The toilet is clogged: how to clean it yourself at home? How to clean a toilet yourself: the best ways to remove blockages Hose and water jet.

Is your toilet clogged? No joke?... Then read this article carefully. About how to break through a clogged toilet and what to do to prevent the toilet from clogging.

If the toilet is clogged, then you have 3 methods at your disposal, which can roughly be called this:

1. Chemical.
2. Domestic.
3. Plumbing.

The choice of methods or their combination depends on what clogged the toilet.
(Remember what could have clogged the toilet and an action plan will immediately appear.)

There are the following blockages, for which these cleaning methods are used.

1. Clogging with organic matter.
The first option for a clogged toilet is a blockage only organic waste. If you know that the toilet contains only (or mostly!) organic matter, then you need to use the appropriate chemistry to dissolve it. That's all.

For sale special means for cleaning toilets and sewer pipes. They contain alkalis and acids that destroy organic matter. Contact the store and they will tell you....

But you can also use what you probably have on hand.

— Whiteness is an alkaline solution for cleaning the toilet. It is also suitable in high concentration for removing organic blockages. And no worse than a special means for cleaning sewers. Since they are most likely made on the same basis. Pour Whiteness into the toilet compacted with organic matter and wait.

— Lemon acid, is also an aggressive substance. But, again, a lot of concentration is needed. Remove excess water from the toilet and immediately pour out 5 bags.

- Just soda. Ordinary soda also corrodes organic matter. Pour more baking soda into the toilet if you don't have something more effective on hand.

If the chemical has worked and it is obvious that water is leaving the toilet, do not rush to flush. Let the acid work even longer. Add more funds to restore lost concentration. Rinse off after waiting time.

2. The toilet is clogged with small debris.
If the toilet is clogged not with organic matter, but with loose small debris, for example sand and pebbles, then we try the usual folk method cleaning the toilet - water hammer.


It can be created with a plunger, i.e. a common device used to push water not only in toilets, but also in sinks and bathtubs. By periodically pushing the plunger towards the drain, you create increased water pressure in front of it. By pulling back after a push, you create a vacuum. With consistent movements you can stir up a pile of debris.

If there is no such miracle device as a plunger, then you need to try to find a replacement for it. A simple rag will help. Place a rag in the toilet so that it covers the drain, then take a stick and push the rag in the water. The water hammer should be even worse... Don't have a rag? Well, then an empty plastic bottle will definitely be found. Cut off the bottom, grab the neck (with the plug!) and use it as the same piston. And the toilet passage will serve as a cylinder... In general, you need something area that would push the water and create a water hammer. With a high probability, by pushing the water you will be able to push a bunch of debris and it will come off with the water.

But after the initial cleaning, be sure to rinse the toilet with a couple of buckets of water.

3. Clogging of the toilet with large objects and viscous substances.
Lumpy or too large - fabric, clay, putty, lids, broken glass, stones, cellophane...

Now you will have to retrain as a real plumber and find out how he earns his living. You will need two accessories - long gloves and a plumbing cable.

A plumbing cable is a flexible cable with a neat tip on one side and a handle for rotation on the other. The only purpose it was created for is to clear clogged sewer pipes. Sold in stores.

If you have plastic sewer pipes, then you should not use wire or cables with scratchy ends or burrs along their length to clean them! You will definitely scratch the inside of the pipes with such a tool, and they will become overgrown with sediment. Or you will make holes altogether. Or undo the pipes. It is necessary to use a cable with a tip.

It is easier to work with a plumbing cable with two people. One worker pushes the cable forward, the second rotates the handle.
First you need to break through the blockage with a cable so that the water begins to drain. After this, you need to work with your own hands wearing gloves, trying to remove from the toilet what is in it in a wedged state.

If the water does not go away, then it needs to be scooped out. Pour in and scoop out again so that it clears.

Carefully! There may be broken glass or other sharp objects in the toilet. Rubber gloves are easily cut by them. Don't get hurt.

Combinations of the “Plunger”, “Cable”, “Plumber’s Hands” methods can cope with clearing a clogged toilet in 90 percent of cases. What happens in the remaining 9.5%?

It may not be possible to remove objects that are clogged from the front of the toilet. Then there is no need to relax, we will continue to work. We approach the toilet from the other side, disconnect the drain pipe and climb into the toilet from behind. Rather, the issue can be resolved this way. Can't you approach the toilet from behind? Then we dismantle it and turn it back to front...

