Nobody wants to deal with a blocked toilet, but knowing how to unlock it quickly is a valuable life skill. Clogged toilets, like changing a fuse or fixing a leaky tap, are something you'll likely encounter at least once in your life.
First things first, don't panic. There is often a simple explanation for the blocked toilet, and the reason for this rarely leads to system damage. It could be something that is in the U-curve or a simple case in which the wrong thing is flushed. If you're looking at a toilet bowl with water and garbage that can't go anywhere, try these simple steps.
Grab a flask
The easiest way to remove a blockage is to use a simple piston. This is exactly why many people hold a plunger next to the toilet. All you have to do is push the plunger into the bottom of the toilet and push it down to push air into the U-curve. Hopefully this should remove anything that blocks the way and allow you to flush the toilet as usual. If you don't have access to a plunger or can't release the blockage, read on for more ways to get your toilet up and running again.
Unlock a toilet without a piston
Learning how to unlock a toilet without a piston should be an essential life skill that everyone knows. There are several methods you can try, and all use items that you are likely to already have in your home.
Use a hanger
A wire hanger is the perfect length, shape, and thickness to remove blockages. Simply unwind the wire and insert the hook end into the toilet. You should be able to move and push it back and forth to try to clear blockages. If the perpetrator is something like a child's toy that was accidentally flushed out, this often helps to pull it out. Be ready with a trash bag so you can get rid of all the toys tied to the toilet.
Use detergent
This method can take a little longer, but is much less convenient. Start with a bottle of detergent. Pour a generous amount around the outer edge of the toilet along the waterline. Next, cross it over the top of the water to create a grid pattern. Let it sit for about 30 minutes. When you return, protect your floor with towels and then pour a bucket of water into the toilet. The rinsing liquid helps to alleviate the blockage, while the pressure of the water helps to get the blockage going. As soon as the water level has returned to normal, pour a kettle of hot water into the toilet to remove any residues.
Use a plastic bag
This method can take a few tries to get it right, but it can be very effective. First, lift the lid of the toilet and place a thick garbage bag over the toilet bowl. Glue them under the lip of the toilet bowl to create a seal. Flush the toilet and you should see the plastic cover balloon facing up. The flushing mechanism increases the pressure in the toilet bowl. If you have sealed it properly, the air can only get into the drain. When you press this plastic bag, pressure is created that should move the blockage on its way. You may have to try a few times, but this is a very effective method of unlocking a toilet.
