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 don’t have to contact an plumber immediately. In this blog we’ll guide you through a few easy steps to unclog your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be solved with the use of simple tools like plungers, baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we begin we must be prepared with these tools:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- The Hanger for Wire Coats or the plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Switch off your water source valve.
The first thing you need to do when you encounter a blocked toilet is turning off the water supply valve 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 found near in the middle of the tank on the other side.
Step 2: Guard yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
Hands must be protected from germs or bacteria present in your toilet by wearing rubber gloves prior to using any tools for unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most efficient tool for getting rid of blocked toilets. Start by pushing down to the plunger, until air is released, then press firmly over the toilet bowl. Then, start to plunge upwards and downwards for approximately 20 seconds. The suction created by plunging back and forth will remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Be sure to use a powerful but controlled movement.
- Fill in holes around sinks and shower drains if they’re close enough to stop the pressure of air from escape as you plunge.
Step 4: Test baking soda with vinegar.
If plunging doesn’t work, try this next tactic - pour half a cup of baking soda and 1 cups of white vinegar to the toilet. Allow the mixture to settle for 15 to 20 minutes. It may fizz, and when it stops it will be poured down with hot water (not overly hot) to clear the blockage.
Step 5 Step 5: Use a coat hanger with wire or plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda or vinegar methods have failed to clear the clog, then it’s the right time to utilize an electric coat hanger or plumbing snake. You can straighten out the coat hanger’s wire until you are left with a thin and long wire that has a hook that is bent on one side or it as a plumbing snake that was specially designed to clear drain blockages. Install the snake in your toilet drain hole and twist, turn, push and pull till you experience resistance. this is where the blockage typically occurs. Be gentle and try to break any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement without causing damages in the pipeline.
Note:
- Be careful not to push or pull actions as they could make things worse
Step 6: Switch on the water supply and verify the result
Once you’ve removed any blockages, it is essential to turn on the supply of water on your toilet bowl once more. After that, flush it a few times to make sure that everything is running smoothly!
| 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 when my toilet is not functioning properly?
A obvious signs of a blocked toilet is when water levels rise to the top of the toilet after flushing. It is also possible to notice that the water drains in a slow manner, or hear sounds of gurgling coming through the toilet.
What should I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you suspect the toilet is clogged and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it once more as this could result in flooding. Instead, turn off the supply of water to the valve behind the toilet and employ a plunger to try to clear any obstructions. If that doesn’t work, call Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers for professional help.
How can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are several things you can do to avoid your toilet being blocked. This includes avoiding flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. Avoid the practice of pouring oil or grease down the sink as it will cause it to solidify and block pipes.
When should I call a professional plumber for a toilet that has become blocked?
If you’ve tried flushing the toilet, but it does not unblock, or you suspect that there’s an issue in your plumbing system causing frequent blockages, you need to seek out an experienced plumber such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers . We have many years of experience dealing with every kind of plumbing issue and can quickly diagnose and fix any issues without causing any disruption to your home.
Do I need to have 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 will reduce the chance of blockages and ensure that your plumbing system operating smoothly. If you regularly encounter blockages in your drains or slow drainage of water despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging the drains, then annual cleaning would be beneficial.
These procedures are fairly easy to apply as the majority of products are easily available in homes. If you’re experiencing a toilet that is blocked, before panicking after attempting all these methods mentioned above – contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re seeking professional assistance with those blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- When to Call a Professional for Blocked Drains: A Guide
- From Clearing Clutter to Securing Access Points: The Preparations You Need for a Successful CCTV Drain Inspection
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections for Blocked Drains and Corroded Pipes
- When to Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections: How Often Should You Carry Them Out?
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
- Why Calling a Pro for Drain Cleaning is Safer and Smarter