It is possible that the toilet is tightly clogged with an adhesive-hardening substance - cement, epoxy, putty, paint. Well, you know...

Here is a video showing a sewer cleaning cable. It becomes clear, at least what he looks like... but no more...

Why does the toilet clog?
The answer is obvious, and it is (almost) the only one. Because they flushed (threw) down the toilet something that should not be thrown there. Here are the prizes for the trash that most often ends up in the toilet and which should not be thrown into the toilet.

What should I do to prevent the toilet from clogging?

• 1. Place a bucket next to the toilet toilet paper and for any other garbage. Now the garbage that you want to throw in the toilet will need to be thrown into a bucket.
• 2. Try to be vigilant around the toilet. Remember that many substances (cement, sand, glue, paint, gypsum, lime...) cannot be poured down the drain. They need to be thrown in the trash.
• 3. Treat the toilet with acidic substances that corrode limescale. This plaque narrows the toilet opening and increases the risk of clogging.

Waste that contains not heavy (like stone) but light! solids can be flushed into the toilet. But not in cluttered portions, but little by little, with the obligatory intermediate draining of water from the tank.

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Normal functioning is required 24 hours a day. But such emergencies arise unexpectedly. It is not always possible to quickly arrange a visit from a plumber. In any case, turning to specialists will involve certain costs. However, you can quickly solve the problem if the toilet is clogged. How to clean the drain yourself is described in detail in this article. Besides different instructions and methods, data on effective preventive measures is provided here.

Typical cleaning products are not always effective. More effective methods need to be used

All toilets, supported on the floor and connected to central riser through a special section of the pipeline. It forms a hydraulic seal that freely allows wastewater to flow into the sewer system, but prevents the return of unpleasant odors. Its complex shape can become an obstacle to moving large and hard objects.

It is clear that when using the “floor” option, it is easiest to ensure high-quality drainage. If release applies horizontal type, you should minimize the distance to the vertical section, or create the necessary slope further.

When wrong installed system and errors during use, contaminants may accumulate inside of different nature. The most difficult ones are deposits of calcium salts. They are formed when water is very hard. Delete them mechanically difficult, due to the fairly high strength of the blockage. The use of potent chemicals

(acids) can also damage pipeline components. The next group of problems is explained by violation of operating rules. These engineering systems created using pipes large diameter . However, they can also be clogged with porous bulk cat litter, baby diapers, and other foreign objects. In the most difficult situations

None of the cleaning methods will be effective. It is much wiser to eliminate problems of this type than to deal with unpleasant consequences.

• The information provided allows us to draw preliminary conclusions about useful preventive measures: When choosing plumbing fixtures and during installation, you should pay attention to the free passage of drains. The corresponding route should not be too difficult. Be sure to comply with the standards for the distance to the central vertical pipe
• and tilt in her direction.
• If old pipes are being replaced, it is better not to reduce the diameter. Corresponding changes are made only after careful calculations and consultations with competent specialists.
• During operation, do not throw foreign objects into the toilet. This rule is easier to follow than to break through a clog in the toilet at a great distance from the drain hole.

It will be useful to regularly use special products to clean the internal walls of the pipes of the sewerage system. For your information! It is recommended to always close the toilet lid during cleaning. repair work

so that construction debris does not get into it.

The toilet is clogged: how to clean the drain yourself using different methods We discussed above. But sometimes problems arise for design reasons. They cannot be eliminated by preventive measures until overhaul. In any case, there is no need for hasty action if the toilet does not drain water. What to do is described below, but do not try to immediately apply a complete drain. Some tanks accumulate more than 3 liters of water, so you can fill the entire floor with sewage using such manipulations. To avoid additional troubles, turn off the supply valve. To test the effectiveness of the system, single doses of liquid of no more than 1-1.5 liters will be used.

It will be useful to regularly use special products to clean the internal walls of the pipes of the sewerage system. The simplest additional diagnostics is to check the drainage from the shower, and other connected plumbing fixtures. If it does not function, then the blockage is in common pipe. Solve this problem on our own V multi-storey building It won’t work, so you’ll have to call specialists.

What can you do if you don’t have a toilet plunger?

You should carefully remove it out. If you don't have rubber gloves of the appropriate length, use regular plastic bags.

