Toilet clogs aren’t the most glamorous thing to deal with, but they happen and they’re typically easy to fix. Click on the links below to try a couple different ways of clearing a clogged toilet: 

1. How To Use a Plunger
2. The Dishsoap Method

Important: Never flush anything other than toilet paper down a toilet. Even wipes labeled as “Plumber Approved” or “Flushable” are often the cause of clogged toilets and other more serious plumbing issues. Using these products may result in you being liable for any cost to clear a clogged toilet if a professional is required. Never put drain cleaners or other chemical agents down the toilet!

How To Use a Plunger:

Using a toilet plunger is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to do it correctly to effectively clear a clog. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Select the Right Plunger: There are two main types of plungers: cup plungers and flange plungers. Cup plungers are the most common and are suitable for most toilets. The most important thing is to ensure the plunger you’re using can make a good seal around the opening in the toilet bowl. Also, make sure that the plunger you’re using is clean and in good condition.
2. Prepare the Area: Before you start, protect the floor around the toilet with old towels or newspapers to catch any water that may splash out.
3. Position the Plunger: Place the plunger over the drain hole at the bottom of the toilet bowl. Ensure that the rubber cup of the plunger creates a tight seal around the hole. The cup should be submerged in water to ensure a good seal.
4. Apply Pressure: Push the plunger down gently at first to expel any air trapped in the cup, and then push down firmly and evenly. The goal is to create pressure to dislodge the clog. It’s important to maintain the seal between the plunger and the toilet bowl to maximize the effectiveness of the plunging action.
5. Plunge: Move the plunger up and down vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. Be sure to use a full range of motion, pushing and pulling with force. The aim is to create a strong suction and pressure to dislodge the clog.
6. Check for Drainage: After plunging for a while, lift the plunger to see if the water starts to drain. If it does, continue plunging until the water drains completely.
7. Repeat if Necessary: If the water doesn’t drain after the first attempt, repeat the plunging process several times. It may take a few attempts to completely clear the clog.
8. Flush and Clean Up: Once the clog is cleared and the water drains freely, flush the toilet to ensure everything is flowing properly. Clean the plunger with hot water and disinfectant before storing it away.

Remember, if you’re unable to clear the clog using a plunger or if you encounter repeated clogs, it may be a sign of a more serious plumbing issue. In such cases, it’s best to contact your Property Manager.

Dishsoap Trick To Clear a Clogged Toilet:

If you don’t have a plunger on-hand there’s a trick that sometimes work to clear a clogged toilet. It does require a few hours for it to work, but in a pinch it’s worth a try.

1. Gather Supplies: You’ll need a bottle of liquid dish soap and a bucket of hot water. Make sure the water is hot but not boiling to avoid damaging the toilet bowl.
2. Add Dish Soap: Squirt a generous amount of liquid dish soap into the toilet bowl. Aim for about half a cup to a cup of soap.
3. Pour Hot Water: While the soap is working, carefully pour the hot water into the toilet bowl. The hot water helps to further break down the clog and flush it away.
4. Wait and Flush: Let the mixture sit for at least an hour (longer is better) to allow the soap and hot water to work on the clog. Afterward, attempt to flush the toilet. In many cases, the clog will be dislodged, and the toilet will flush normally.

Repeat if Necessary: If the toilet is still clogged after the first attempt, you can repeat the process. Sometimes stubborn clogs may require multiple attempts to clear completely.

Basic drain clogs can be easy to clear and they usually only require simple, inexpensive supplies. Never use drain cleaners or other chemical agents without prior approval from your Property Manager.

1. How to clear a clogged sink drain
2. How to clear a clogged tub or shower drain

Clearing a Clogged Sink Drain:

Clearing a clogged sink drain without special tools can be done using a few household items. Here’s a method you can try:

1. Boiling Water: Start by boiling a kettle or pot of water.
2. Once the water is boiling, carefully pour it down the clogged drain in two to three stages. Allow each pour to work for a few seconds before adding more. The hot water helps to dissolve and dislodge grease, soap scum, and other buildup causing the clog.
3. Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour about half a cup of baking soda down the drain.
4. Follow it up with a cup of vinegar. The mixture will fizz and bubble, helping to break down any organic matter causing the clog.
5. Let the mixture sit in the drain for at least 15 minutes.
6. Hot Water Rinse: After allowing the baking soda and vinegar mixture to work, flush the drain with hot water again. This helps to wash away any remaining residue and further dislodge the clog.

If the sink drain is still clogged after the first attempt, you can repeat the process a few times. Stubborn clogs may require multiple attempts to clear completely. However, if the clog persists despite your efforts, or if you suspect a more serious issue with your plumbing, it’s best to contact your Property Manager for assistance.

Clearing a Clogged Tub Or Shower Drain:

Tub and shower drain clogs are almost always caused by a build-up of hair and soap. Clearing them is simple using an inexpensive hair snake that can be found at any hardware store or online.

1. Remove the tub stopper or shower drain cover.
2. Guide the snake down the drain. This may require a few attempts to get it going the right direction and into the drain line.
3. Pull the snake out and any hair or debris along with it. You might need to do this a few times to get everything out.
4. Boil a pot or kettle of water and carefully pour it down the drain in two to three stages. Allow each pour to work for a few seconds before adding more. The hot water helps to dissolve and dislodge any remaining soap scum, hair, and other debris causing the clog.

If the tub or shower drain is still clogged after the first attempt, you can repeat the process a few times. Stubborn clogs may require multiple attempts to clear completely. However, if the clog persists despite your efforts, or if you suspect a more serious issue with your plumbing, it’s best to contact your Property Manager.

Power outages come if a few different forms. Knowing how to identify the type you’re facing is necessary to troubleshoot properly. Here’s a quick rundown:

1. Wide-spread power outage: This will affect not only your home but also your neighbors. This type of power outage will need to be resolved by the power company. You can usually report a power outage on their website  or by calling their help line. You can identify a wide-spread outage by looking at your neighbors homes or apartments and seeing if their lights are on, or if it’s daytime you can call or ask your neighbors if they have power. A wide-spread outage is not an issue that you or your Property Manager can resolve and it must be taken care of by the power company.
2. Home or apartment power outage: If the power is out only in your home and it’s out everywhere in your home (rather than just in a certain room or area) then it might be an issue that requires an electrician to troubleshoot and you should contact your Property Manager. The only exception is if your power bill is significantly past-due and your service has been suspended, in which case you’ll need to contact the power company to restore service.
3. Single-room or small area outage: If the power is out in only one or two rooms, or for only a few outlets and/or switches, then it’s likely a simple matter to fix. Read below for instructions to fix these sorts of outages:

Check Circuit Breaker or Fuse Box:

1. Start by checking your home’s circuit breaker or fuse box. Locate the breaker or fuse corresponding to the affected room and see if it has tripped or blown. Reset the breaker or replace the fuse if necessary.

Inspect GFCI Outlets:

1. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and outdoor areas. If the affected room has any GFCI outlets, check if they have tripped. Press the “reset” button on the outlet to restore power. These outlets often control many other “downstream” outlets and switches, so be sure to check and reset any GFCI outlets you find as power in other areas of your home might be affected by a tripped outlet in another room.

Test Other Outlets:

Plug a lamp or another device into other outlets in the room to see if they are working. This can help determine if the issue is isolated to a single outlet or affects the entire room.