People flush the strangest things down the commode. Whether it is on purpose or accidentally, toilets and pipes can get clogged with hair curlers, jewelry, pet fish lodged sideways, wads of paper and other substances. The clean and easy way to unclog a commode is to call a plumbing repair company, perhaps one that specializes in toilet repair. Another option is to grab the plunger by the horns, slip on a pair of rubber gloves get down to business.

Flushing a clogged commode more than once will not dislodge the clogged item. At best, it will do nothing. At worst, it will overflow the toilet. Place newspapers, old towels, or other absorbing materials around the toilet in case of overflow.

Using a plunger basically consists of holding it firmly by the handle and plunging the rubber stopper into the toilet bowl’s drainage hole. A plunger can be useless, however, if the rubber stopper is too big or too small to do the job effectively. Running a plunger under hot water before using it will make it softer and more pliable, which makes it better able to do its job.

If a plunger does not work, another method of unclogging a commode is to use a plumbing snake. These tools, also known as flexible augurs, are sold in most home improvement stores and general merchandise stores. Simply feed the auger into the pipe until the snake meets the obstruction. At that point, push through the obstruction so it becomes dislodged and is carried farther down the pipe or, if it will not budge, try to hook the snake around the obstruction to pull it back out the way it entered.

A wet and dry vacuum can also help dislodge a clog. First vacuum all the water out of the bowl, then place the vacuum hose into the drain. Create a seal around the drain with old towels or rags. Switch the vacuum on and push on the towels to create pressure in the pipes. If the vacuum is strong enough, it may be able to suck out the clogged item.

Household items, like liquid dish soap and baking soda, have also been known to unclog pipes. For the dish soap remedy, squirt several drops into the toilet bowl, followed by a bucket of hot tap water. Make sure the water is not boiling because it can crack the porcelain. Let the hot water sit in the bowl so it can soften the clogged material and clear the pipes. For the baking soda method, pour a small box of baking soda into the bowl, and add half a bottle of vinegar to the bowl. The baking soda and vinegar react with each other by foaming up and, hopefully, eating away at the clog. Let the baking soda and vinegar sit for a few minutes, then pour a gallon of hot tap water into the toilet bowl. If none of these methods work, consider calling a professional to take care of your problem.

Author Bio: Penny Lane has often called on the expertise of a Dayton plumbing repair specialist to fix plumbing issues in her large office building. She searched the term Dayton toilet repair to find a local company to come to her house for repair work.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: Dayton Plumbing Repair,Dayton toilet repair