This product is inexpensive, takes up little space, and is not difficult to use. These arguments are enough to purchase a plunger. Select a model with a suitable diameter of the flexible part. It should be 1-2 cm larger than the drain hole.

It is created from ordinary plastic containers appropriate sizes (1.5-2 liters). The bottom is cut off straight. Screw the lid tightly. The tool is inserted into the drain hole and several sharp movements are made in and out. Interestingly, some professionals successfully use this product to unclog toilets. Once the appropriate skills have been developed, it can create even more hydraulic pressure than a standard plunger.

This product will not damage plumbing and pipes. But with the help of this device you can penetrate 1.5-2 meters inside the drainage system. If the riser is located nearby, this will be quite enough. To make it easier to pass through kinks, the hose is rotated. It is convenient to work with household gloves. They provide a secure grip and protect your hands from dirt and scratches. During the procedure, add water so as not to miss the moment of removing blockages.

The next available device is a small bag tied to a string (1.5-2 m). It is filled with sand, but not with nuts or stones, so as not to damage the ceramics. The “impact” device is lowered into the drain area, holding the other end of the string in your hand. After draining the water, you can try to destroy a not too strong blockage at a fairly large distance. The used product is removed and thrown into the trash can.

The toilet is clogged: how to clean the system at home using improvised and special chemical compounds

Their effectiveness should be studied separately. We can only note that such drugs are tested quite often. Research results are not difficult to find on forums and thematic sites on the Internet. When using such products, follow the rules official instructions. They indicate the maximum processing time, temperature and other additional conditions.

It will be useful to regularly use special products to clean the internal walls of the pipes of the sewerage system. Some particularly aggressive chemical compounds should be used with caution. They can damage polymer and metal sewer components. When evaporated, they significantly deteriorate the composition of the atmosphere. In some cases, intensive ventilation of the room is necessary.

There is actually an effective method. It is used if the toilet is clogged and there are no special chemicals at hand. What to do at home is described in the following step-by-step instructions:

• Take 250-300 g of sodium bicarbonate. There is no need to be afraid of difficulties - this is ordinary baking soda. For this procedure, 1/2-3/4 of a standard pack is enough. The required portion is poured into the drain hole in one dose. Push the powder deeper with a plastic brush.
• Immediately after this, pour 250-300 ml into the toilet table vinegar(standard concentration – 9%).
• These substances activate alkaline chemical reaction. Under its influence, not only fats, but even calcium deposits decompose. The duration of the operation is from 15 to 25 minutes.

Upon completion, pour 2-3 liters of boiling water into the drain, or rinse with hot water. The second method is preferable if polymer pipes are installed.

Important! Standard PVC pipes for sewerage, depending on the modification, they are designed for operating temperatures from +40°C to +60°C. Similar restrictions should be taken into account in relation to corrugated connecting elements that are used to connect toilets to the sewerage system.

How to unclog a toilet: professional technologies

The principle of this technology is clear from the figure. When rotating the hose, you have to overcome the frictional forces between it and the walls of the plumbing system. In this embodiment, this problem does not exist, since the shell moves only in the longitudinal direction. The rotational movements of the inserted inside are transmitted to the working tool in the end part.

There is no need to worry if there is a clog in the toilet. With the help of the information presented, anyone can figure out what to do. It is necessary to understand that improvised devices are suitable, rather, for unexpected emergency situations. It is better to choose and purchase suitable ones in advance effective means. Chemical compounds are suitable for regular and preventive measures, as they have a limited shelf life.

Few people think about how to remove a clog in the toilet until the device stops functioning normally. But as soon as it becomes clogged, the eternal question immediately arises: what to do. Let's look at how to clean a toilet at home using improvised means, household tools and special preparations.

Sewage device

Sewer system apartment building was developed by engineers back in the last century. Standard scheme The collector in an apartment is a system of connecting all pipes into a single transport line, in which, due to the slope, the drains move by gravity into the house riser. Their further transportation from the house is carried out in the direction of a centralized collector. To ensure ventilation of the sewer system, top part

• the house riser goes to the roof. At the lowest point of the apartment sewage system, a tee for entering the house riser is installed:
• the diameter of one of the tee branches is 100 mm and a toilet and bidet are connected to it;

the other two outlets have diameters equal to 50 mm: bathroom plumbing is connected to one of them, kitchen appliances are connected to the other. To prevent unpleasant odor A water seal is used in plumbing designs. It is a water barrier that forms in a curved channel technical device

when filled with water. At the time of wastewater discharge, the water seal ensures the passage of wastewater and prevents blockages. After draining the water, the water seal is renewed. Most often, the turning points in the residential sewage system become clogged.

