How to clean the toilet: types of blockage and troubleshooting methods

It is believed that life in a private house requires its owners to take constant 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, troubleshooting systems is the concern of the housing office workers. In fact, residents of city apartments quite often face the problem of clogged toilets.

The water does not go away, it rises in the toilet bowl, an unpleasant smell appears - all these are “symptoms” of blockage. However, you can deal with it with your own hands.

There can be many reasons for clogging, but if we talk about the nature of clogging, then there are only two possible reasons.

• Unexpectedly and acute blockages occur as a result of objects falling into 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, voluntarily or involuntarily flushed down the toilet.
• Chronic blockages usually come on gradually.First, there is a difficulty in the outflow of water, which, more and more aggravated, turns into a complete absence of outflow. The causes of such blockage are organic deposits (fat, hair) and inorganic (salt deposits, scale contained in water) nature.

Clogged toilet is an unpleasant problem, which can be understood as 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 with a grin, recall the words of the song about the pierced "through the blue toilet". However, no one is able to completely insure against this trouble, which usually arises unexpectedly.

A blockage can be manifested by a slowdown or a violation of the outflow of water from the toilet bowl during flushing, an increase in the level of sewage in the inlet pipe, the appearance of an unpleasant odor and gurgling sounds, and a scream in the pipe. You can deal with all these difficulties on your own. If there is no possibility or desire to deal with 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 as an increase in the level of sewer water to such an extent that they pour out of the toilet bowl. Evidence of the criticality of the situation is a broken valve on a common pipe.In this case, you must immediately call the emergency service, and before they arrive, block the riser.

Often, water is drawn into the toilet bowl or other malfunctions appear due to improper design of sewer pipes. This may 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 exclusively on your own. The only way out is to dismantle the system, correct errors.

Sometimes the question arises or it is possible to clog the sewer with toilet paper. The answer is no, because modern products are completely soluble in water. However, the same cannot be said about ordinary paper for writing, drawing, and newspapers. The cellulose included in them swells under the influence of moisture, after which even a small lump of paper increases by 2-3 times and runs the risk of getting stuck in the pipe.

It is unacceptable to drain fat and used oil from pans, as it settles on the walls of pipes, eventually turning into a cork. The drunk tea poured into the toilet in the pipes turns into a real “cement” - the tea leaves crumple and compact. It is unacceptable to flush hygiene items, diapers, packaging film and plastic bags into the toilet. Who flushes these things down the toilet should not be surprised that he clogged.

One of the reasons why water does not drain from the bowl is the growth of a urinary stone. It appears on the surface of the toilet bowl and sewer pipes due to stagnation of urine in the device. This may be due not only to the fact that users do not press the drain button after urinating, but also for other reasons.So, a leaking tank contributes to the spread of mineral deposits. Defective or outdated plumbing with damage is also susceptible to urinary stone attack. Remains of urine and bacteria accumulate in cracks, scratches, recesses.

Could it be that the toilet is clogged because of the neighbors? If you live in an apartment building, yes. This is due to the peculiarities of the organization of the sewer system. The sewer riser is common for all residents of the house (a “line” of apartments above each other from the first to the last 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 toilet siphon of the neighbors. Instead of pulling him out, they pushed him into the common riser, where the foreign thing got stuck.

Evidence of blockage of the common riser at the level of the apartment above or below the floor is a gradual increase in the water level in the toilet. That is, it rises on its own. It will not be possible to eliminate such a blockage on your own, you need to promptly call the emergency service. To remove the blockage, the plumber will use a long cable or other device that can reach the blockage. In more advanced cases, they resort to dismantling the pipe.

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 some object is stuck in the drain. The use of various liquids that eliminate blockages is useless, because they cannot dissolve, for example, a stuck apple or rags.
• Chemical. Effective in the formation of blockage caused by deposits in the sewer pipe. The principle of operation of such funds is based on a chemical reaction, during which the blockage dissolves.

In some cases, only a combination of these methods can solve the problem. As a rule, this applies to cases where a foreign object is stuck in pipes with deposits. Pushing it with improvised means or cables does not help, so deposits are first dissolved. As a result of chemical action, 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.

Let's take a closer look at each of the methods.

Mechanical cleaning is effective if the toilet does not drain well, which is caused by a foreign object stuck in the pipe no further than the siphon. Armed with long gloves, a scoop and a bucket, you can begin to diagnose the problem. Your task at this stage is to scoop water out of the toilet as much as possible. After that, gently examine the space of the siphon with your hand. Soft objects can be removed by hand, hard objects can be removed with a wire, after bending its end.

You can try to clean the toilet with a bottle.The principle of operation is based on the possibilities of 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 its bottom, twist the neck with a lid. Start slowly immersing the resulting fixture into the toilet until you feel air resistance. At this point, sharply press the bottle even deeper into the toilet, and then quickly pull it out.

Such actions must be performed several times until the desired result is achieved.

After the first water hammers, it may seem that the situation remains unchanged. However, with each new manipulation, the object gradually moves towards a larger diameter pipe. That's why you need to make a "series" of water hammers. If there is no bottle at hand, use a stick or mop with rags wrapped around it. The diameter of the resulting winding should correspond to the diameter of the toilet inlet drain. The process is the same as when using a bottle.

A specialized tool for creating a water hammer is a plunger. Unlike homemade counterparts, it does not need to be placed in the outlet 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 water hammer, with which it is possible to remove the blockage. The procedure will be more effective if, for the duration of its implementation, the drain and overflow holes of plumbing in the bathroom and in the kitchen are closed.

The sink, tub and toilet blaster will also allow you to create a hydrodynamic impact. This device is equipped with a piston, with the help of which air is pumped into the blaster, a high pressure arises.After that, attach the unit to the drain hole, press the start button. The convenience of the device is that it has several nozzles for different diameters of the drain hole, therefore it is universal.

