What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide

Toilet blockages can happen at any time and are a common household issue. It can be unpleasant and messy, and require immediate attention. However, you don’t need to call an plumber immediately. In this blog we’ll walk you through some simple steps to unclog your toilet within a matter of minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Toilet blockages are easily remediated with simple tools and methods like plungers, baking soda

The tools you’ll need

Before we begin it’s important to have these tools handy:

• Rubber Gloves
• Plunger
• Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
• Wire Coat Hanger or Plumber Snake (Optional)

Step 1: Turn off the water supply valve.

The first thing to do when facing a clogged toilet is to turn off the water supply valve behind the toilet. This will ensure that no water will enter the tank as you are working to unblock it. The valve is usually located near in the middle of the tank, on one side.

Step 2: Make sure you are protected with rubber gloves.

You must protect your hands from any germs or bacteria that may be present in your toilet with rubber gloves before making use of any tool to clear the toilet.

Step 3: Use a plunger.

A plunger is the most efficient tool for clearing up blocked toilets. The first step is to gently push down on the plunger until all air is released, then place it in the hole in your toilet bowl and start plunging quickly up and down for about 20 seconds. The suction created by the movement of the plunger will assist in removing any blockages.

Tips:

• Use a firm but controlled motion.
• Place holes around sinks or shower drains if they are close enough to stop air pressure escaping as you plunge.

Step 4: Try baking soda with vinegar.

If plunges don’t work then try this alternative method add half a cup of baking soda and one tablespoon of vinegar in the bowl. Allow the mixture to settle for around 15 minutes. It may fizz then stop you can pour hot water down (not at a boil) to remove the blockage.

Step 5 5. Use an iron coat hanger made of wire or plumbing snake.

If plunging, baking soda or vinegar methods have failed the problem, it’s time to use an electric 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 bent at one end or use it as a plumbing snake which was specially designed to clear drain blockages. Place the snake into the drain hole of your toilet and then twist around, twist, push at the same time until you sense resistance; that’s where the blockage usually occurs. Make an effort to break the blockages by using a back and forth motion without damaging your pipe.

Note:

• Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions with force as they may create more problems.

Step 6: Restart the water supply and verify the results.

Once you’ve cleared up any blockages, it is crucial to turn off the supply of water behind your toilet bowl again. Then flush it several times to make sure that the water is flowing freely!

Frequently Asked Question

How can I tell when my toilet is not functioning properly?

A common indications of a toilet that is blocked is when water rises to the top after flushing. There is a possibility that the water drains slowly, or you may hear sounds of gurgling coming directly from your toilet.

What can I do if my toilet is blocked?

If you think the toilet is clogged then avoid flushing it in the future as this could result in flooding. Instead, shut off your water source valve that is behind the toilet, and utilize a plunger and remove any blockages. If that 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 actions you can take to keep your toilet from becoming blocked. One of them is to avoid flushing non-degradable items such as the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. Avoid using oil or grease in the drain, which could cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.

When should I call a professional plumber for a blocked toilet?

If you’ve tried to flush into your toilet, but it does not unblock, or you suspect there’s a larger issue with your plumbing system causing frequent blockages, it’s time to get in touch with a professional plumber, such as Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney . We have years of experience dealing with various plumbing issues that we can quickly detect and address any issues without causing any impact on your property.

When should I schedule my drains cleaned?

It is recommended to have the drains cleaned out by a professional such as Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of blockages and keep your plumbing system in good working order. If, however, you often suffer from blockages to your drains or slow draining of water despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging them, then yearly cleaning is beneficial.

These procedures are fairly easy to carry out, and most of these products are easily available in households. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to getting anxious after trying all the methods mentioned above – contact Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re looking for professional assistance with problems with your blocked toilets.

Additional Information

• Get Ready for Your Close-up: Tips on How to Prepare for a CCTV Inspection of Your Drains
• How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
• The Importance of Professional Drain Cleaning for Your Family's Health and Safety
• The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspections in Preventing Expensive Property Damage
• Preventing Clogs and Blockages: Best Practices for Maintaining Your Drains
• A Comprehensive Overview of CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Home
• How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
• The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
• Top Plumbing Services to Keep Your Pipes Running Smoothly
• The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers