What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur at any time and can be a frequent household problem. It’s unpleasant and messy, and require immediate attention. However, you do not always have to contact an plumber immediately. In this blog we’ll take you through a few easy ways to clean your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages are easily remediated with the use of simple tools such as a plunger, baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we begin, it’s essential to have these tools in your arsenal:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Hook for the Wire Coat or Plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Close the supply of water valve.
The first thing you should do when confronted with a blocked toilet is to shut off the supply of water in front of the toilet. This will ensure that no water will enter the tank during your are working to unblock it. The valve is typically found near the bottom of the tank on one side.
Step 2: Guard yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
Hands must be protected against germs and bacteria that may be present in your toilet with rubber gloves before using any tools that help in unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is without doubt the most effective tool for clearing toilets of blockages. The first step is to gently push down onto the plunger till air is evacuated from it. then place it in the hole in your toilet bowl. Then, start to plunge quickly up and down for approximately 20 seconds. The suction that is created by plunging back and forth will help remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Make sure you are using a strong but controlled movement.
- Make holes in the sinks or shower drains if close enough to stop the release of pressure as you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda with vinegar.
If plunging doesn’t work, try this next tactic - pour half a cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. The mixture should sit for about 15 minutes. It will fizz a bit then stop you can pour hot water down (not hot) to flush out the obstruction.
Step 5 Step 5: Use a wire coat hanger or a plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda/vinegar methods have failed and you are in need of a solution, it’s the time to employ an electric coat hanger or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s cable until you have a thick, thin wire with an angled hook at one end or use the plumbing snake that is specially designed to clear drain clogs. Install the snake in your toilet drain hole and twist, turn, push to the point where you can feel resistance. that’s where the blockage usually is. Be gentle and try to break any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement without causing damages in your pipe.
Note:
- Don’t push or pull actions hard as they can cause more harm.
Step 6: Restart the water supply and check the result
After you have cleared any blockages, it is important to switch on the valve for water flow that is behind the toilet bowl. After that, flush it a few times to make sure that 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. |
FAQs
How can I tell whether my toilet is clogged?
The most typical symptoms of a blocked toilet is when water rises to the top of the bowl after flushing. It is also possible to notice that water drains away slowly, or you may hear sounds of gurgling coming directly from your toilet.
What should I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you believe the toilet is clogged be sure to avoid flushing it in the future as this could cause flooding. Instead, shut off the supply of water to the valve that is behind the toilet, and make use of a plunger and remove any blockages. If this doesn’t work, call Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers for professional help.
Can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are numerous ways to keep your toilet from being blocked. This includes avoiding flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as toiletries, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. You should also avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink as it will cause it to solidify and block pipes.
When should I contact an experienced plumber to fix an unblocking toilet?
If you’ve tried splurging the toilet, but it isn’t unblocking, or you think that there’s an issue in your plumbing system that is causing frequent blockages, it’s time to call in a professional plumber, such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers . We have many years of experience tackling any plumbing problem that we can quickly detect and correct any issue that cause impact on your property.
Do I need to schedule my drains cleared?
It’s recommended that you have your drains cleaned by a professional like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers every 1-2 years. This can prevent blockages and ensure that your plumbing system running smoothly. However, if you frequently encounter blockages in your drains or slow draining water despite being careful to not block them, then cleaning your drains every year could be beneficial.
These procedures are fairly easy to carry out as the majority of items are readily available in households. If you’re having trouble with your toilets, don’t be being anxious after attempting the techniques, call Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re looking for professional assistance with problems with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- From Clearing Clutter to Securing Access Points: The Preparations You Need for a Successful CCTV Drain Inspection
- Say Goodbye to Frequent Clogging: Reasons to Invest in Pipe Relining Services
- When to Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- Blocked Drain Emergency? Here’s What You Need to Know About DIY vs. Professionals
- Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
- Saving Time and Money with CCTV Drain Inspection for Drain Clearing
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections for Blocked Drains and Corroded Pipes
- Avoiding Clogged Drains: Tips for Homeowners
- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