Another tool used by both professionals and laymen is a flexible plumbing cable. Made of metal, it has a spiral-shaped tip with a sharp point, due to which it breaks through 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 it).

Having broken through the blockage, you should make movements back and forth to get rid of deposits on the walls of the pipe and increase its internal diameter. A plumbing cable cannot completely eliminate the problem. This tool is an "ambulance" for blockages. After the outflow is restored, the sewer pipes should be cleaned with chemicals.

If there was no bottle, no plunger, no 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 that, the film is hermetically glued with adhesive tape around the entire circumference of the toilet lid. You must stretch the film from one edge of the toilet lid to the other, fix the canvas with tape.

After that, 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, provoking the occurrence of water hammer. The actions must be repeated until the blockage is broken or until it becomes clear that in your case the method is ineffective.

Chemicals can be store-bought and homemade. The easiest way to clean the toilet from deposits is boiling water. You have to pour it down the toilet. This method is effective only if the blockage is caused by the formation of a greasy plug in the pipe. The 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 apply it. You can add a little soda to boiling water or pour ¼ of a bottle of dishwashing detergent into the toilet beforehand. It is unacceptable to pour boiling water into the toilet if it has a thin connecting corrugation. In this case, just hot water is sufficient.

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 water to increase the concentration of the composition. After that, a pack of soda is poured into the drain hole. It should be given 15-20 minutes for the soda to settle on the surface of the pipe and blockage. After the specified time, 200 ml of vinegar 9% is poured. As a result of a chemical reaction, it is sometimes possible to break through the blockage in its thinnest place.

It is believed that solutions based on aggressive acids are most effective. They really corrode the blockage, and with it the surface of the sewer pipes. Such recipes should be used with caution and only if the entire sewerage 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, tablet.

Among the most popular are such funds as "Mole", Tiret, "Mr. Muscle", "Floop" (has the form of granules). When using them, protect your hands with gloves, do not allow the composition to get on the mucous membranes and skin. The product is poured or poured into the drain according to the instructions. After the time recommended by the manufacturer, flush the toilet with plenty of water.

On the Internet, you can find many original ways to clean the blockage with Coca-Cola. However, this drink will help in the fight against minor plaque on the surface of the toilet bowl. He is unable to break through the blockage. The whiteness cleaning method is also ineffective. It can be used as a prophylactic 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 hard brush. However, this method is practically not used, because after it the surface of the toilet bowl is covered with cracks and chips.

It is much more convenient and safer to use store-bought "chemistry" for plumbing coatings. “Mr. Muscle” in granules, Domestos Pink gel (designed specifically to combat blockages) and “Toilet Duck” demonstrated their effectiveness in the fight against significant growths of urinary stone.

As for folk methods, they exist. And sometimes they surprise with their radicalism. An effective means of metal pipes is the use of automotive battery electrolyte. First of all, you need to drain the toilet bowl, then pour the electrolyte on the problem area and leave for 1.5 hours. After a specified period of time, the plaque is cleaned off with a brush (it should not be non-metallic).

More conservative, but also effective ways are cleansing with citric acid or bleach (in powder form). To do this, pour a package of bleach or 4 packs of citric acid into the toilet drain, leave it overnight, then wipe off the deposits with a brush and rinse with water.

Not being able to contact the housing office or third-party specialists, many are forced to look for ways to clean at home, that is, on their own. However, this will not always work out - do-it-yourself elimination of blockage is possible if it was formed directly in the toilet drain channel. If the problem has affected 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 the sink in the kitchen, if it leaves unhindered, then you can try to clean the toilet yourself.

A small blockage can be cleared quickly and effectively with hot water and mustard. Dissolve 5 tablespoons of dry mustard in 10 liters of heated water. Quickly pour the composition into the toilet, and after 10 minutes, try to flush the water. If necessary, repeat the manipulations 2-3 times.

So, starting to eliminate the blockage, you should do the following:

• make sure the blockage is local. Otherwise, call the "emergency gang";
• 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 are overgrown with growths, use chemical cleaning products using store or folk methods. When exercising, protect your hands and respiratory organs;
• if the blockage occurred 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 in a combined way. This must be done by pouring a chemical agent. After the deposits are dissolved, it will be easier to get the item using one of the mechanical methods.

Regular maintenance can reduce the risk of blockages. First of all, make sure that no foreign objects get into the channel. Do not flush spoiled food, food waste and hygiene products into the toilet.If you empty the water after cleaning, make sure there is no rag, bar of soap, or other large items left in the bucket.

Water congestion can be caused by cat litter, various bedding for domestic rodents entering the pipes. At their core, they are wood or more modern materials that absorb moisture. It is easy to guess what will happen to the sawdust that gets into the water. They will simply absorb it into themselves and significantly increase in volume. So much so 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 to send a master. A plumber should also be called if blockages occur constantly for no apparent reason (that is, the rules for operating plumbing are not violated). Pipes may be mounted incorrectly or they are nearing the end of their service life. Replacing pipes and changing the way they are installed will allow you to forget about blockages.

Once every three months, fill the toilet with products that remove limescale and deposits from the surfaces of sewer pipes. And once a week, you can resort to preventive cleaning with boiling water. Daily cleaning of the toilet, as well as flushing after each user, will prevent the formation of urinary stone growths. Flushing should be done with plenty of water.

Interestingly, the rough surface of the toilet bowl is prone to build-up, while the owners of glossy sanitary ware models face this problem less often. We can also highlight the following measures 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, tank and other sewage elements;
• Eliminate small blockages in the early stages of their appearance.

For information on how to clean the toilet from blockage, see the following video.