Why Do People Use Saran Wrap for Toilets? The Ultimate Guide

Saran Wrap may seem like an unusual toilet accessory, but there are some specific reasons why people use this product in bathrooms. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore the purpose of Saran Wrap for toilets, how to properly use it, and when it‘s actually ineffective or risky to use.

What is Saran Wrap and Why Use it With Toilets?

Saran Wrap, also known as cling film, is a thin plastic wrap made from polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) resin. It has properties that make it useful for some toilet applications:

• Creates a barrier – Saran Wrap placed over a toilet seat provides a protective barrier between the user and the seat surface. This can help keep the seat cleaner and reduce the spread of germs.

• Prevents splashing – The plastic wrap also acts as a splash guard. It stops urine from splattering outside of the toilet bowl upon contact.

• Hygienic and disposable – Saran Wrap is an inexpensive, hygienic option in public restrooms. It can be removed and discarded after each use.

• More comfort – The plastic is thicker than toilet seat covers, providing a bit of cushion between the user and the hard seat surface.

Therefore, the main purposes are to promote cleanliness, hygiene and comfort in public restrooms where toilet seats may be used frequently.

Is Saran Wrap an Effective Plumbing Solution?

No, Saran Wrap should not be used as a substitute for proper plumbing tools. While some claim it can unclog toilets, Saran Wrap does not have the strength or effectiveness to clear major toilet clogs or drain blockages.

At best, it may temporarily dislodge a very minor clog. But for most obstructions, especially deep ones, a plunger is a much better tool. Using a plunger creates powerful suction that can dislodge clogs.

For severe clogs, a drain auger should be used to break up and hook debris. Chemical drain cleaners also help dissolve blockages. If DIY methods fail, call a professional plumber for assistance.

Preparing a Toilet for Long-Term Disuse

If you need to prepare a toilet for a long period of disuse, follow these steps:

• Inspect the wax ring seal and replace if cracked or dried out.
• Use a compression testing kit to check toilet stability and flange tightness.
• Check all plumbing connections and secure as needed.
• Thoroughly scrub the tank, bowl, and exterior surfaces.
• Add 1 cup of mineral oil to the tank to keep water fresh.
• Pour 1 cup of bleach into the bowl, let sit 30 minutes, then flush to disinfect.
• Shut off toilet water supply valve to prevent leaks.

This will help prevent leaks, evaporation, rust, and growth of mold or bacteria.

Stopping Water Evaporation in Toilets

To reduce water loss from evaporation in toilet tanks, consider these methods:

• Use a toilet tank dam or evaporation pill which floats on the water surface. This creates a barrier to evaporation.

• Install an anti-evaporation toilet valve with a compression seal.

• Check the flush valve and replace if worn out. This will ensure a strong flush.

• Seal any leaks or gaps around the tank and bowl.

• Replace an old flapper if it‘s warped and letting water through.

Attempting to Unclog a Toilet With Saran Wrap

If you want to try using Saran Wrap to unclog a toilet:

• Put on rubber gloves for sanitation.

• Cut Saran Wrap into strips small enough to fit in toilet opening.

• Insert pieces one by one, pressing down with plunger.

• The pressure of water should contract the plastic wrap.

• Flush toilet to expel plastic pieces after inserting them.

• Check if clog is cleared. If not, use a plunger or call a plumber.

While not always effective, it‘s a non-toxic option before trying chemical drain cleaners. Exercise caution to avoid scratching the toilet surface.

What You Should Never Flush Down a Toilet

To prevent clogs, avoid flushing anything besides human waste, toilet paper, and designed toilet wipes. Do not flush:

• Paper towels, tissues, napkins
• Food scraps or cooking oil
• Tampons, condoms, dental floss
• Diapers
• Cigarette butts
• Cat litter
• Paper or plastic products
• Strong chemicals or hazardous waste

These will either clog plumbing or cause environmental pollution.

Keeping Your Toilet Tank Smelling Fresh

To deodorize your toilet tank:

• Pour 1 cup white vinegar into the tank. Let sit 30+ minutes before flushing. The acetic acid kills bacteria.

• Sprinkle 1 cup baking soda into the tank. Allow to dissolve slowly.

• Add bleach-based toilet cleaner and let sit 15+ minutes to disinfect before flushing.

• Use periodic toilet deodorizing tablets that clip onto the tank.

• Check that all toilet components are functioning properly.

Unclogging a Full Toilet Quickly

If your toilet bowl is already full, follow this process:

• First try plunging forcefully to dislodge the clog.