1. Pipes connecting the technical devices of the kitchen, bathroom and toilet with the input tee are installed at a slope towards the riser. This required condition
2. uninterrupted passage of wastewater in the pipeline with a gravity sewer system.
   • Pipe slope parameters according to SNiP:
   • for pipes with a diameter of 50 mm - 3 cm per meter of pipeline;
   • for pipes with a diameter of 50 to 100 mm - 1.5–2 cm per 1 m of pipeline;
3. if the diameter is more than 100 mm, then the slope should be 0.8 cm for each meter of pipeline. In places where the wiring turns, it is not recommended to install pipes at right angles.

Instead of one corner connection at 90 o, it is advisable to make two at 135 o. This design will significantly increase the throughput of the sewer pipeline and reduce the risk of blockage.

A water seal is a part of an apartment’s sewer system that prevents the formation of blockages and unpleasant odors.

Why a home toilet may become clogged: the main reasons

1. Blockages in the toilet and sewer system occur for technological, mechanical or operational reasons.
2. Technological causes of blockage are associated with errors and inaccuracies during the design or installation of the sewer system. Such errors include: incorrect pipe slope, rectangular fitting, insufficient cross-section of the connecting pipe, incorrect installation of the toilet. Frequent blockages that arise due to technological errors can be eliminated only by re-installing the plumbing and sewer pipes. Mechanical causes of blockage are associated with foreign objects getting into the toilet water seal and sewer pipes. For example, it is unacceptable to throw paper, cat litter, food debris, construction waste, etc. into the toilet. By following the rules for using plumbing, you can prevent mechanical blockages.
3. To remove the blockage, mechanical cleaning methods will be required. Operational causes of blockage are due to long-term operation of the equipment. When using a sanitary appliance, fatty deposits form on the inner walls of the toilet and sewer pipes over time. Small debris, such as hair, tea leaves, etc., sticks to them, which increases the size of the growth and thereby reduces the diameter for the passage of wastewater. Accelerates operational blockages, for example, pouring greasy liquids into the toilet.

You can clear the blockage using chemical, hydraulic or mechanical cleaning methods.

If water does not drain only from the toilet, then the blockage may be in the water seal or at the junction of the device with the sewer pipe. It can be eliminated independently or with the assistance of a specialist. management company at the expense of the tenant.

If water does not drain from all sanitary fixtures installed in the apartment, then the blockage is in the house riser. A sign of such a global blockage is the filling of the bathtub wastewater from the sewer through the drain hole. Elimination of blockages in the house riser is carried out by emergency services utility company immediately.

How to clear a clogged plumbing fixture yourself

If your toilet is clogged and you decide to fix the problem yourself, the methods suggested below will help you with this.

Cleaning using traditional methods

To solve various problems, in parallel with professional methods, there are many folk ways. In some cases, the use of various improvised means replaces professional methods. But it happens the other way around, when professional tools and means are developed and put into production based on folk methods.

How to clean a drain using a brush and a plastic bottle

One of the popular ways to remove a blockage in the toilet is to clean it using a plumbing brush and a regular plastic bottle, which replace the plunger.

1. Use a brush to clean the water seal of the toilet. If you manage to reach the blockage, it will be destroyed.
2. Change the bottle a little before use: cut off the bottom. The bottle cap must be closed.
3. To remove the blockage, you need to lower the bottle all the way into the toilet drain hole. By making intense back-and-forth movements up and down, thereby creating pressure differences, you can remove the blockage.

Using a brush and a regular plastic bottle, you can remove a clogged toilet.

A quick way to break through a blockage using a brush and a plastic bottle - video

Removing blockages using film and tape

You can effectively remove the blockage using thick polyethylene or vinyl film and double-sided tape. The film should not be deformed, and its size and shape should be no less than the toilet lid.

