Did you know that you can use baking soda to unblock a toilet? It’s a simple, natural process and it takes less than 20 minutes to do. Here are the steps you need to take regarding how to unclog a toilet with baking soda:
1. Adjust the water level in the bowl to Halfway Full
Use a cup or scoop to gently remove water from the bowl until it reaches halfway up between “full” and “empty”. Make sure to do this carefully and slowly so that you don’t overshoot and remove too much water — there should still be enough left behind so that it can be flushed away properly after you used the baking soda treatment on it.
2. Add one Cup of Baking Soda into the Bowl
Pour one cup of baking soda into your toilet bowl. The chemical reaction between the baking soda and the existing blockage will help to start to break up any tough clogs quickly and effectively.
3. Allow the Fizzing Baking Soda to sit for 20 minutes
The baking soda reacts with the existing blockage in your toilet bowl creating a chemical reaction that results in carbon dioxide gas bubbles forming.
If your clog is due to flushing certain foods such as soft drinks, ketchup, and cereal, then the hydrochloric acid contained in the clog encounters baking soda’s base ingredients — sodium bicarbonate and water.
This creates an effervescence which then generates carbon dioxide gas bubbles and foam — like what you experience with other bubbling cleaning products like dish soap or laundry detergent.
Tip: Don’t Panic! Learn the Art of Plunging to Keep Your Pipes Flowing Freely
The pressure created by these bubbles is then enough to help loosen stubborn clogs and move them through the pipes more easily.
4. Checked to see if the toilet is Unblocked
Flush your toilet and see what happens — if the water in the bowl rises rather than going down then this could mean that there is a clog somewhere in the line.
Finally, flush your toilet several times and listen carefully for any gurgling noises coming from inside — this could indicate a stuck clog further down in your pipes or sewage line.
Can You Leave Baking Soda and Vinegar in Toilet to Unclog?
Many people have heard that mixing baking soda and vinegar will create a fizzing reaction — but can you leave this mixture in your toilet for an extended period to unclog it? The answer is yes, but with some important considerations.
Baking soda and vinegar are both highly effective at dissolving soft blockages such as hair and soap scum, meaning they can be a great DIY fix if you’re looking to clear out a clogged toilet without having to call a plumbing professional. However, if your problem is more severe and involves something like tree roots or an immovable object, then this method may not be successful.
Unclog Toilet with baking Soda and Salt
If you’re dealing with a clogged toilet, you don’t necessarily have to run out and buy expensive plumbing products. Unbelievably, many of the items already stocked in your pantry may be able to do the trick! One such combination is baking soda and salt — when these two ingredients combine, they can create enough friction to break up tough blockages that are causing your toilet to back up.
To start, you will need the following items: ¼ cup baking soda, ½ cup table salt, 2 liters of hot (but not boiling) water. Begin by pouring both the baking soda and salt into the toilet bowl. Next, slowly pour the hot water into the bowl while stirring continuously until all of it has been added. Let this mixture sit for about 30 minutes so that it has a chance to work its way through any blockages that are present.
Once this time has passed, flush your toilet, and see if the clog is gone — if not then repeat the process again as needed. If you find that your clog still just won’t budge, then it may be time to call a professional plumber for more assistance. With a little bit of patience however, using baking soda and salt can be an effective way to unclog toilets without having to reach for chemicals!
