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. They can be unpleasant dirty, inconvenient, and messy and require immediate attention. However, you don’t always have to contact a plumber immediately. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps to get your toilet unclogged in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be solved by using simple tools like plungers, baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we begin, it’s essential to be prepared with these tools at hand:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- A Wire Coat hanger, or a Plumber Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Switch off your water source valve.
The first thing you need to do when faced with a blocked toilet is to shut off the supply of water that is behind the toilet. This ensures that no water will enter the tank during your are working to unblock it. The valve usually is situated at to the base of tank on the other side.
Step 2: Make sure you are protected with rubber gloves.
You must protect your hands from germs or bacteria present 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 the most efficient tool for clearing up blocked toilets. The first step is to gently push down upon the plunger until all air is evacuated from it. then place it firmly on the toilet bowl. Then, start to plunge quickly up and down for around 20 seconds. The suction caused by plunging back and forth can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Ensure you use a forceful but controlled motion.
- Place holes around sinks or shower drains, if they are close by to prevent the air from escaping when you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar mix.
If plunges don’t work, try this next tactic - pour half a cup of baking soda and one cups of white vinegar to the toilet. Allow the mixture to settle for around 15 minutes. It will fizz a bit then stop, pour hot water down (not hot) to eliminate the blockage.
Step 5 5. Use a coat hanger with wire or plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda or vinegar methods have failed to clear the clog, then it’s time to try an electric coat hanger or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s wire until you are left with a thin and long wire that has an angled hook on one side or to use the plumbing snake, which is specially designed to clear drain blockages. Install the snake in the drain hole on your toilet, and twist to turn, push, at the same time until you sense resistance. this is where the blockage typically is. Be gentle and try to break the blockages by using a back and forth motion without causing damages in your drainpipe.
Note:
- Be careful not to push or pull actions with force as they may cause more harm.
Step 6: Turn on the water supply and verify the result.
Once you’ve eliminated any obstructions, it’s vital to turn on the water supply valve behind your toilet. Then flush it several times to make sure the water is flowing freely!
| 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. |
Frequently Asked Question
How do I know when my toilet has become blocked?
One of the most obvious symptoms of a blocked toilet is when the water fills up to the top of the toilet after flushing. There is a possibility that water drains away slowly, or you may hear sounds of gurgling coming through the toilet.
What should I do if my bathroom is blocked?
If you suspect the toilet is clogged then avoid flushing it over again since this could result in flooding. Instead, turn off your water source valve behind the toilet and make use of a plunger to remove any obstruction. If this fails then call Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney for professional help.
Can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are a variety of ways to avoid your toilet being blocked. This includes avoiding flushing non-degradable items such as toiletries, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. Avoid using oil or grease in the sink as it will cause it to solidify and block pipes.
When should I contact a professional plumber for the problem of a toilet that is blocked?
If you’ve tried flushing into your toilet, but it doesn’t clear or you believe there’s a bigger issue with your plumbing system that is causing frequent blockages, you need to get in touch with an experienced professional plumber such as Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney . We have years of experience tackling all kinds of plumbing problems and can swiftly diagnose and fix any issues with the least disruption to your home.
When should I have my drains cleaned?
It is recommended to have your drains cleaned by professionals like Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of obstructions and keep your plumbing system operating smoothly. If, however, you often have problems with drains blocking or slow draining water despite trying to avoid clogging them, then regular cleaning is beneficial.
These strategies are simple to implement in the majority of cases, and these items are 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 in search of professional help with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
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- Get Ready for Your Close-up: Tips on How to Prepare for a CCTV Inspection of Your Drains
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