1. Lift the toilet lid and seat.
2. Attach double-sided tape along the rim of the ceramic toilet bowl. It should be a closed continuous line.
3. Cover the surface of the toilet with film. Secure the film by pressing it at the points of contact with the tape. Thus, you create a hermetically sealed closed space inside the bowl of a clogged toilet.
4. Press the toilet flush button. If you did everything correctly, the film will swell. If this does not happen, check the integrity of the film, the tightness of its connection to the toilet and repeat the procedure.
5. Press down on the film, trying to return it to its original position. By doing this, you will create pressure on the contents of the toilet bowl and destroy the blockage.

How to clean a toilet using film and tape - video

Other ways to clean toilet fixtures

If you are sure that the blockage in the toilet is of an operational nature, you can try to eliminate it using any means that destroy fats. For example, using bleach or dishwashing detergent. Hot water dissolves fat well. So sometimes it is possible to destroy the blockage by simply flushing hot water from the shower into the toilet.

Pouring boiling water into the toilet is strictly prohibited! This leads to the formation of cracks in the toilet bowl.

You can effectively remove operational blockages using mustard. This is an environmentally friendly way.

1. To clear the blockage, you can pour half a glass of dry mustard into the toilet drain hole and stir with a brush.
2. To achieve a better result, mustard powder can be pre-dissolved in warm water and then pour it into the toilet.
3. After 2 hours, rinse with water.

How to Clear a Toilet Paper Clog Using Baking Soda

You can eliminate operational blockages using regular baking soda, which in most cases is available to every housewife.

1. Dissolve half a pack of soda in warm water.
2. Pour into the toilet drain hole.
3. After 2 hours, rinse the toilet with water.

There are more effective method using baking soda. Since the soda solution is alkaline, if you heat it in a frying pan, it will become more active and will be better able to cope with the blockage. For this you will need:

• 150 g of baking soda (about 5 heaped tablespoons);
• 200 ml water;
• pan.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Pour baking soda into a frying pan and heat over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring continuously. By the end of the process, the release should stop carbon dioxide, and the soda will become more flowable.
2. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool for 10 minutes. This is a prerequisite necessary to prevent burns when the substance is combined with water.
3. Pour the resulting powder into a working container and add 200 ml of water to it. Mix well. The sodium carbonate should either completely dissolve in the water or leave a small residue.
4. Pour the resulting light brown solution into the toilet drain hole.
5. After 2 hours, rinse the toilet with plenty of water.

Special chemicals

To solve problems with a clogged toilet, you can use special products that are widely presented on the shelves of hardware stores by manufacturers. chemical industry. When using chemicals, you must strictly follow the instructions for the drug: use the specified dosage and do not violate safety precautions. It is unacceptable to use several means at the same time. IN best case scenario this will not give any effect, and at worst, the reaction when combining drugs will be unpredictable. After clearing the blockage, the toilet should be rinsed thoroughly with water.

Pothan is an effective chemical for removing clogged toilets.

Review of chemicals for cleaning toilets - table

Cleaning the toilet with a plunger

A plunger is a very simple but effective tool for unclogging a toilet. Designed for situations where, due to blockage, water does not drain from the appliance bowl. It has simple design: a rubber bowl mounted on a plastic or wooden handle.

1. Cover the toilet drain hole with the bowl of the plunger, thereby completely immersing it in water.
2. Press the handle firmly and make several back-and-forth movements up and down, without lifting the bowl of the plunger from the surface of the toilet.
3. Remove the instrument from the water.
4. Repeat the procedure several times until the blockage is completely removed.

The principle of operation of a plunger: by pressing on the plunger handle, we create hydraulic pressure on the water column in the toilet water seal, as a result of which the blockage breaks through.

Cleaning the toilet with a “doll”

A small bag made of thick fabric and filled with sand - a “doll” - is used to quickly remove blockages. It should fit freely into the toilet drain hole. A clothesline or strong cord is firmly tied to the bag.

1. Place the device into the toilet drain hole. In this case, the rope should not be taut, but its edge must be held tightly.
2. Flush the toilet. The “doll”, driven by the flow of water, will move along the flow and, thanks to its own mass, will push through the blockage.

The effectiveness of this method raises a number of questions.

1. The first thing you should pay attention to is that if the toilet is clogged and the water does not drain or drains slowly, then there will be no movement of the “doll” along with the flow of water, because there is no flow itself.
2. The second, but no less important question is where to store the device after use or is it simply disposable. If you have to throw it away after each use and constantly remake it for the next blockage, then it turns out to be troublesome, expensive and ineffective.

