Toilet Tales

We need to file tonight’s post under “Truly Helpful Household Hints.” As in, genius. And I must say that the internet is really amazing when it comes to these types of things. A year or so ago I shared my experience with getting a water ring out of wood using mayonnaise (it really works!!), and now I will share a method for unclogging toilets.

Your plunger's new best friend

We recently re-did our bathrooms and put in Toto low flush toilets. I really like them (we had Kohler low flush before and they were not very effective, shall we say). The Toto works well, and I like the 2 flush system — very European. The problem with low flush is that if they do get clogged, there isn’t much water to use for the plunger, to create the suction. And the last thing anyone wants to be spending money on is a plumber with a snake. (And those snakes can scratch — and who wants to scratch up your nice new porcelain bowl?) So the next time you need to unclog, try this at home.

First, put in 1/4 cup of dishwashing liquid. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes. Then, pour in a huge pot full of hot water. (Online, many people say to use boiling water. The risk is that it can crack your pipes. We decided not to take that risk, and went with hot water, not boiling.) Weirdly, the toilet will suck up the water. Let it sit for another 10 minutes or so. Then flush. You may want to try plunging again at this point.

It may take a few rounds to get back to normal, but it will work. If it saves your plumber a house call, I say give it a try.

ETC.

Is this time of year insane or what? I am feeling like if I make it through to next Wednesday, which will most likely be my last day in the office, it will be a miracle!

My suggestion is to make lots of lists. And cross off as you go. It will make you feel like you’re accomplishing things.

Good luck!