Now that you have determined that the blockage is in the toilet U-trap, what do you do? Here, we will take a closer look at six methods you can use to unclog toilet when nothing works. You can try simple methods first.
1) Vinegar and Baking Soda Method
This is a very common solution for almost all types of blockages. Do you remember the chemistry lessons? When acid and base mix, a neutralization reaction begins which releases carbon dioxide and many bubbles.
The acid here is vinegar, and the base is baking soda. Vinegar and baking soda can be used to dissolve the blockage by allowing water to flow through the floor drain.
Combine the vinegar and baking soda in a bowl and pour them down the drain when they start to bubble. After ten minutes, add another pot of boiling water and close the drain lid.
2) Plunger
Using a plunger is a very easy way to clean out a floor drain. Since the blockage cannot go through the drain on its own, we squeeze it out and push it into the downpipe by applying pressure with a pump and vacuum.
Place the plunger in the hole. If necessary, apply petroleum jelly to the sides of the piston for a better fit.
Now push the plunger with full force several times. Do not worry. In the end, you will not pull the blockage off the floor – it will only drain into the drain. If clogged material comes out of the drain, dispose of it.
3) Drain Snake
A plumber’s snake or drain snake is a long steel wire with a round hook at the end for pulling out blockages in gutters, siphons, and pipes. Snakes come in manual guidance from an electric or manually curved “drum” snake.
Insert the snake into the drain until you feel resistance. When you get to the blockage, you will feel resistance. If you feel a sudden stop, it is probably a pipe joint or bends. Do not force the snake – continue to gently push it through the tube until you reach the clot.
4) Chemical Drain Opener
When the snake or piston is not working, it means that you are dealing with a very thick blockage, probably with a lot of greases. You need something stronger to dissolve it, and chemical drain openers can do the job.
If you are using a tablet drain opener, toss a couple of tablets into the floor drain overnight. This will give the tablets enough time to take effect and dissolve the blockage.
Sometimes a chemical drain opener will simply loosen the blockage. You may need to use a snake or plunger to remove it completely.
5) Bio Drain Solution
These are bacteria-based drainage solutions. This method is usually used by people who do not harm the environment and people who do not want harmful chemicals in their homes.
After adding the bio-drainage solution to the floor drain, wait as directed. The bacteria will swallow any organic matter and clear the blockage. Bacteria easily dissolve organic waste in a blockage. Bacteria can last longer than chemical solutions, but the overall effect is comparable.
Draining the bio-solution into the sewer, do not use boiling water immediately. This will kill the bacteria. Using any other chemical solution along with this type of drainage device will also kill bacteria.
The advantage of bio-drainage solutions is that bacteria will not damage your plumbing and are very safe to use.
6) Wet Vacuum
You can rent or buy a wet vacuum cleaner to clean the floor drain. This is a very effective method that works to remove most blockages from U-pipe traps.
You can start vacuuming up the blockage with a wet vacuum after removing the drain cover, or use another mechanical method first, such as a snake or auger.
If all else fails, then contact a reliable plumbing company. These plumbers based in Redditch are very reliable and are recommended if you are in the area.
