The toilets in commercial settings, like offices, restaurants, and retail stores, see a lot of action. They are constantly being used, much more often than one in someone's residential home. Yet, they are the same toilets. A commercial truck has much different capabilities than a regular vehicle. A commercial HVAC is going to be massive compared to the air conditioning unit for someone's house. Yet, toilets are the same no matter where you go. It is no wonder your toilet is clogged!
If you don't have a plunger handy, or the plunger doesn't release the clog, you are not out of luck. There's several things you can try, using materials you probably already have around the building anyway. Experts in commercial plumbing in Birmingham, Alabama recommend these three options:
Option 1: Hot Water
The easiest way to break up the clog is to fill a pan with hot water. Heat it up on the stove or use the tap to get it scalding, but don’t let the water get to boiling point. Pour it into the toilet bowl and let it sit for a few minutes to see if it loosens the clog. You’ll know if your efforts were successful if you see the water start to drain. Give the toilet a flush or two. In many cases, the hot water is enough to break up whatever is causing the backup.
Option 2: Dish Soap
Restaurants and most offices have dish soap handy. Grab a bottle and squeeze a generous amount, about a 1/4 cup, into the toilet bowl. Let this soap sit for five to 10 minutes so it has time to move down the drain and reach the clog. Add hot water again and give it some time to sit. The soap should act as a lubricant and grease the clog in the toilet drain. This mixture and a bit of time should get everything moving again.
Option 3: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Is the clog still there? You are not out of options yet! If you have these ingredients handy, this is a great third option. Pour one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar down the toilet drain. When the vinegar and baking soda combine, the natural chemical reaction will bubble up and loosen the clog. It's like an elementary school volcano! After about thirty minutes, follow up with some hot water and see if it drains. If it does, you're good to go and you've cleared the clog. If it still doesn't flush, repeat the process once more.
If these don't work, it's time to call in commercial plumbing contractors in Birmingham. You don't have to fix this alone. You need to get back to work! It's quite possible at this point the problem isn't with an easy-to-clear clog but actually something within the pipes. Someone who handles commercial plumbing in Birmingham, Alabama can be at your place of business very soon and remedy the situation.
