To prevent toilet bowl chokes, it is important to follow certain toilet etiquettes. These tips will help you avoid blockages and keep your bathroom in good condition. 

Differentiate between what is flushable and what isn’t: First, you must differentiate between what is flushable and what is not. You should only flush human waste and toilet paper. Other items like facial wipes, napkins, paper towels, and hair do not dissolve in water and can cause blockages in the drainage pipe. 

Practice proper flushing:  When flushing, only flush when the amount in the toilet bowl is not overflowing. If you use an excessive amount of toilet paper during cleaning, it can ball up with your waste and only dissolve the outer layer. Use only what is necessary, but if you need to use excess, you can choose to flush the toilet at least twice during cleaning. 

Make sure to keep your toilet tank clear of items to avoid them falling into the toilet bowl and causing a blockage. 

Address weak flush early: If you notice a weak flush, it could be an indication that there is a blockage forming inside the drainage pipes. In such cases, it is important to address the issue early. If it is too complicated to handle, always look for a professional and reliable plumber that can look into the weak flushing issues. 

Educate your children: It is also important to educate your children about the dos and don’ts when using the toilet. This will not only prevent any possible toilet bowl chokes but also provide them with life skills that they can keep for life.

In the unfortunate event that you encounter a toilet bowl choke, you may want to attempt to salvage the situation yourself. Here are some ways you can try to unclog a toilet bowl choke:

Using a plunger: Turn off the water supply to the toilet and use the plunger to loosen up the foreign object that is responsible for the clogged toilet. Work on it for at least 15 to 20 good plunges.

Enzyme waste removal product: If you suspect that the choke might be mostly due to waste materials, you may use enzyme waste material products to salvage the situation. Follow the instruction on the container and pour the recommended amount into the toilet bowl. You will usually have to wait overnight for the enzymes to work on the clog, and the toilet should drain after the clog has been removed.

Use homemade drain cleaner: You can make use of recipes you can find online to concoct your own homemade drain cleaner. Most recipes should basically contain hot water, baking soda & vinegar. Let the concoction work its magic overnight, and it should clear the clog of any organic waste the next morning.

Use plumbing snake:  Use a plumbing snake for tough and stubborn inorganic clogs. It’s a flexible wire coil that can find its way through the structure of the drainage pipe. Plumbers usually use a plumbing snake called ‘closet auger,’ which is the best option. The plumbing snake’s goal is to probe the clog, causing it to collapse and break down into smaller sizes, allowing the drainage to flow.

Use wire coat hanger: Try to unravel the clog with a wire coat hanger if you suspect that it’s only a few meters away. You’ll have to find a wire coat hanger, unravel and straighten it, and wrap a rag at the end of the wire with duct tape to prevent any sharp end from damaging the porcelain.

Chemical drain cleaners:  Chemical drain cleaners should only be used as a last resort. They work the same way as an enzyme waste material product but are much stronger to break down seriously stubborn organic wastes. They are hazardous to people and pets, corrosive to pipes, and the chlorinated drain cleaner can damage the environment. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, keep the lid down to prevent toxic fumes from filling the bathroom, and ensure that the room is well ventilated to prevent inhalation of the chemicals.

Use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner:  to clear the choke. The vacuum cleaner can cope with water and is ideal for clearing out water from the clogged area. Once the water has been vacuumed out, form a seal around the drainage with a towel to suck out the clog.