Without removing water, she poured half a tub of caustic soda crystals directly into the already-full bowl. Then, remembering she “needed water to activate it,” she poured in a kettle of hot water.
Or, as Carlos said, “You want a story or a working toilet?” how to use caustic soda to unblock toilet
Fifteen minutes of furious plunging later, the water level hadn’t budged. The toilet was solidly, stubbornly blocked. She texted her friend: “Late. Toilet disaster.” Without removing water, she poured half a tub
The toilet did eventually drain. But the plastic flange at the base was partially melted, and the rubber wax ring had turned to goo. Carlos replaced both, charged her $200, and handed her a plunger. “This,” he said, “is all 90% of people need.” The toilet was solidly, stubbornly blocked
“No, no, no,” she whispered, plunger already in hand.
It was a Saturday night, and Maya was already running late for her friend’s birthday dinner. She’d just finished getting ready when she flushed the toilet—and watched in horror as the water rose, rose, and stopped just two inches from the rim.