• Add a few inches of water if needed to cover the plunger.

• Flush to empty the bowl and check if clog persists.

• Use a toilet auger or snake if plunging fails.

• Avoid boiling water, as it can crack porcelain.

• Wear protective equipment to avoid touching waste.

• Call a professional plumber for severe clogs.

Time is of the essence for overflow prevention. So act quickly but safely.

Most Powerful Options for Unclogging a Toilet

When faced with a stubborn toilet clog, the most powerful unclogging options are:

• Plunger – Creates strong suction to dislodge clogs. Works best with a flanged plunger.

• Auger/Snake – Uses manual force to hook and break up clogs. Often needed for major obstructions.

• Chemical Drain Cleaners – Contains lye or sulfuric acid to dissolve organic matter. Use cautiously.

• Pressure Washer – Removes clogs with focused, high-powered water jets. For extreme cases.

Avoid products like boiling water, bleach, vinegar, or baking soda for severe clogs as they are not strong enough. Calling a plumber is safest if DIY methods don‘t work.

Only 3 Things You Should Flush

To keep your toilet functioning properly, only flush:

1. Human waste
2. Toilet paper
3. Designed toilet wipes (that say "flushable")

Flushing anything else, even those labeled "flushable," can damage plumbing and septic systems.Never flush:

• Paper towels or napkins
• Facial tissue
• Baby wipes or disinfecting wipes
• Feminine hygiene products
• Diapers
• Cotton balls or swabs
• Dental floss
• Kitty litter
• Cigarette butts

Flushing Toilet Paper vs Throwing it Away

In places with modern plumbing, toilet paper should always be flushed, not disposed of in the trash. Why?

• Toilet paper is engineered to dissolve quickly in water to avoid clogs.

• Flushing contains waste and odors. Trash cans promote bacteria growth.

• Toilet paper must be replaced frequently if thrown away, causing waste.

• Clogged landfills are minimized by flushing toilet paper.

The exceptions are areas with very outdated plumbing systems that cannot handle toilet paper. In these cases, toilet paper gets thrown away.

What Causes Toilet Water to Disappear?

If the water level in your toilet bowl drops between flushes, the most likely culprit is a faulty fill valve. This small device refills the tank and bowl to the correct level after each flush.

If it fails to close properly, the water will continuously drain out of the tank and bowl until they are both empty. Other possible causes include:

• Leaky flapper valve allowing water to leak from tank to bowl

• Clogged or misaligned drain pipes preventing proper water flow

• Leaks in the water supply line going to the toilet

Replacing the fill valve is usually the simplest fix. Tighten flapper chain, clear drain pipes, and check supply line for leaks as needed.

Why Does Toilet Water Evaporate?

Toilet water evaporates for the same reason water evaporates from any source – it transforms from liquid to vapor. Here‘s how it happens:

• Liquid water molecules gain enough energy from ambient heat to break free from the surface as gas.

• Heat from sunlight, warm air, or chemicals added to the water provides this energy.

• Greater surface area and higher temperatures cause faster evaporation.

• Air currents sweep away evaporated water molecules in gaseous form.

• Eventually enough water escapes to lower the remaining liquid level.

Preventing evaporation involves limiting energy inputs and sealing off air exchange above the water.

Raising Toilet Bowl Water Level Temporarily

If your toilet bowl water level is too low, you can temporarily raise it with a toilet bowl foam cushion. This simple fix involves:

• Purchasing a cushion designed to fit under the bowl rim. Most are 13 inches.

• Removing the existing toilet seat and placing the cushion directly on the bowl.

• Replacing the toilet seat atop the cushion.

• Testing that the new height raises water to acceptable level.

This inexpensive, quick option buys you time to properly repair any fill valve issues or clogs causing the low water.

Dissolving Toilet Clogs

For mild toilet clogs, dissolve them with:

• Baking Soda and Vinegar – This classic chemical reaction can break down organic matter.

• Hot Water – Very effective at melting or loosening clogs. Boiling can crack porcelain.

• Plunger – Creates suction to help loosen blockage.

• Store-bought Chemical Cleaners – Look for lye or sulfuric acid ingredients. Can corrode pipes.

For tougher obstructions, you‘ll need a mechanical removal method:

• Toilet Auger – Uses manual force to break up stubborn clogs.

• Pressure Washer – High powered jets of water blast away years of buildup.

Avoid dumping coffee grounds, cooking grease, harsh chemicals, or solid objects to prevent damaging clogs.