What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur anytime and are a common household issue. They can be unpleasant dirty, inconvenient, and messy, and require immediate attention. However, you don’t always have to contact an emergency plumber right away. In this blog we’ll guide you through simple steps to get your toilet unclogged within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages are easily remediated with the use of simple tools like plungers, baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we start, it’s essential to have these tools in your arsenal:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- A Wire Coat hanger, or a plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Close your water source valve.
The first thing you need to do when you encounter a blocked toilet is to shut off the supply of water behind the toilet. This ensures that no water will enter the tank as you are working to unblock it. The valve is normally found near on the floor of your tank on one side.
Step 2: Guard yourself with rubber gloves.
Protect your hands from any germs or bacteria found in your toilet bowl by wearing rubber gloves prior making use of any tool to clear the toilet.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most effective tool to use for getting rid of blocked toilets. Start by pushing down upon the plunger until all air is evacuated from it. then place it firmly on the toilet and begin to plunge quickly up and down for approximately 20 seconds. The suction that is created through plunging back and forth will help remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Be sure to use a powerful but controlled movement.
- Cover holes around sinks or shower drains if they are close by to prevent the air from escaping when you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If plunging doesn’t work you can try this other method to pour half a mug of baking soda as well as one cups of white vinegar to the toilet. The mixture should sit for around 15 minutes. It will begin to bubble but when it ceases to fizz it will be poured down with hot water (not boiling) to eliminate the obstruction.
Step 5 Utilize a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda and vinegar have not worked to clear the clog, then it’s the right time to utilize a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s cord until you have a long thin wire that has a hook bent at one end or use the plumbing snake that was designed specifically for clearing drain obstructions. Place the snake into the drain hole on your toilet, and then twist, turn, push to the point where you can feel resistance. there’s usually a blockage occurs. Make an effort to break the blockages by using a back and forth motion without causing damage to your pipe.
Note:
- Never overdo pushing or pulling actions hard as they can create more problems.
Step 6: Switch on the water supply, and then check the result
After you have cleared any obstructions, it’s essential to turn on the supply of water 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. |
FAQs
How can I tell when my toilet has become blocked?
The most frequent symptoms of a blocked toilet is when water levels rise to the top after flushing. It is also possible to notice that water drains away slowly or you hear gurgling sounds coming from the toilet.
What should I do if my toilet is blocked?
If you think your toilet has been blocked be sure to avoid flushing it over again since this could cause flooding. Instead, shut off your water source valve that is behind the toilet, and employ a plunger to try to eliminate any blockages. If this doesn’t work then call Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney for professional help.
Can I prevent my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are a variety of ways to keep your toilet from becoming blocked. These include avoiding the flushing of non-degradable things like toiletries, wet wipes or cotton wool into the toilet. Also, avoid using oil or grease in the drain, which could cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I call an experienced plumber about a blocked toilet?
If you’ve tried flushing the toilet, but it does not unblock, or you suspect there’s a bigger issue with your plumbing system that is causing frequent blockages, it’s time to call in an experienced professional plumber such as Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney . We have many years of experience dealing with various plumbing issues that we can quickly detect and correct any issue without causing any impact on your property.
When should I schedule my drains cleaned?
It’s recommended that you have your drains cleaned by professionals like Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney every 1-2 years. This will prevent blockages and ensure that your plumbing system operating smoothly. If you regularly encounter blockages in your drains or slow draining water, despite trying to avoid clogging them, then cleaning your drains every year could be beneficial.
These strategies are simple to implement in the majority of cases, and these products are easily available in households. When facing blocked toilets before worrying after trying the techniques, call Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re searching for professional assistance with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspections in Preventing Expensive Property Damage
- Protect Your Condo's Property Value with Long-Lasting Trenchless Pipe Relining
- Top Plumbing Services to Keep Your Pipes Running Smoothly
- The Benefits of Using CCTV Drain Inspection for Pipe Relining Services
- Keep Your Home Safe by Hiring a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Can Save You Money in the Long Run
- The Importance of Professional Drain Cleaning for Your Family's Health and Safety
- Preventing Clogs and Blockages: Best Practices for Maintaining Your Drains
- Natural Methods for Keeping Your Shower Drain Free of Blockages