Using a cable to clean a toilet yourself

Using a cable to unclog a toilet is the most effective way remove any blockages. That is why professionals always first try to clean the toilet using a cable and only then move on to other methods, for example, disassembling the structure. To remove blockages in the apartment sewer system, soft vibrating cables are used. For standard wiring, it is enough to have a 3 m long cable. Since the toilet is always installed in close proximity to the house riser, a 1 m long cable is suitable for cleaning only the toilet. When using a short tool, one person can carry out the cleaning work. If it has a length of 3 m or more, the work is performed by two people.

1. The cable is lowered with its working side into the drain hole until it comes into contact with the blockage. It must be taut; no loops are allowed to form.
2. Slowly rotating the cable handle clockwise moves the cable deeper, thereby destroying the blockage.
3. For complete cleansing, the procedure is repeated several times.

Rotating the vibration cable handle counterclockwise may cause the cable to break.

When should you call a plumber?

The help of a specialist is necessary in any situation when it is not possible to solve the problem on your own. If the blockage is in the house riser and the bathtub is filled with sewage through the drain hole, a plumber must be called urgently.

In this case, it is necessary to turn off the water at the water supply riser and ask neighbors on the upper floors not to use the sewer until the blockage is cleared. Then you should contact the emergency service of the management company.

Preventing blockages

• The best prevention of toilet blockages is to follow the rules for using plumbing:
• use devices for their intended purpose;
• do not throw leftover food, a lot of paper, tampons and other hygiene products and garbage into the toilet;

Rinse the toilet with water after each use: this will prevent the formation of deposits on its internal walls and pipes.

1. Additionally, you can do salt prophylaxis for the toilet once every one or two weeks.
2. In the morning or evening before going to bed, pour one glass of salt into the toilet drain hole. Having dissolved in the water of the water seal, the salt turns into a saline solution, which effectively corrodes fatty deposits on the inner surface of the toilet.

After 8-10 hours, flush the toilet with water. Compliance with these simple rules

will save you from problems with toilet blockages. After reviewing the proposed methods, choose for yourself the best way

unclogging the toilet. Once the problem is resolved, it is worth thinking about how to prevent a similar situation from reoccurring in the future. A clogged toilet is like a natural disaster - it occurs suddenly, requires immediate action and turns the life of household members into a real nightmare. The vast majority of people immediately begin frantically digging through the phone book in search of the treasured telephone number of the housing office emergency service. But hopes for brave and fast plumbers begin to fade over time - utility services

They're not really in a hurry to help. In this regard, you have to think about independent measures to remove the blockage and resume your usual way of life, without going to your neighbors “out of need.”

It is important to determine this in order to take adequate measures to eliminate the problem, as well as in order to prevent an unpleasant situation in the future.

Causes of clogged toilets

1. The causes of clogged toilets are as follows: The toilet was clogged with paper. This is the most common reason
2. . If the toilet is installed by laymen without observing a certain slope and other requirements, then there is a high probability that it will constantly clog. Still, there are standards that are important to adhere to in this matter.
3. Absent fan pipe or a valve that equalizes the pressure in the sewer pipe. This disrupts the flow of water and, as a result, the plumbing may become completely clogged. This small nuance is very important.
4. Sometimes the reason is the toilet itself. The modern assortment is very wide. But at the same time, on store shelves a person can find not only ones that are not well thought out, with defects that will only open after some time of use. It will not be possible to exchange such a product, as it is a hygiene item.

Taking a closer look at these reasons, you will most likely find among them what caused your toilet to clog.

What to do if the toilet is clogged

There are several ways to deal with a blockage in a sewer pipe. They differ in price and effort that will have to be put in. In the article we will write about everyone, and you will choose what you like and can afford.

You can clean the toilet at home:

• physically, by pulling out the “plug”;
• pushing the blockage further into the pipe;
• by dissolving the barrier with some chemical agent.

In terms of their effectiveness, all three methods are approximately the same, but in terms of labor costs and cost, they are not. The cheapest way is to remove the blockage physically, relying only on your own strength. And the easiest way is to use store-bought chemicals, which will save you labor.

Mechanical methods for clearing blockages

Many homes may have the necessary items - a plumbing cable and a plunger. If the devices are not in the apartment, they can be easily purchased in specialized stores. Or try using traditional methods of getting rid of blockages - as practice shows, these methods are just as destructive to blockages. There are several options for cleaning pipes - cleaning methods can be easily combined and selected depending on your desire. All methods have been tested over tens of years and thousands of people.

