How to unblock a toilet…with a mop

Okay, this is not one of my usual how-to posts, but I’m so proud of myself I just had to crow a little. 😀

Yes, the toilet in my late father’s area was blocked, and no, I didn’t invent the mop method. A friendly plumber told me how to fix a simple blockage years ago, but this is the first time I’ve actually had to put the theory to the test…and it works!

Basically what you need is a soft mop like this:

or like one of these:

A bucket and a pair of rubber gloves is also advisable.

Then you shove the head of the mop into the toilet, as far down as you can and kind of…pump it?

When you pull the mop head out, the level of water in the toilet will be much lower than its ‘normal’ level.

Flush, and the water should drain normally again.

I wish I could tell you why this works, but I can’t remember what that very nice plumber told me. If by some weird chance you read this, Mr Nice Plumber, please accept my heartfelt thanks, and that of my purse. 😀

The very small downside to using this method is that you have to sacrifice a mop to the toilet. The one I used is about to go under the house where it will stay until the next blockage. As for me, I’m going to be whistling happily as I go to the supermarket to buy a new mop.

$20 vs $100? No contest.

Cheers from a very happy Meeka. 🙂