When you have a plumbing issue, the last thing you want is to be left confused. When something goes wrong with your pipes, it can be frustrating and stressful. Whether it's an overflowing toilet or a slow-draining sink, these problems seem to always happen at the worst possible time. However, don't worry! We've put together a list of commonly asked plumbing questions along with their answers for when you're faced with these issues in your home.

How Do I Clean a Clogged Toilet?

If you're having trouble with a clogged toilet, there are a few ways to fix it. The first step is to use a plunger. Plungers can be found in any hardware store, and they help push water through the pipes so that they're clear again. One helpful thing that many people may not know is that there are plungers meant for toilets and plungers meant for sinks.

The traditional, red suction cup-topped plunger is actually meant for sinks. Its shape forms a great seal in a sink but fails to do so with the curving geometry of a toilet. The larger plungers with a flange are the plungers meant for your toilet. The shape of these plungers allows them to fit firmly and seal in your toilet, giving you the maximum unclogging power.

If your plunger doesn't work, try using an auger (also called a "snake"). An auger looks like an oversized drill bit--and works similarly: You stick it into your drainpipe and twist it until all of the waste material has been removed from inside the pipe itself.

If neither of those methods works for you, it may be time to reach out for professional help. Thankfully, our professionals here at Epperson are just one phone call away!

First, stop flushing. If the toilet is clogged and you’ve already flushed a few times, flushing again is only going to add more water that won't go anywhere except onto your floor. Next, push the flapper closed. This is located in the top toilet tank and looks like a rubber circle that will be attached to a chain or lever. Pushing it down will prevent any more water from flowing into the bowl. You can also rig the float in that tank so that it will stop moving, preventing the flapper from being reopened. Finally, shut off the toilet’s water valve, which will prevent any more water from getting into your toilet. From here, you can unclog the toilet normally, or call in professionals to get it looked at.

Conclusion

To sum it up, plumbing problems can be frustrating to deal with. But the good news is that there are many ways to prevent them from happening in the first place! If you have any questions about how to keep your home's pipes running smoothly, please feel free to contact us here at Epperson Inc! Our professional plumbers are ready to help you with any of your plumbing problems. We are located at 112 W University Drive, Somerset, KY. Don’t hesitate to call us at (606) 679-7476 or contact us online for any of your plumbing, HVAC, or electric needs!