What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any moment and can be a frequent household problem. It can be unpleasant messy and uninspiring and require immediate attention. However, you don’t always have to call the 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 are easily remediated with the use of simple tools like plungers, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we start it is essential to have these tools handy:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- The Hanger for Wire Coats or the Pipe Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Turn off the water supply valve.
The first thing to do when you encounter a blocked toilet is shutting off the valve for water flow behind the toilet. This ensures that no more water enters the tank while you are working to unblock it. The valve is normally situated at to the base of tank, on the other side.
Step 2: Make sure you are protected by wearing rubber gloves.
Hands must be protected against germs and bacteria that may be present in your toilet with rubber gloves before 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 onto the plunger till air is removed from it, then press it hard over the hole in your toilet bowl. Begin to plunging quickly up and down 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.
- Make holes in the sinks or shower drains, if they are near to stop air pressure escaping as you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If the plunge doesn’t work, try this next tactic Pour half a cup of baking soda as well as one tablespoon of vinegar in the bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz but when it ceases to fizz it will be poured down with hot water (not boiling) to flush out the blockage.
Step 5: Use a wire coat hanger or a plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda/vinegar methods have failed the problem, it’s time to use a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s cord until you are left with a thin and long wire with a hook that is bent on one side or to use the plumbing snake. It was made specifically to clear drain blockages. Place the snake into the drain hole on your toilet, and then twist to turn, push, to the point where you can feel resistance. there’s usually a blockage is. Gently try to break up any blockages with a back-andforth motion without damaging the pipeline.
Note:
- Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions hard as they can create more problems.
Step 6: Restart the water supply and verify the result
Once you’ve removed any obstructions, it’s essential to turn on the supply of water that is behind your toilet. Then flush it several times to make sure the water is flowing freely!
| 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
What can I do to tell when my toilet has become blocked?
One of the most common signs of a blocked toilet is when water levels rise to the top of the toilet after flushing. You may also notice that water drains away in a slow manner, or hear gurgling sounds coming directly from your toilet.
What can I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you suspect that the toilet is clogged, avoid trying to flush it once more as this could cause flooding. Instead, shut off the supply of water valve on the side of the toilet. Then make use of a plunger to eliminate any blockages. If this doesn’t work contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers for professional help.
How can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are many ways to prevent your toilet from becoming blocked. These include avoiding the flushing of non-degradable things like toiletries, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. It is also important to avoid spilling oil or grease down the sink as it will cause it to solidify and block pipes.
When should I contact a professional plumber for the problem of a toilet that is blocked?
If you’ve tried splurging your toilet, but it doesn’t clear or you believe there’s a bigger issue with your plumbing system that’s causing frequent blockages, it’s time to call in an experienced professional plumber such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers . We have many years of experience dealing with all kinds of plumbing problems and are able to quickly identify and correct any issue without causing any disturbance to the 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 can prevent blockages and keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. If, however, you often experience drain blockages or slow draining water despite trying to avoid clogging the drains, then annual cleaning could be beneficial.
These techniques are fairly simple to execute in the majority of cases, and these items are available in homes. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to panicking after attempting all these methods mentioned above – contact 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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- Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
- When to Call a Professional for Blocked Drains: A Guide
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- Clean Your Clogged Shower Drain the Green Way without Chemicals
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- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
