What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur at any time and are a common household issue. They can be unpleasant, messy, and inconvenient and require immediate attention. However, you don’t always require the plumber right away. In this blog post, we will guide you through a few easy steps to get your toilet unclogged in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be solved with the use of simple tools such as plungers, baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we start, it’s essential to be prepared with these tools:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Hook for the Wire Coat or plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Turn off the water supply valve.
The first step you must do when facing a clogged toilet is to shut off the supply of water in front of the toilet. This will ensure that no water can enter the tank during your are working to unblock it. The valve is usually situated at the bottom of the tank on one side.
Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
Hands must be protected from potential bacteria or germs present in your toilet by wearing rubber gloves prior making use of any tools to unblock the drain.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
The plunger is by far the most effective tool to use for clearing toilets of blockages. The first step is to gently push down on the plunger until all air is evacuated from it. then press firmly over the toilet bowl and start plunging quickly up and down for approximately 20 minutes. The suction created through plunging back and forth will assist in removing any blockages.
Tips:
- Ensure you use a forceful but controlled movement.
- Place holes around sinks or shower drains if close by to prevent the pressure of air from escape as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar mix.
If you’re not able to get the plunge working, try this next tactic Pour half a cup of baking soda and a tablespoon of vinegar in the bowl. Let this mixture settle for approximately 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz then stop then pour boiling water down (not boiling) to remove the blockage.
Step 5 5. Use a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda/vinegar methods have failed and you are in need of a solution, it’s the right time to utilize the wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s cord until you are left with a thin and long wire that has a hook that is bent at one end. You can also use it as a plumbing snake that was specifically designed for clearing drain clogs. Put the tool in the drain hole on your toilet, and then twist, turn, push to the point where you can feel resistance; it’s the place where the blockage is. Be gentle and try to break the blockages by using a back and forth motion without causing damage to the pipeline.
Note:
- Be careful not to push or pull actions with force as they may result in more damage.
Step 6: Restart the water supply and verify the result
Once you’ve removed any blockages, it is important to switch on the water supply valve in your toilet bowl again. You should flush it a couple of times to make sure everything is running smoothly!
| Tools | Description |
|---|---|
| Rubber Gloves | Hand protection from potential bacteria or germs present in the toilet bowl. |
| Plunger | Most effective tool for clearing up blocked toilets. Press firmly over the hole in your toilet bowl and plunge vigorously up and down for about 20 seconds. |
| Baking Soda and Vinegar | Mixture to use if plunging doesn’t work. Pour half a cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let this mixture settle for about 15 minutes, then pour hot water down (not boiling) to flush out the blockage. |
| Wire Coat Hanger or Plumbing Snake | Tools to use if both plunging and baking soda/vinegar methods have failed. Straighten the wire coat hanger until you have a long thin wire with a hook bent at one end or use the plumbing snake, which is designed specifically for clearing drain clogs. |
FAQ
How can I tell if my toilet is blocked?
The most frequent indicators of a clogged toilet is when the water fills up to the top after flushing. You might also notice that the water drains slowly or you hear the sound of gurgling directly from your toilet.
What should I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you suspect that your toilet is blocked then avoid flushing it over again since this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off the supply of water to the valve in front of the toilet and utilize a plunger to clear any obstructions. If this isn’t working, call Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney for professional help.
Can I prevent my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are several actions you can take to keep your toilet from becoming blocked. One of them is to avoid flushing non-degradable products like Wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool into the toilet. You should also avoid spilling oil or grease down the sink, as it can cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.
What is the best time to call a professional plumber for a toilet that has become blocked?
If you’ve tried plunging your toilet, but it isn’t unblocking, or you think that there’s a problem with the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, you need to call in a professional plumber like Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney . We have many years of experience in dealing with all kinds of plumbing problems and can swiftly diagnose and address any issues without causing any interruption to your house.
Do I need to schedule my drains cleared?
It’s recommended that you have clean your drains by experts like Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney every 1-2 years. This can prevent blockages and help keep your plumbing system in good working order. If, however, you often encounter blockages in your drains or slow draining water, despite taking precautions not to clog them, then yearly cleaning is beneficial.
These techniques are fairly simple to carry out as the majority of items are readily available in households. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to being anxious after attempting the strategies, you should contact Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re looking for professional help with problems with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspections in Preventing Expensive Property Damage
- The Benefits of Using CCTV Drain Inspection for Pipe Relining Services
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- Preventing Clogs and Blockages: Best Practices for Maintaining Your Drains
- Get Ready for Your Close-up: Tips on How to Prepare for a CCTV Inspection of Your Drains
- CCTV Drain Inspection: Find Out How it Helps Pinpoint Root Infiltration in Your Pipes
- Blocked Drain Emergency? Here’s What You Need to Know About DIY vs. Professionals
- How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
- Keep Your Home Safe by Hiring a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
