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. It can be unpleasant and messy and requires immediate attention. However, you don’t have to contact a plumber immediately. In this blog we’ll take you through simple steps to unclog your toilet within a matter of minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Toilet blockages can be solved with simple tools and methods such as plungers, baking soda

The tools you’ll need

Before we start it is 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: Turn off the supply of water valve.

The first thing you need to do when faced with a blocked toilet is turning off the water supply valve that is behind the toilet. This will ensure that no water can enter the tank during your attempt to clear it. The valve is usually situated near the bottom of the tank on one side.

Step 2: Guard yourself with rubber gloves.

You must protect your hands from potential bacteria or germs found in your toilet bowl with rubber gloves before making use of any tools to unblock the drain.

Step 3: Use a plunger.

The plunger is by far the most efficient tool for clearing toilets of blockages. First, push down gently to the plunger, until all air escapes from it, then place it in the toilet bowl. Then, start to plunge continuously up and down for around 20 seconds. The suction created when you plunge back and forth will assist in removing any blockages.

Tips:

• Make sure you are using a strong but controlled motion.
• Make holes in the sinks or shower drains if they’re near to stop air pressure escaping as you plunge.

Step 4: Test baking soda with vinegar.

If the plunge doesn’t work Try this method Pour half a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let this mixture settle for about 15 minutes. It will begin to bubble but when it ceases to fizz it will be poured down with hot water (not at a boil) to clear the obstruction.

Step 5 Step 5: Use an iron coat hanger made of wire or plumbing snake.

If plunging, baking soda/vinegar methods have failed the problem, it’s time to try the wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s wire until are left with a thin and long wire that has an angled hook at one end, or you can use the plumbing snake, which is designed specifically for clearing drain obstructions. Put the tool in the drain hole of your toilet and twist to turn, push, at the same time until you sense a resistance. there’s usually a blockage is. Try to break up any blockages using back-and-forth motion without damaging your drainpipe.

Note:

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

Step 6: Switch on the water supply and test the results.

Once you’ve eliminated any blockages, it is crucial to turn off the valve for water flow that is behind your toilet. You should flush it a couple of times to ensure that all water flows smoothly now!

Common Questions & Answers

How can I tell when my toilet is not functioning properly?

The most common indicators of a clogged toilet is when the water fills up to the top after flushing. You might also notice that water drains away slowly or you hear sounds of gurgling coming through the toilet.

What can I do if my bathroom is blocked?

If you believe your toilet is blocked and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it again as this can cause flooding. Instead, turn off your water source valve that is behind the toilet, and make use of a plunger and remove any blockages. If that doesn’t work you can call Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers for professional help.

Do I have the ability to stop my toilet from getting blocked?

Yes! There are a variety of actions you can take to prevent your toilet from becoming blocked. These include avoiding flushing non-degradable items such as the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. It is also important to avoid the practice of pouring oil or grease down the sink as it will cause it to solidify and cause blockages to pipes.

What is the best time to call a professional plumber to resolve an unblocking toilet?

If you’ve tried plunging your toilet but it still doesn’t clear or you believe there’s a larger issue with your plumbing system causing frequent blockages, it’s time to contact a professional plumber, such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers . We’ve got years of experience dealing with all kinds of plumbing problems and can swiftly diagnose and resolve any issues that cause interruption to your house.

How often should I schedule my drains cleared?

It is recommended that you get clean your drains by a professional like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of obstructions and keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. However, if you frequently encounter blockages in your drains or slow drainage of water despite trying to avoid clogging them, then yearly cleaning would be beneficial.

These strategies are simple to carry out, and most of these items are readily available to households. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to getting anxious after trying all the methods mentioned above – contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re in search of professional help with your blocked toilets.

Additional Information

• 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
• Avoiding Clogged Drains: Tips for Homeowners
• Saving Time and Money with CCTV Drain Inspection for Drain Clearing
• DIY Methods for Clearing Blocked Drains at Home
• Clean Your Clogged Shower Drain the Green Way without Chemicals
• DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
• CCTV Drain Inspection: Find Out How it Helps Pinpoint Root Infiltration in Your Pipes
• The Importance of Regular Pipe Relining for Homeowners