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

Toilet blockages can occur anytime and are a common issue for homeowners. It can be unpleasant messy and uninspiring, and require immediate attention. However, you don’t need to call an emergency plumber immediately. In this blog, we will guide you through a few easy steps to unclog your toilet within a matter of minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Toilet blockages can be solved with simple tools and methods such as a plunger, baking soda

The Tools You’ll Need

Before we get started it’s important to have these tools in your arsenal:

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

Step 1: Close the supply of water valve.

The first thing you should do when you encounter a blocked toilet is to shut off the supply of water behind the toilet. This ensures that no water can enter the tank as you work on unclogging it. The valve is typically situated at on the floor of your tank on one side.

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

Hands must be protected from germs or bacteria that may be present in your toilet with rubber gloves prior to using any tools that help in unclogging.

Step 3: Use a plunger.

The plunger is by far the most efficient method for cleaning toilets that are blocked. Start by pushing down on the plunger until all air is evacuated from it. then place it in the hole in your toilet bowl. Begin to plunging vigorously up and down for approximately 20 seconds. The suction caused by the movement of the plunger can help clear any obstructions.

Tips:

• Use a firm but controlled movement.
• Place holes around sinks or shower drains if they’re close enough to prevent the pressure of air from escape as you plunge.

Step 4: Test baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.

If you’re not able to get the plunge working Try this method Pour half a cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Allow the mixture to settle for around 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz then stop you can pour hot water down (not boiling) to remove the obstruction.

Step 5 5. Use a coat hanger with wire or plumbing snake.

If plunging, baking soda and vinegar have not worked to clear the clog, then it’s time to use a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s cord until you are left with a thin and long wire that has an angled hook at one end. You can also use your plumbing snake which was designed specifically for clearing drain clogs. Insert the tool into the drain hole on your toilet, and twist, turn, push and pull till you experience a resistance. there’s usually a blockage occurs. Be gentle and try to break any blockages using back-and-forth motion without damaging the pipeline.

Note:

• Don’t push or pull actions too hard, as they could cause more harm.

Step 6: Restart the water supply, and then check the result

Once you’ve cleared up any obstructions, it’s vital to turn on your water valve in the toilet bowl. Make sure to flush it several times to make sure that everything flows freely now!

FAQ

How do I know whether my toilet is clogged?

The most obvious indicators of a clogged toilet is when water rises to the top of the bowl after flushing. You might also notice that water drains away slowly or you hear gurgling sounds coming directly from your toilet.

What should I do if my toilet is blocked?

If you think your toilet has been blocked and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it over again since this could result in flooding. Instead, turn off the water supply valve in front of the toilet and make use of a plunger to remove any obstruction. If that doesn’t work contact Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney for professional help.

Can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?

Yes! There are several ways to avoid your toilet being blocked. This includes avoiding flushing non-degradable items such as sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool into the toilet. Avoid using oil or grease in the drain, which could cause solidification and block pipes.

What is the best time to call a professional plumber to resolve an unblocking toilet?

If you’ve tried splurging your toilet but it still isn’t unblocking, or you think there’s a larger issue with the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to get in touch with a professional plumber, such as Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney . We’ve got years of experience dealing with all kinds of plumbing problems and are able to quickly identify and fix any issues without causing any impact on your property.

Do I need to schedule my drains cleared?

It is suggested that you have your drains cleaned by a professional like Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney every 1-2 years. This will help prevent blockages and keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. If you regularly suffer from blockages to your drains or slow drainage of water despite being careful to not block them, then cleaning your drains every year can be beneficial.

These procedures are fairly easy to implement, and most of these items are readily available to households. When facing blocked toilets before panicking after attempting all these methods, contact Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re searching for professional assistance for those blocked toilets.

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