Last Updated on October 17, 2023
Cleaning your toilet bowl is essential not only for hygiene purposes but also for your bathroom’s overall appearance. One of the most critical steps in cleaning a toilet bowl is to drain the water out of it. Doing so will give you better access to the entire bowl and ensure that any cleaning agent you use has maximum effect.
To drain water from your toilet bowl, there are five ways to follow, each with benefits. You can use a plunger, hose, a medium-sized bucket, a sponge, or a vacuum cleaner. Don’t forget to follow all manufacturer instructions when using any of these methods.
Today we will discuss five easy methods to drain toilet bowl water for effective cleaning. Once these steps have been followed, it will be possible to drain the remaining water from the toilet bowl for a thorough cleaning process. Please continue reading for more information.
How to Drain Water from Toilet Bowl for Cleaning: Five Easy Methods
Method #1 Plunge Out the Water
Method #2. Siphon Out the Water
Method #4. Sponge Out the Water
Method #5. Vacuum Out the Water
Before discussing the five easy methods for draining water from the toilet bowl for cleaning, remember that certain equipment and tools may be necessary. These include:
- A toilet plunger,
- Rubber gloves,
- A flexible hose,
- A cup or small bowl,
- A sponge,
- A bucket and
- A wet-dry shop vacuum.
With your supplies in tow, you are now ready to begin tackling the job at hand. If you intend to remove water from your toilet bowl, turn off the water supply to the bowl before you do so. Then you can try one of these methods:
Method #1 Plunge Out the Water
Using a toilet plunger is an effective way to remove excess water from the bowl. To use it, place the flange of the toilet plunger (AKA closet plunger) firmly into the toilet drain hole and plunge with an up-and-down motion. This will push the water out of the toilet bowl, through the trap, and down the drain.
Plunging is particularly useful when a toilet drain is clogged, and you cannot flush away the water as usual. Try this method before attempting other methods, such as removing blockages or chemical treatments for stubborn clogs.
Method #2. Siphon Out the Toilet Water
Siphoning out the water from the bowl effectively removes any leftover remnants for a thorough cleaning. This method requires a short length, flexible hose, and rubber gloves to dip their hand into the toilet water.
Fill the hose entirely with water from your sink or tub, plugging the hose openings at both ends with your thumbs so no water into the hose escapes. Then set one end of the filled hose into the toilet bowl, directing the other end into a medium sized bucket so that it is lower than the water surface.
As such, this technique creates suction that moves all the water from within the toilet bowl to the bucket, where it can be safely disposed of off-site.
Method #3. Bail Out the Water
Bailing out is another method to remove remaining liquid from the toilet, requiring a cup or small bowl. Even the lid from a can of hairspray or spray paint can work for this purpose if it reaches low enough to scoop up most of the water.
This technique is best suited when no bowl debris could cause clogging and requires patience. Considering its simplicity and availability, bailing out remains one of the most popular methods for draining water from a toilet bowl.
Method #4. Sponge Out the Water
Sponging out the remaining liquid is another technique that can be employed to remove residual water from a toilet effectively. This method involves using a large, absorbent sponge to draw up the water, which will be surprisingly effective given the size of the sponge.
Also, this method may require multiple passes over the same areas to ensure all of the water has been removed. With this method, one should expect splashing when removing the water.
But with patience and care, it can effectively drain any residual water in preparation for further cleaning tasks.
Method #5. Vacuum Out the Water
A wet-dry vacuum effectively removes residual liquid from a toilet requiring minimal effort and supplies. Before using the vacuum, ensure the filter has been removed and the settings are set to ‘wet’ mode.
The vacuum can then quickly suck the water from the bowl with little effort. But only if the water is clean. This method of draining water from a toilet bowl provides an efficient way to prepare for cleaning.
Can I drain a clogged toilet for cleaning?
Using a plunger, you can remove the obstruction in the toilet so you can flush and empty it. This is an important step towards successfully draining water from the bowl for cleaning. Clearing out blockages ensures that all debris and waste can be left with it when drained.
Also, as most clogs are caused by foreign objects falling into the bowl, removing them helps prevent flooding. Hence before attempting to drain a clogged toilet for cleaning purposes, it is recommended first to clear out any potential obstructions.
Should I drain the toilet before cleaning it?
For a toilet to be effectively sanitized, ensure the bowl is emptied of all contents before cleansing. To accomplish this, draining the water from the toilet bowl is essential.
Draining the water is important because it will allow an undiluted cleaner to work its best in sanitizing the porcelain surface. It helps prevent any clogging or blockages due to residue buildup.
To do this properly, you should shut off the water supply, flush out any remaining water in the tank. Then disconnect or plug any hoses connected to the toilet before beginning.
Efficient Toilet Cleaning: Draining Out Water for a Thorough Clean
No one likes cleaning a toilet bowl, but it’s essential for maintaining a hygienic bathroom. Fortunately, there are some ways to make this job a little easier and more effective by knowing how to drain water from the bowl.
There are several methods to choose from, including using a plunger, garden hose, bucket, sponge, or vacuum. But handling these tools carefully and following all instructions is crucial to avoid mishaps. By removing all the water first, you’ll be able to give the bowl a thorough cleaning and leave it sparkling and fresh.
The next time you clean a toilet, remember these tips to get the job done quickly and effectively, resulting in a hygienic bathroom.