1. The most famous mechanical method– . A vacuum is used here. The plunger is lowered as deep as possible. Then you will need to press on it and sharply pull it towards you. The action will have to be repeated several times. If the method does not help with the blockage, then you should turn to pressure. The plunger cap is installed on the edge of the drain along the liquid cut. Before receiving desired results, press down firmly with the plunger several times.
2. Second known method getting rid of blockages - . At its end it is possible to attach special devices (a pick, a hook or a screw), with the help of which they clean the pipe, break through the blockage or pull out its individual parts. The cable is lowered into the toilet and pushed forward until resistance occurs. Then they begin to rotate the handle clockwise, and then pull out the dirt with a cable. It’s better to prepare a basin or trash bin and a rag in advance - it will be dirty.

Cleaning the toilet using traditional methods

A quick way to clean a drain with boiling water

The first method suggests clearing the clog using boiling water.

1. Boil a bucket of water.
2. Pour its contents into the toilet at a right angle, working as quickly as possible.
3. If the water starts, you should repeat the procedure several more times.

Such simple steps are able to rid the sewer system of simple blockages.

Baking soda will help remove simple blockages in the toilet.

• The second method is to use baking soda.
• Pour ½ pack of baking soda into the toilet.

Baking soda, which is an active alkali, can dissolve simple blockages, ensuring the functionality of your plumbing.

How to break through a toilet clog using mustard

Another popular method for dealing with such blockages is based on the use of mustard.

1. Heat 10 liters of water.
2. Place 5 teaspoons of mustard in hot water (1 teaspoon of mustard per 2 liters of water).
3. Pour the resulting mixture into the toilet.
4. After a few minutes, drain the water.

If necessary, use the composition several times.

Video: The toilet is clogged, what should I do? How to clear a clog?

Chemical compositions for cleaning

If the cause of the blockage is education limescale, you can try to soften it using any quality compounds, intended for this purpose:

Domestos: in addition to Domestos itself, the group of these fairly inexpensive and quite effective cleaning products also includes the Cif brand, produced by the same manufacturer;

• Domestos-gel
• Procter&Gamble: able to cope not only with plaque, but also with rust;
• Cillit: a widely advertised product is also quite suitable for cleaning even heavy deposits;
• Jonson&Jonson: used for cleaning hard-to-reach places, has packaging in the form of a “toilet duck” - a tube with a curved dispenser spout, which allows you to pour the composition along the rim of the toilet, simultaneously cleaning the accumulated plaque in this area;
• Tiret: a product for removing limescale deposits and preventing them;
• Sanita Gel: another high-quality product from a Russian manufacturer.

If you have already encountered the problem of clogs and know some other brands of products that can clear plaque from your plumbing, you can certainly use them. We have listed only the most famous manufacturers, whose products really work (unless, of course, you buy a fake).

Before using any composition, be sure to read the instructions. Most of these cleaners are designed for use in drains with cast iron or plastic pipes. Unfortunately, steel pipes they can cause damage.

Read also:

Video: How to unclog a toilet yourself without difficulty at home

It's hard to imagine a modern apartment house without properly working plumbing fixtures, especially the toilet. However, even the best quality plumbing fixtures can clog sooner or later. And this happens at the very inopportune moment. So, your toilet is clogged, what should you do? This article will tell you how to clear clogs at home.

How are sewer systems arranged in apartment buildings?

Sewerage in apartments is necessary to eliminate liquid waste and sewage. Therefore, the places where this waste is collected - the kitchen sink, toilet, bathtub - are equipped with an outlet line through which they enter the sewer riser. All apartments located above each other are connected to it.

Typically the diameter of the riser does not exceed 100 mm. The pipe for it is usually made of plastic. Plastic pipes less susceptible to blockage accumulation. The surface of their walls is smooth and, unlike cast iron pipes free from burrs and various types of defects. Thanks to this, “overgrowing” of the riser section is practically eliminated.

Sewage system design

To make it easier to clean pipes in the risers of high-rise buildings, each floor is equipped with additional holes, and the standard configuration of all plumbing is as follows:

• drain hole;
• pipe with inlet to the riser;
• riser.

