwise, you may get unpredictable cleaning results.
Concerning traditional methods, They exist. And sometimes they surprise you with their radicalism. An effective remedy metal pipes is the use of automotive electrolyte for the battery. First of all, you need to drain the toilet bowl, then pour electrolyte onto the problem area and leave for 1.5 hours. After the specified period of time, the plaque is cleaned off with a brush (it should not be non-metallic).
More conservative, but also in effective ways is cleaning with citric acid or bleach (in powder form). To do this, pour out a packet of bleach or 4 packs citric acid into the toilet drain, leave overnight, then scrub off the deposits with a brush and rinse with water.
How to clean it yourself?
Unable to contact the housing office or third-party specialists, many are forced to look for cleaning methods at home, that is, on their own. However, this cannot always be done - removing the blockage with your own hands is possible if it has formed directly in the toilet drain channel. If the problem affects all drain points, you will have to seek help from the housing office.
You can determine the location of the blockage by turning on the water in the bathroom and kitchen sink; if it goes away unhindered, then you can try to clean the toilet yourself.
A small blockage can be removed quickly and effectively using hot water and mustard. Dissolve 5 tablespoons of dry mustard in 10 liters of heated water. Quickly pour the mixture into the toilet, and after 10 minutes try to flush the water. If necessary, repeat the manipulations 2-3 times.
So, when starting to clear the blockage, you should do the following:
- make sure that the blockage is local. Otherwise, call an emergency;
- determine the location of the blockage (no further than the toilet siphon);
- try to establish the nature of the blockage and the cause of its occurrence;
- If foreign objects get into the pipe, try to remove them manually. At the same time, pull the object back into the apartment, and do not push it into the common riser;
- When pipes become overgrown with growths, use chemical cleaning agents using store-bought or traditional methods. When performing them, protect your hands and respiratory organs;
- If the blockage occurs as a result of the simultaneous entry of a foreign object into the pipe and a decrease in the diameter of the drain due to the growth of deposits, the pipe should be cleaned using a combined method. This must be done by pouring a chemical. After the deposits are dissolved, it will be easier to remove the item using one of the mechanical methods.
If none of the methods brings a positive result, call a plumber. The blockage may be due to improper installation of pipes or toilet. In any case, a professional will determine the cause and eliminate the blockage. It is not recommended to use the toilet when there is a blockage - this will worsen the situation.
Regular prevention will help reduce the risk of blockages. First of all, you should ensure that no foreign objects get into the channel.. Do not flush spoiled food, food waste and hygiene products down the toilet. If you empty the water after cleaning, make sure there are no rags, bars of soap, or other large objects left in the bucket.
Water congestion can be caused by cat litter and various bedding for domestic rodents getting into the pipes. They are based on wood or more modern materials, absorbing moisture. It’s easy to imagine what will happen to sawdust that gets into the water. They will simply absorb it and increase significantly in volume. So significant that they can fill the diameter not only of the main, but also of the general riser.
If folk remedies, like other methods, do not solve the problem, it is better to call the housing office and ask them to send a technician. You should also call a plumber if blockages occur constantly for no apparent reason (that is, the rules for operating plumbing have not been violated). The pipes may be installed incorrectly or may be reaching the end of their service life. Replacing pipes and changing the method of their installation will allow you to forget about blockages.
Once every three months, pour products into the toilet that remove limescale and deposits from the surfaces of sewer pipes. And once a week you can resort to preventative cleaning with boiling water. Daily cleaning of the toilet, as well as flushing after each user, will help prevent the formation of urinary stone growths. Flushing should be done with plenty of water.
It is also useful to purchase special tablets for the toilet tank and gel blocks that are attached under the rim of the toilet.
Interestingly, the rough surface of a toilet bowl is prone to the appearance of growths, while owners of glossy sanitaryware models encounter this problem less often. The following measures can also be taken to prevent the formation of sewer “obstruction”:
- prevent the formation of rust and deposits on the surface of the toilet bowl and pipes;
- prevent leakage of pipes, tanks and other sewerage elements;
- eliminate small blockages at the first stages of their appearance.
