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We all get drain clogs now and again. A clogged toilet is probably the least fun to unclog, but that doesn’t mean it has to be tough.  With regular maintenance, you can mostly avoid a clogged toilet, and if you do get a clog, there are a few things you can do before you have to call the experts (us!).

Unclogging a Toilet

A clogged toilet presents a challenge that most of us would rather not deal with. So, let’s focus on preventive maintenance first.  If you have an older home, you likely have pipes that have roots growing through them. This sort of blockage can cause problems as your waste water heads for the city system (or the septic tank).  Every now and again—once every couple of years at the least—you should have your pipes cleaned to ensure easy flow and avoid root blockage.

You can also get enzymes that break down waste. If you have a septic system, these are crucial to the health of your system. If you simply have too much waste at a specific moment in time, dishwashing liquid can help the waste break down enough to flush.  Don’t go overboard if you don’t want to deal with overflowing bubbles; a couple of good squirts should suffice, then you need to give it some time to work—just like with a baked on casserole dish.

Everyone knows about using a plunger (plumber’s helper) to loosen whatever is clogging a toilet, and—failing that—you can always try the hot water or baking soda and vinegar mixes that help shower and sink drains.

Remember that caustic chemicals are the wrong way to go, so work on maintenance first, then on fixes later. And regular flushes with boiling water will go a long way to preventing buildup in your pipes to start with.