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How to Unclog a Toilet with Baking Soda (4 Easy Steps)

how to unclog a toilet with baking soda

Have you ever had the unfortunate experience of having to unclog your toilet? It's not a fun task, but it's one that you can definitely tackle yourself if you have the right tools.

Many people use sodium bicarbonate for cooking and cleaning, but how many of you know how to unblock a latrine with it?

Well, if you're in the unfortunate position of having a clogged toilet and don't have any other options aside from using sodium bicarbonate, this post is for you.

In this blog post, we will go over 4 ways to unclog a toilet with baking soda by discussing what causes toilets to get clogged up in the first place.

What Causes A Clogged Toilet?

clogged toiletMany people assume that the only thing that can cause a clogged toilet is too much toilet paper that causes a big mess.

However, there are a number of other potential causes for this common plumbing problem.

1. A Blocked Toilet Trap

A blocked toilet trap is the number one cause of a clogged toilet. When waste or debris builds up in the toilet trap, it can cause a blockage that will prevent water from draining properly.

As a result, the potty will fill up and eventually overflow. Toilet traps can become blocked for a variety of reasons, but the most common culprit is simply too much tissue paper being flushed at once.

2. Flushing Non-flushable Items

While there are a number of potential causes, the number one reason for a water closet backup is flushing non-flushable items.

From baby wipes to paper towels, these items might seem like they'll just disappear once they go down the drain. But in reality, they can cause major problems.

When these items get caught in the sewer line, they can create a blockage that prevents anything else from flowing through.

3. A Blocked Plumbing Vent

Plumbing vents allow air to enter the drains, which prevents a vacuum from forming and sewer gases from backing up into the home.

When these vents become blocked, however, the water has nowhere to go but back up the drains. As a result, toilets can become clogged, overflowed, and even start to smell.

4. A Low-Flow First Generation Toilet

These latrines were designed to save water, but they often don't have enough power to flush effectively. As a result, waste can build up in the bowl, causing a clog.

If you have a low-flow toilet, it's important to be vigilant about flushing it regularly. If you notice that your lavatory is starting to clog more frequently, you may want to consider upgrading to a newer model.

Why Does Baking Soda and Vinegar Work?

Sodium bicarbonate is a natural cleaning agent that can break down many types of dirt and grime.

When it's combined with balsamic, it creates a powerful cleaning solution that can be used to unclog latrines.

The sodium bicarbonate and balsamic work together to create a chemical reaction that breaks down the waste and helps to remove it from the lavatory.

What You'll Need to Unblock Your Toilet with Sodium Bicarbonate

Before you can start using sodium bicarbonate for unclogging a toilet, there are a few things that you'll need to gather.

  1. Sodium bicarbonate
  2. Vinegar
  3. Rubber Gloves
  4. A plunger
  5. Dish Soap
  6. Hot Water or Boiling Water
  7. Plumbing Snake

Once you have all of the supplies that you need, you're ready to get started.

How to Unclog Your Toilet Using Baking Soda

If your toilet is starting to become backed up, there's no need to call a professional. With a little sodium bicarbonate and balsamic, you can easily unblock your toilet and get it working like new again.

Here's how you can do it:

Step 1: Pour sodium bicarbonate Into the Toilet Bowl

The first thing that you'll need to do is pour one cup of baking soda in the toilet bowl.

If you have a lot of waste build-up, you may need to use more sodium bicarbonate.

Just make sure that you don't use it so much that it won't be able to dissolve.

Step 2: Add Vinegar to the Latrine

Once the sodium bicarbonate has been added, it's time to add the balsamic.

Pour one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl on the bathroom floor and then watch as it reacts with the sodium bicarbonate. If you have a lot of waste build-up, you may need to use more balsamic.

Step 3: Let the Solution Sit for a Few Minutes

Once the vinegar has been added, it's important to let the solution sit for a few minutes. This will give it time to break down the waste and start dissolving it.

If you have a lot of waste build-up, you may need to let the solution sit for longer. Just make sure that you don't let it sit for more than 30 minutes.

Step 4: Use a Plunger to Unclog the Toilet

After the solution has had a chance to work, it's time to use a plunger to unblock the toilet.

Put on your rubber gloves and then place the plunger over the hole at the bottom of the lavatory.

Push and pull the connecting rod up and down, using as much force as you can.

After a few minutes, you should start to see the water draining from the toilet bowl. Once it's empty, flush the toilet to clear away any remaining waste.

Can You Use Baking Soda and Vinegar in a Toilet?

Yes, you can use sodium bicarbonate and vinegar as drain cleaner in a toilet. Just make sure that you don't use too much of either one.

If you use too much sodium bicarbonate, it could cause the water to become too alkaline and damage your pipes. And if you use too much vinegar, it could eat away at the enamel on your lavatory.

How Much Sodium Bicarbonate and Vinegar Do You Use to Unclog a Toilet?

The amount of sodium bicarbonate and balsamic that you'll need to unblock a toilet will depend on how much waste build-up you have.

If you have a lot of waste build-up, you may need to use more vinegar and baking soda. Just make sure that you don't use too much of either one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does baking soda unclog toilet?

Sodium bicarbonate is a natural cleaning agent that can help to break down the gunk and grime that is causing your toilet to clog.

Is it safe to clean toilet with baking soda?

Yes, it is safe to clean your toilet with sodium bicarbonate. Just make sure that you don't use too much of it.

Can baking soda help unclog a toilet?

Yes, sodium bicarbonate can help in unclogging your toilet. Just make sure that you use it correctly and don't use too much of it.

If you follow these simple steps above, you'll be able to unblock your clogged toilet using sodium bicarbonate and vinegar.

How to unclog a toilet with salt and baking soda?

To unblock a toilet with salt and sodium bicarbonate, you'll need to pour a cup of sodium bicarbonate into the toilet bowl.

Then, add a cup of salt and let the mixture sit for a few minutes. After that, use a plunger to try and unblock the toilet.

Conclusion

If you've followed the steps above and your toilet is still clogged, then it's time to call a professional plumber.

Chances are, there is something bigger going on that sodium bicarbonate alone won't be able to fix.

In the meantime, try not to use your toilet until it's been unclogged to avoid making the situation worse.

About The Author:

Scott Reyes, our proficient Managing Editor and a true plumbing aficionado with over 10 years of dedicated expertise. With an in-depth understanding of the plumbing industry, Scott is your go-to source for all things plumbing-related. His wealth of experience ensures that our content is not only informative but also a reliable resource for your plumbing needs. Dive into Scott's articles to tap into his extensive knowledge and insights.
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