What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur at any time, and are a common issue for homeowners. It can be unpleasant messy and uninspiring, and require immediate attention. However, you don’t have to contact the plumber right away. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps to clear your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be cured by using simple tools such as plungers, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we start, it’s essential to be prepared with these tools:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- A Wire Coat hanger, or a Pipe Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Turn off your water source valve.
The first thing you need to do when you encounter a blocked toilet is to turn off the supply of water on the toilet. This ensures that there is no further water entering the tank during your attempt to clear it. The valve is usually situated at the bottom of the tank on one side.
Step 2: Guard yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
You must protect your hands against germs and 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 undoubtedly the most effective tool to use for getting rid of blocked toilets. Begin by pressing down upon the plunger until air escapes from it, then press firmly over the hole in your toilet bowl. Begin to plunging quickly up and down for around 20 seconds. The suction created by the movement of the plunger will remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Use a firm but controlled movement.
- Fill in holes around sinks and shower drains if close by to prevent the air from escaping when you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda with vinegar.
If plunges don’t work, try this next tactic Pour half a cup of baking soda and one tablespoon of vinegar in the bowl. Allow the mixture to settle for approximately 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz, and when it stops then pour boiling water down (not at a boil) to flush out the obstruction.
Step 5: Use an iron coat hanger made of wire or plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda/vinegar techniques have failed 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 wire until you are left with a thin and long wire with a hook that is bent at one end. You can also use your plumbing snake that was designed specifically for clearing drain blockages. Place the snake into the drain hole on your toilet, and twist, turn, push to the point where you can feel a resistance. there’s usually a blockage occurs. Gently try to break up any blockages with a back-andforth motion without causing damages in your pipeline.
Note:
- Be careful not to push or pull actions too hard, as they could result in more damage.
Step 6: Restart the water supply and test the results.
Once you’ve eliminated any blockages, it is essential to turn on the water supply valve behind your toilet. Make sure to 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. |
FAQ
How can I tell when my toilet is not functioning properly?
The most typical 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 the sound of gurgling out of the bathroom.
What can I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you think the toilet is clogged then avoid flushing it again as this can result in flooding. Instead, turn off your water source valve behind the toilet and use a plunger to try and remove any blockages. If that doesn’t work, call Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney for professional help.
Do I have the ability to stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are a variety of ways to prevent your toilet from being blocked. This includes avoiding flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. You should also avoid spilling oil or grease down the drain, which could cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.
What is the best time to call an experienced plumber about a toilet that has become blocked?
If you’ve tried flushing the toilet, but it won’t unblock or you suspect there’s a bigger issue with the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to call in a professional plumber, such as Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney . We’ve had years of experience tackling any plumbing problem and are able to quickly identify and fix any issues without causing any disturbance to the home.
What is the best frequency to have 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 can prevent blockages and keep your plumbing system operating smoothly. 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 cleaning your drains every year could be beneficial.
These methods are relatively easy to carry out as the majority of products are easily available in households. If you’re having trouble with your toilets, don’t be being anxious after attempting the methods, contact Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re seeking professional assistance with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Protect Your Condo's Property Value with Long-Lasting Trenchless Pipe Relining
- Get Ready for Your Close-up: Tips on How to Prepare for a CCTV Inspection of Your Drains
- A Comprehensive Overview of CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Home
- Preventing Clogs and Blockages: Best Practices for Maintaining Your Drains
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
- The Benefits of Using CCTV Drain Inspection for Pipe Relining Services
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Can Save You Money in the Long Run
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspections in Preventing Expensive Property Damage
- Why CCTV Drain Inspections Should Be Part of Your Regular Maintenance Routine
