Are you faced with a dreaded clogged toilet? You don’t need to worry; unclogging toilets don’t have to be complicated and can easily be accomplished in your own home. Today, we will discuss the best methods how to unclog a push button toilets, which are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners.
Even if you’ve never done it before, by following some basic guidelines and simple tools that most households already possess, this process is much easier than it seems. Let’s get started!
9 Best Methods on How to Unclog a Push Button Toilet
1. Try a Plunger:
The plunger is the most common and effective tool for unclogging toilets. Start by filling the bowl with water to ¾ of its capacity before placing the plunger over the drain hole, creating a seal. Pump up and down vigorously several times and flush immediately when you see that the water starts draining.
2. Use a Plumber’s Snake:
This tool is also known as an auger and works well in toilets with larger clogs. Insert the snake into the toilet bowl, slowly turning it until you feel resistance, and push forward, breaking through the obstruction. When all of the blockages have been cleared, flush immediately.
3. Drench the Clog with Boiling Water:
This method is best for small clogs located in the trapway of a toilet. Begin by boiling water and slowly pouring it into the bowl, allowing it to fill up until the blockage dissolves. Then flush the toilet immediately to clear away any remaining debris.
4. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar:
For small clogs, this is a great option. Start by pouring 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar down the toilet, followed by 2 quarts of boiling water. This will produce a reaction that loosens the blockage and it should be cleared within a few minutes.
5. Make Use of Dish Detergent:
This is another great method for small clogs. Begin by pouring half a cup of dish detergent into the toilet, followed by 2 quarts of hot water, and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes. The soap should help break down the blockage, allowing it to be flushed away easily.
6. Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum:
This is best used for toilet clogs caused by objects that have been accidentally dropped into the bowl. Start by attaching the vacuum hose to the wet/dry vac and placing it over the opening of the toilet drain hole. Turn the vacuum on and let it run for a few minutes. The suction should be able to pull out the object causing the clog.
7. Use a Wire Hanger:
If you’re unable to locate the cause of the clog, this is an effective method for breaking through blockages in toilets with larger drains. Begin by straightening out a wire hanger and fashioning it into a hook. Insert the hooked end of the hanger into the toilet bowl and search for the blockage, pulling it out when you find it.
8. Use Handheld Plumbing Tools:
These tools can be purchased at most hardware stores and are specifically designed for unclogging toilets. They’re easy to use and more effective than a plunger or wire hanger. Begin by inserting the tool into the toilet bowl and turning it until you hit resistance, pushing through the blockage before flushing away any debris.
9. Try a Chemical Clog Remover:
If the above methods have not worked, you may need to resort to using chemical clog removers. These chemicals are usually sold in convenient cans and can be easily poured into a bowl. Be sure to read the directions carefully before use and wear gloves when handling these products.
When it comes to unclogging push-button toilets, these nine methods are your best bet. They’re simple and easy to follow, making them ideal for any homeowner. With a little bit of patience and the right tools, you should be able to resolve the problem with minimal effort. Good luck!
Additional Tips and Tricks to Unclog a Push Button Toilet
1. If plunging does not work, use a plumber’s snake to push through the clog. This is a long metal coil that can be pushed into your drain and pulled back out. It could be able to break up any blockage in your pipes. Be sure to wear gloves when using this tool, as it can be very sharp.
2. Another option is to try using a toilet auger, which is designed specifically for unclogging toilets. Insert the long metal cable into the toilet drain and crank it around to break up and remove any clogs from your piping.
3. If these tools are not successful in unclogging your toilet, you could try using chemical drain cleaners. These can be purchased at most hardware stores and pharmacies. While they are effective in removing clogs, it is important to use them according to the directions on the package as they can be harmful to your health if not handled correctly.
4. If all else fails, you may need to call a professional plumber. They will be able to assess the situation and determine if any additional measures need to be taken in order to unclog your toilet.
No matter what method you use, it is important to take the necessary precautions when trying to unclog a push-button toilet. Be sure to wear protective gloves and eyewear, and work in a well-ventilated area.
Things You Should Consider While Unclogging a Push Button Toilet
1. Invest in the Right Tools:
The most important tool you will need to unclog your push-button toilet is a plunger. Make sure that the plunger has an extended rubber cup at the bottom and is designed specifically for toilets. You may also want to get a snake-style auger, which can help break up blockages that are further down the pipe.
2. Locate the Blockage:
The blockage in a push-button toilet will typically be located near the bottom of the bowl, closer to the flush valve. The best way to identify it is to remove the top portion of your tank and check inside with a flashlight. This will give you a better view of the interior of your tank and allow you to locate the blockage.
3. Try Using a Plunger:
Once you have identified where the blockage is, it’s time to try unclogging it with a plunger. Make sure that the cup at the bottom of the plunger is firmly sealed against the opening of your drain. Then, plunge vigorously to create suction and draw out the blockage.
4. Consider a Chemical Cleaner:
If plunging doesn’t do the trick, you can always try using a chemical cleaner such as Drano or Liquid-Plumr to help break up any tough clogs. Make sure to follow the instructions on the package and wear protective gear such as gloves and eye protection when using these products.
With these considerations in mind, you should be able to unclog a push-button toilet with relative ease. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber for assistance. Good luck and happy plumbing!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know if My Push-button Toilet Is Clogged?
If you are having difficulty flushing the toilet or if it takes multiple attempts to complete a flush, this could be an indication that your toilet is clogged. Additionally, if water begins to back up into the bowl and does not drain away, this too is a sign that your toilet might be clogged.
What If My Push-button Toilet Does Not Unclog with a Plunger?
If your toilet is still clogged even after attempting to plunge the bowl, you may need to attempt a different strategy. You may want to try using an auger or snake. This tool can be used to break up any blockages located deep in the pipes, allowing water to flow freely again. If you cannot easily access the plumbing underneath your toilet, call a professional plumber to help unclog the toilet.
What Should I Do to Prevent My Push-button Toilet From Clogging?
To avoid clogged toilets in the future, you should make sure to not flush anything down the toilet that is not meant to be flushed. This includes items such as paper towels, baby wipes, and feminine products. In addition, you can also consider investing in a toilet tank cleaner to help maintain a clean and clear pipe system.
Finally, make sure that any water or sewage pipes connected to your toilet are not blocked, as this is often the cause of clogs in push-button toilets.
Conclusion
After reading this blog post, now you have enough knowledge about how to unclog a push button toilet effectively and safely. Unclogging your own push-button toilet isn’t nearly as challenging as you may have previously thought it to be! Toilets are essential for everyday life and having the ability to unclog your own can save time and money.
From running water to plungers, you can use a variety of methods to attempt to clean out your blocked toilet in no time. Not only that but if chemicals or other tools are still needed, you will know exactly what kind of equipment should be purchased in order for the job to be done properly. Keep these tips handy for any future issues so that you don’t have to suffer from an overflowing toilet ever again!