Potty Talk: How to Fix Your Clogged and Running Toilets

Home ownership has many wonderful benefits – sense of community, income tax savings, and the freedom to unleash your creativity on your property. But ownership also comes with its own set of responsibilities, and there’s no landlord to call for help.

If you haven’t had to deal with a clogged or running toilet, you will. Plumbing issues rank as one of the top 10 most common house problems in the U.S. and it’s no wonder, since the bathroom is the busiest room in a home.

Between the overzealous toilet paper users, precocious children and everyday life, a clogged toilet drain is very common. Don’t panic, and don’t reach for the over-the-counter drain cleaner! Powerful chemicals are not the answer. They sometimes work, but not always. And when they don’t work, you have a drain full of corrosive water on your hands. Instead, we recommend a solution using materials you’re likely to already have in your home.

If your toilet is clogged as a result of trying to flush too much waste, a combination of hot water, baking soda and vinegar will do the trick. Pour one cup of baking soda and two cups of vinegar into the toilet. The baking soda and vinegar create a chemical process that helps dissolve clogs. Be aware: the mixture will create quite a fizz. Next, add half a gallon of very hot, but not boiling water. Boiling water can crack porcelain. Let the mixture sit overnight. In the morning, go ahead and flush the toilet. Your clog should have cleared, but if not, it’s time to call in a professional.

We all recognize the sound of a running toilet … that recurrent sound of water filling up the tank regardless of whether it’s recently been used or not. While the sound can get a little irritating, the situation itself can be costly. Did you know a running toilet could waste up to 200 gallons of water per day? That’s a lot of wasted water! Thankfully, the situation can usually be resolved easily and swiftly.  Open the tank, flush the toilet, and ensure all the parts are working correctly, especially the flapper. Next, check the water line and the valve, and make any necessary adjustments. Finally, check the flapper and the flush valve.  Give  us a call if you think they need to be cleaned or replaced.

If you would like more detailed information, or help with your clogged or running toilets, visit us at raiderrooter.com.