What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen anytime and are a common issue for homeowners. They can be uncomfortable, messy, and inconvenient, and require immediate attention. However, you do not always require a plumber right away. In this blog post we’ll guide you through simple steps to unclog your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be resolved using simple tools and techniques such as a plunger, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we get started, it’s essential to be prepared with these tools at hand:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Hook for the Wire Coat or Plumber Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Shut off the supply of water valve.
The first thing to do when faced with a blocked toilet is turning off water valves on the toilet. This step ensures that no more water enters the tank as you try to get it unclogged. The valve usually is located near to the base of tank, on one side.
Step 2: Make sure you are protected with rubber gloves.
You must protect your hands against germs and bacteria present 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 the most efficient tool for clearing up blocked toilets. The first step is to gently push down upon the plunger until all air is removed from it, then place it in the hole in your toilet and begin to plunge continuously up and down for around 20 minutes. The suction that is created when you plunge back and forth can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Ensure you use a forceful but controlled movement.
- Place holes around sinks or shower drains, if they are close enough to prevent air pressure escaping as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If plunging doesn’t work then try this alternative method - pour half a cup of baking soda and a teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. Allow the mixture to settle for around 15 minutes. It will fizz a bit then stop, pour hot water down (not overly hot) to flush out the obstruction.
Step 5: Use an iron coat hanger made of wire or a plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda or vinegar methods have failed, then it is the right time to utilize a wire coat hanger, or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s cord until you have a thin, long wire that has a hook that is bent on one side or to use the plumbing snake which is specifically designed for clearing drain blockages. Place the snake into the drain hole of your toilet and twist around, twist, push and pull till you experience resistance; there’s usually a blockage occurs. Try to break up any blockages with a back-andforth motion without causing damages in your drainpipe.
Note:
- Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions too hard, as they could result in more damage.
Step 6: Turn on the water supply and verify the result.
After you have cleared any obstructions, it’s vital to turn on your water valve that is behind the toilet bowl. You should flush it a couple of times to ensure 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. |
Common Questions and Answers
How do I know when my toilet has become blocked?
The most obvious symptoms of a blocked toilet is when water levels rise to the top of the toilet after flushing. It is also possible to notice that water drains away slowly, or you might hear the sound of gurgling directly from your toilet.
What can I do if my toilet is blocked?
If you suspect that the toilet is blocked be sure to avoid flushing it over again since this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off water flow valve that is behind the toilet, and use a plunger to try to remove any obstruction. If this fails, call Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers for professional help.
How can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are several ways to keep your toilet from getting blocked, including avoiding flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. Also, avoid spilling oil or grease down the sink which can solidify and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I call an experienced plumber to fix an unblocking toilet?
If you’ve tried to flush the toilet, but it does not unblock, or you suspect there’s a larger issue with your plumbing system that’s causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to seek out a professional plumber like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers . We have many years of experience in dealing with every kind of plumbing issue and are able to quickly identify and address any issues without causing any disruption to your home.
When should I get my drains cleared?
It is recommended to have your drains cleaned by experts like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers every 1-2 years. This will help prevent blockages 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 yearly cleaning can be beneficial.
These strategies are simple to implement, and most of these items are readily available to households. When facing blocked toilets before panicking after attempting all these techniques, call Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re seeking professional help with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
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- Say Goodbye to Frequent Clogging: Reasons to Invest in Pipe Relining Services
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- Why Calling a Pro for Drain Cleaning is Safer and Smarter
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
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