Any of these areas can become clogged. There are several reasons for this.

Causes and location of blockage

Attention! Before choosing a method for cleaning the toilet, you first need to determine the cause, extent and location of the blockage.

Among the main causes of blockages, the following can be noted: improper operation, “growth” of plaque on cast iron or metal pipes, incorrectly installed toilet.

In most cases, a clogged toilet can be caused by household items that do not fall under the category of liquid waste. For example, garbage after renovation, cat litter, floor rags. A diaper thrown into the toilet causes great harm to the sewer system. The sorbent from which it consists gets wet and swells in water, completely clogging the pipe.

Often the cause of clogged drains is household waste that is not intended for disposal through the sewer system.

TO possible reasons frequent drain clogging can be attributed to incorrect choice toilet. Modern models that fit well into the bathroom design are not always suitable for sewer systems old apartment buildings. Therefore, when purchasing a modernized toilet you like, take an interest in its technical characteristics.

Important! It is not always your fault that the water does not drain from the toilet or drain in your apartment. A clogged drain can be caused by your upstairs or downstairs neighbors.

In case of minor blockage, water flows out in a slow stream. But it happens that the pipe is completely clogged and prevents even the slightest exit. You can determine the degree of blockage by pouring 1 liter of water into the toilet. After 30 minutes, see if it comes out. If the water comes out, you can remove the blockage yourself. Under no circumstances use a tank to check, since if it is completely clogged, all the water flowing from it can pour onto the floor without going into the sewer.

To avoid flooding the bathroom, do not drain the water from the tank if it is clogged.

This is followed by checking the locality of the blockage. Turn on the water in the kitchen and bathroom. See if it goes well. If water comes out as usual, then most likely the toilet pipe is clogged. The weak outflow of water in the bathroom and kitchen characterizes the problem with common pipes. As a rule, such blockages require more serious measures.

Ways to clear a clogged toilet

Three proven methods will help in the fight against simple blockages: mechanical, chemical or cleaning with a plunger.

• scoop out all excess water from the toilet;
• add ½ pack of soda, pour in 200 ml of technical (9%) vinegar;
• wait 20 minutes;
• pour 2 liters into the toilet hot water(do not use boiling water).

If all of the above methods did not help, then you are dealing with a complex, most likely coked blockage. To fix it you will need special device- plumbing cable. Its design is quite simple - it is a long piece of steel wire equipped with a handle at one end and a tip at the other. The principle of operation of the cable is as follows: the tip penetrates into the clogged area in the pipe and, having broken through it, clears the way for drain water.

You can use regular baking soda as a cleaning agent.

It is preferable to work with the cable together: one person rotates the handle, while the other pushes the tip into the line, making rotational and translational movements with it. For greater maneuverability in the sewer pipe, make circular movements with the cable. As a result, the cause of the blockage can be removed or pushed into the riser. You can check the result by draining all the water from the barrel. Before working with the cable, be sure to cover the floor near the toilet with an unnecessary rag so as not to smear it with sewage dirt.

When you need to urgently call a plumber

In most cases, a blockage that occurs before the riser is relatively harmless. You can deal with it on your own using the above methods. An urgent call to a plumber is necessary in a situation where the water level in the toilet gradually rises on its own. This can only mean one thing - the blockage occurred in the common riser pipe in the apartments below or above your floor. With this blockage, working on the principle of communicating vessels, sewage quickly reaches and overflows over the edges of the toilet. This problem cannot be solved by improvised methods. A called plumber will insert a long cable into the inspection hatches and clean the riser from accumulated dirt.

If you cannot clear the blockage yourself, call a specialist immediately

Preventing toilet blockages

Regular cleaning will help you avoid problems with the toilet in the future. preventive measures and compliance with simple rules for using the toilet and sewerage:

• do not use the toilet as a garbage disposal (do not throw food or household waste into it);
• once every two to three months, prevent salt deposits using chemicals;
• even the slightest blockage must be completely eliminated to prevent more global blockages;

Don't throw trash in the toilet

• do not throw diapers into the toilet;
• outsiders small items keep away from the toilet;
• Explain clearly and often to children general rules using the toilet;
• Drain using plenty of running water.

It's a pity that few people adhere to these rules. After all, other residents of the house can clog the riser, but you can get hurt.

How to unclog a toilet: video

Removing a clogged toilet: photo