What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide

Toilet blockages can happen anytime and are a common household issue. They can be unpleasant messy and uninspiring and require immediate attention. However, you do not always have to call an plumber immediately. In this blog post we’ll walk you through simple steps to clear your toilet within a matter of minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Toilet blockages can be resolved with simple tools and methods such as a plunger, baking soda

The Tools You’ll Need

Before we start, it’s essential to have these tools handy:

• Rubber Gloves
• Plunger
• Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
• Hook for the Wire Coat or Plumber Snake (Optional)

Step 1: Turn off the valve for water flow.

The first thing you should do when faced with a blocked toilet is shutting off the water supply valve on the toilet. This step ensures that there is no further water entering the tank while you work on unclogging it. The valve usually is situated at in the middle of the tank, on the other side.

Step 2: Protect yourself with rubber gloves.

Protect your hands from any germs or bacteria found in your toilet bowl with rubber gloves prior to using any tools that help in unclogging.

Step 3: Use a plunger.

The plunger is by far the most effective tool to use for getting rid of blocked toilets. Begin by pressing down upon the plunger until all air escapes from it, then place it in the hole in your toilet bowl and start plunging upwards and downwards for about 20 seconds. The suction that is created when you plunge back and forth will remove any blockages.

Tips:

• Use a firm but controlled motion.
• Cover holes around sinks or shower drains if close enough to prevent air pressure escaping as you plunge.

Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar mixture.

If plunging doesn’t work you can try this other method to pour half a mug of baking soda as well as one tablespoon of vinegar in the bowl. Let the mixture sit for approximately 15 minutes. It will begin to bubble, and when it stops you can pour hot water down (not hot) to remove the obstruction.

Step 5 5. Use a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake.

If both plunging and baking soda and vinegar have not worked and you are in need of a solution, it’s time to try the wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. The coat hanger should be straightened’s cord until you have a thick, thin wire that has hooks that are bent at one end or use the plumbing snake. It was made specifically to clear drain clogs. Place the snake into your toilet drain hole and then twist, turn, push and pull till you experience a resistance. it’s the place where the blockage is. Gently try to break up any blockages using back-and-forth motion but without causing any damage to your pipe.

Note:

• Don’t push or pull actions hard as they can cause more harm.

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

Once you’ve cleared up any blockages, it is important to switch on the valve for water flow that is behind your toilet. Make sure to flush it several times to make sure all water flows smoothly now!

FAQs

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

The most obvious indications of a toilet that is blocked is when water levels rise to the brim after flushing. You may also notice that water drains away in a slow manner, or hear the sound of gurgling through the toilet.

What can I do if my toilet is blocked?

If you suspect the toilet is clogged, avoid trying to flush it once more as this could cause flooding. Instead, shut off the supply of water to the valve in front of the toilet and utilize a plunger to eliminate any blockages. If that doesn’t work contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers for professional help.

Can I prevent my toilet from becoming blocked?

Yes! There are numerous ways to avoid your toilet getting blocked, including avoiding the flushing of non-degradable things like sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. Avoid spilling oil or grease down the sink which can solidify and block pipes.

When should I call a professional plumber to resolve a blocked toilet?

If you’ve tried flushing into your toilet, but it isn’t unblocking, or you think that there’s an issue in the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, you need to call in an experienced professional plumber such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers . We have many years of experience with any plumbing problem and can quickly diagnose and correct any issue that cause interruption to your house.

When should I have my drains cleared?

It is recommended to have the drains cleaned out by experts 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, however, you often have problems with drains blocking or slow draining water despite trying to avoid clogging the drains, then annual cleaning can be beneficial.

These techniques are fairly simple to apply in the majority of cases, and these items are readily available in households. When facing blocked toilets before getting anxious after trying all the methods, contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re seeking professional assistance with problems with your blocked toilets.

Additional Information

• DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
• Save Money with These Simple Drain Maintenance Techniques
• CCTV Drain Inspection: A Cost-Effective Solution for Unblocking Blocked Drains
• Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
• DIY Methods for Clearing Blocked Drains at Home
• When to Call a Professional for Blocked Drains: A Guide
• Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
• From Clearing Clutter to Securing Access Points: The Preparations You Need for a Successful CCTV Drain Inspection
• Clean Your Clogged Shower Drain the Green Way without Chemicals
• Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property