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

Toilet blockages can happen at any time, and are a common problem for households. It’s unpleasant messy and uninspiring and require immediate attention. But, you don’t necessarily have to contact an emergency plumber right away. In this blog post we’ll walk you through a few easy steps to get your toilet unclogged within a matter of minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Toilet blockages can be solved using simple tools and techniques like plungers, baking soda

The Tools You’ll Need

Before we start it’s important to be prepared with these tools:

• Rubber Gloves
• Plunger
• Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
• A Wire Coat hanger, or a Plumber Snake (Optional)

Step 1: Switch off your water source valve.

The first thing you need to do when facing a clogged toilet is to shut off water valves that is behind the toilet. This step ensures that there is no further water entering the tank during your are working to unblock it. The valve is normally situated at in the middle of the tank on the other side.

Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself with rubber gloves.

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

Step 3: Use a plunger.

A plunger is the most effective tool for getting rid of blocked toilets. First, push down gently upon the plunger until all air escapes from it, then press it hard over the hole in your toilet bowl. Then, start to plunge continuously up and down for around 20 seconds. The suction created when you plunge back and forth will remove any blockages.

Tips:

• Make sure you are using a strong but controlled movement.
• Make holes in the sinks or shower drains if close enough to prevent the release of pressure as you plunge.

Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar mix.

If plunging doesn’t work then try this alternative method to pour half a mug of baking soda and one teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. Allow the mixture to settle for approximately 15 minutes. It may fizz then stop, pour hot water down (not boiling) to flush out the blockage.

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

If plunging, baking soda/vinegar techniques have failed, then it is the time to employ an electric coat hanger or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s cord until you have a long thin wire with a hook bent on one side or your plumbing snake, which is specifically designed for clearing drain blockages. Place the snake into the drain hole of your toilet and twist and turn, push to the point where you can feel a resistance. it’s the place where the blockage is. Try to break up any blockages with a back-andforth motion without causing damages in your drainpipe.

Note:

• Be careful not to push or pull actions as they could result in more damage.

Step 6: Turn on the water supply, and then check the result

Once you’ve eliminated any obstructions, it’s vital to turn on your water valve on your toilet bowl again. After that, flush it a few times to ensure that the water is flowing freely!

FAQ

How can I tell when my toilet has become blocked?

A typical indications of a toilet that is blocked is when the water fills up to the top of the bowl after flushing. It is also possible to notice that water drains away slowly, or you might hear noises of gurgling coming from 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, shut off the water supply valve in front of the toilet and utilize a plunger and remove any blockages. If this doesn’t work, call Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers for professional help.

Can I prevent my toilet from becoming blocked?

Yes! There are a variety of things you can do to keep your toilet from becoming blocked. These include avoiding flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. Also, avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink which can solidify and cause blockages to pipes.

When should I contact a professional plumber for a blocked toilet?

If you’ve tried splurging the toilet, but it does not unblock, or you suspect that there’s an issue in your plumbing system that is causing frequent blockages, you need to get in touch with an experienced plumber such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers . We’ve got years of experience with every kind of plumbing issue and can quickly diagnose and address any issues with the least interruption to your house.

How often should I have my drains cleared?

It is suggested that you have the drains cleaned out by experts like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers every 1-2 years. This will help prevent blockages and help keep your plumbing system in good working order. If, however, you often have problems with drains blocking or slow drainage of water despite trying to avoid clogging them, then regular cleaning would be beneficial.

These strategies are simple to carry out in the majority of cases, and these items are readily available to homes. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to being anxious after attempting the methods, contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re looking for professional assistance for those blocked toilets.

Additional Information

• Save Money with These Simple Drain Maintenance Techniques
• Saving Time and Money with CCTV Drain Inspection for Drain Clearing
• Clean Your Clogged Shower Drain the Green Way without Chemicals
• Blocked Drain Emergency? Here’s What You Need to Know About DIY vs. Professionals
• DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
• CCTV Drain Inspection: A Cost-Effective Solution for Unblocking Blocked Drains
• CCTV Drain Inspection: Find Out How it Helps Pinpoint Root Infiltration in Your Pipes
• The Importance of Regular Pipe Relining for Homeowners
• Avoiding Clogged Drains: Tips for Homeowners
• Why Calling a Pro for Drain Cleaning is Safer and Smarter