What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur at any moment and can be a frequent household problem. It’s unpleasant, messy, and inconvenient and require immediate attention. However, you don’t always have to contact the plumber immediately. In this blog post, we will guide you through a few easy ways to clean your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be resolved using simple tools and techniques like plungers, baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we begin it’s important to be prepared with these tools:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Hook for the Wire Coat or plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Shut off the valve for water flow.
The first thing you need to do when faced with a blocked toilet is to shut off the water supply valve behind the toilet. This is to ensure that no water can enter the tank as you work on unclogging it. The valve is typically situated near the bottom of the tank on one side.
Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself with rubber gloves.
Your hands must be protected from germs or bacteria that may be present in your toilet by wearing rubber gloves prior to making use of any tools to unblock the drain.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most efficient tool for clearing toilets of blockages. The first step is to gently push down to the plunger, until air is evacuated from it. then press firmly over the toilet and begin to plunge upwards and downwards for approximately 20 seconds. The suction that is created through plunging back and forth will remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Use a firm but controlled movement.
- Cover holes around sinks or shower drains, if they are near to stop air pressure escaping as you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar mixture.
If plunges don’t work you can try this other method add half a cup of baking soda as well as one teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. Let this mixture settle for around 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz then stop you can pour hot water down (not boiling) to clear the blockage.
Step 5 5. Use a wire coat hanger or a plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda/vinegar methods have failed to clear the clog, then it’s the right time to utilize an electric coat hanger or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s wire until are left with a thin and long wire that has hooks that are bent on one side or the plumbing snake which is specially designed to clear drain clogs. Place the snake into the drain hole in your toilet and twist around, twist, push and pull till you experience a resistance. that’s where the blockage usually occurs. Gently try to break up any blockages using back-and-forth motion without damaging your pipeline.
Note:
- Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions as they could result in more damage.
Step 6: Turn on the water supply, and then check the results.
After you have cleared any blockages, it is essential to turn on your water valve on your toilet. After that, flush it a few times to ensure that everything flows freely 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
What can I do to tell whether my toilet is clogged?
One of the most typical symptoms of a blocked toilet is when water rises to the top after flushing. You might also notice that water drains away in a slow manner, or hear noises of gurgling coming out of the bathroom.
What can I do if my bathroom is blocked?
If you suspect the toilet is blocked be sure to avoid flushing it again as this can result in flooding. Instead, turn off your water source at the valve that is behind the toilet, and utilize a plunger to remove any obstruction. If this doesn’t work, call Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers for professional help.
How can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are a variety of ways to prevent your toilet from becoming blocked. These include avoiding the flushing of non-degradable things like Wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool in the toilet. It is also important to avoid using oil or grease in the sink, as it can cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.
What is the best time to call an experienced plumber about a blocked toilet?
If you’ve tried flushing your toilet but it still won’t unblock or you suspect there’s a bigger issue with your plumbing system that is causing frequent blockages, it’s time to get in touch with an experienced plumber such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers . We have years of experience tackling all kinds of plumbing problems and can quickly diagnose and resolve any issues with the least disturbance to the home.
What is the best frequency to get my drains cleaned?
It’s recommended that you have cleaning your drainage system by a professional such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers every 1-2 years. This will help prevent obstructions and keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. If you regularly suffer from blockages to your drains or slow draining water despite being careful to not block them, then cleaning your drains every year is beneficial.
These strategies are simple to carry out as the majority of items are available in homes. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to worrying after trying the methods, contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re in search of professional assistance for the problem of blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- CCTV Drain Inspection: Find Out How it Helps Pinpoint Root Infiltration in Your Pipes
- Save Money with These Simple Drain Maintenance Techniques
- When to Call a Professional for Blocked Drains: A Guide
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- CCTV Drain Inspection: A Cost-Effective Solution for Unblocking Blocked Drains
- The Importance of Regular Pipe Relining for Homeowners
- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
- Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
- From Clearing Clutter to Securing Access Points: The Preparations You Need for a Successful CCTV Drain Inspection
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
