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

Toilet blockages can happen at any moment and are a common problem for households. It can be unpleasant dirty, inconvenient, and messy, and require immediate attention. However, you do not always need to call an plumber immediately. In this blog post we’ll take you through the steps to get your toilet unclogged within a matter of minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Toilet blockages can be cured by using simple tools such as plungers, baking soda

The tools you’ll need

Before we get started it’s important to be prepared with these tools at hand:

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

Step 1: Close your water source valve.

The first thing to do when you encounter a blocked toilet is to shut off water valves behind the toilet. This will ensure that there is no further water entering the tank during your are working to unblock it. The valve usually is situated at on the floor of your tank on the other side.

Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself 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 tools to unblock the drain.

Step 3: Use a plunger.

A plunger is the most effective tool to use for clearing toilets of blockages. The first step is to gently push down upon the plunger until air is released, then place it firmly on the toilet bowl and start plunging continuously up and down for approximately 20 minutes. The suction generated by the movement of the plunger will remove any blockages.

Tips:

• Use a firm but controlled motion.
• Make holes in the sinks or shower drains if they’re close enough to stop the pressure of air from escape as you plunge.

Step 4: Make a baking soda with vinegar.

If the plunge doesn’t work you can try this other method - pour half a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Allow the mixture to settle for around 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz before it slows down you can pour hot water down (not at a boil) to clear the obstruction.

Step 5 Utilize a coat hanger that is wire or plumbing snake.

If both plunging and baking soda and vinegar have not worked, then it is time to try a wire coat hanger, or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s wire until you have a thin, long wire with hooks that are bent on one side or to use the plumbing snake, which was specifically designed for clearing drain obstructions. Place the snake into the drain hole on your toilet, and then twist, turn, push and pull till you experience resistance; it’s the place where the blockage is. Try to break up the blockages by using a back and forth motion but without causing any damage to your pipeline.

Note:

• Be careful not to push or pull actions too hard, as they could make things worse

Step 6: Restart the water supply and test the result.

Once you’ve removed any obstructions, it’s crucial to turn off the water supply valve that is behind your toilet bowl again. Make sure to flush it several times to make sure that all water flows smoothly now!

Common Questions & Answers

How do I know when my toilet is not functioning properly?

One of the most common symptoms of a blocked toilet is when the water fills up to the top of the bowl after flushing. It is also possible to notice that water drains away slowly, or you might hear sounds of gurgling coming out of the bathroom.

What can I do if my bathroom is blocked?

If you suspect the toilet is blocked then avoid flushing it once more as this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off water flow valve in front of the toilet and employ a plunger to try to clear any obstructions. If that doesn’t work then call Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney for professional help.

Can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?

Yes! There are several options to avoid your toilet getting blocked, including avoiding flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as toiletries, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. Also, avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain, which could cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.

What is the best time to call an experienced plumber to fix a toilet that has become blocked?

If you’ve tried flushing your toilet but it still does not unblock, or you suspect that there’s an issue in the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, it’s time to seek out a professional plumber like Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney . We’ve had years of experience tackling various plumbing issues and can swiftly diagnose and fix any issues with minimal disruption to your home.

How often should I schedule my drains cleared?

It is recommended to have clean your drains by professionals like Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney every 1-2 years. This will prevent blockages and help keep your plumbing system in good working order. If you regularly encounter blockages in your drains or slow draining water, despite taking precautions not to clog them, then regular cleaning would be beneficial.

These methods are relatively easy to execute as the majority of products are easily available in homes. If you’re experiencing a toilet that is blocked, before being anxious after attempting the strategies, you should contact Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re in search of professional assistance for problems with your blocked toilets.

Additional Information

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• The Importance of Professional Drain Cleaning for Your Family's Health and Safety
• Keep Your Home Safe by Hiring a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
• The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
• How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
• The Benefits of Using CCTV Drain Inspection for Pipe Relining Services
• The Ultimate Guide to Prevent Drain Blockages
• Protect Your Condo's Property Value with Long-Lasting Trenchless Pipe Relining
• Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property