What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any time, and can be a frequent household problem. It’s unpleasant messy and uninspiring, and require immediate attention. However, you don’t have to contact an plumber immediately. In this blog we’ll guide you through the ways to clean your toilet within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages are easily remediated with simple tools and methods such as plungers, baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we start we must be prepared with these tools:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Wire Coat Hanger or Pipe Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Turn off your water source valve.
The first thing you need to do when facing a clogged toilet is to shut off the valve for water flow in front of the toilet. This is to ensure that no water can enter the tank while you try to get it unclogged. The valve usually is situated at in the middle of the tank, on one side.
Step 2: Protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
Hands must be protected from potential bacteria or germs found in your toilet bowl with rubber gloves prior to making use of any tool to clear the toilet.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most effective tool for getting rid of blocked toilets. Begin by pressing down onto the plunger till air is removed from it, then place it firmly on the toilet and begin to plunge vigorously up and down for about 20 seconds. The suction that is created by plunging back and forth can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Make sure you are using a strong but controlled movement.
- Make holes in the sinks or shower drains if near to stop the pressure of air from escape as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar mixture.
If you’re not able to get the plunge working, try this next tactic to pour half a mug of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Allow the mixture to settle for 15 to 20 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz but when it ceases to fizz, pour hot water down (not boiling) to clear the blockage.
Step 5 5. Use an iron coat hanger made of wire or a plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda/vinegar methods have failed to clear the clog, then it’s the time to employ an electric coat hanger or plumbing snake. You can straighten out the coat hanger’s cord until you have a long thin wire that has a hook that is bent on one side or your plumbing snake which is designed specifically for clearing drain blockages. Insert the tool into the drain hole in your toilet and then twist and turn, push to the point where you can feel resistance. this is where the blockage typically occurs. Make an effort to break any blockages with a back-andforth motion without causing damages in your pipeline.
Note:
- Don’t push or pull actions as they could create more problems.
Step 6: Restart the water supply, and then check the results.
Once you’ve removed any blockages, it is essential to turn on the valve for water flow on your toilet bowl again. Then flush it several times to make sure all water flows smoothly now!
| 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 common signs of a blocked toilet is when water rises to the brim after flushing. It is also possible to notice that the water drains in a slow manner, or hear sounds of gurgling coming through the toilet.
What can I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you suspect your toilet is blocked be sure to avoid flushing it over again since this could result in flooding. Instead, shut off water flow at the valve on the side of the toilet. Then employ a plunger to try to eliminate any blockages. If this doesn’t work then call Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney for professional help.
Do I have the ability to stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are numerous ways to avoid your toilet becoming blocked. One of them is to avoid flushing non-degradable products like the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. You should also avoid using oil or grease in the drain, which could cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I contact an experienced plumber about a blocked toilet?
If you’ve tried plunging the toilet, but it isn’t unblocking, or you think there’s a bigger issue with the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, you need to call in a professional plumber like Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney . We have years of experience with all kinds of plumbing problems and can quickly diagnose and correct any issue without causing any interruption to your house.
What is the best frequency to get my drains cleaned?
It is recommended to have cleaning your drainage system by professionals like Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of obstructions and keep your plumbing system in good working order. If, however, you often have problems with drains blocking or slow draining water despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging them, then regular cleaning could be beneficial.
These strategies are simple to carry out, and most of these items are readily available in homes. 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 the problem of blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
- Get Ready for Your Close-up: Tips on How to Prepare for a CCTV Inspection of Your Drains
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- Natural Methods for Keeping Your Shower Drain Free of Blockages
- Top Plumbing Services to Keep Your Pipes Running Smoothly
- Why CCTV Drain Inspections Should Be Part of Your Regular Maintenance Routine
- The Benefits of Using CCTV Drain Inspection for Pipe Relining Services
- Blocked Drain Emergency? Here’s What You Need to Know About DIY vs. Professionals
- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
- Preventing Clogs and Blockages: Best Practices for Maintaining Your Drains
