What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Toilet blockages can occur at any time, and are a common problem for households. It’s unpleasant dirty, inconvenient, and messy, and require immediate attention. However, you do not always require the plumber right away. In this blog post we’ll walk you through simple steps to get your toilet unclogged in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be solved using simple tools and techniques such as a plunger, 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)
- Hook for the Wire Coat or Plumber Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Switch off your water source valve.
The first thing you should do when facing a clogged toilet is to turn off the water supply valve that is behind the toilet. This will ensure that no water can enter the tank during your are working to unblock it. The valve usually is located near in the middle of the tank, on one side.
Step 2: Protect yourself with rubber gloves.
You must protect your hands from potential bacteria or germs that may be present in your toilet by wearing rubber gloves prior using any tools for unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most effective tool to use for getting rid of blocked toilets. Begin by pressing down on the plunger until air escapes from it, then press it hard over the hole in your toilet bowl. Then, start to plunge vigorously up and down for approximately 20 minutes. The suction caused by plunging back and forth will assist in removing any blockages.
Tips:
- Use a firm but controlled movement.
- Fill in holes around sinks and shower drains, if they are close enough to prevent the air from escaping when you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar mixture.
If plunging doesn’t work Try this method to pour half a mug of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of vinegar in the bowl. The mixture should sit for 15 to 20 minutes. It will begin to bubble but when it ceases to fizz it will be poured down with hot water (not at a boil) to clear the obstruction.
Step 5 5. Use an iron coat hanger made of wire or plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda/vinegar methods have failed, then it is time to use a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. You can straighten out the coat hanger’s cable until you are left with a thin and long wire that has an angled hook on one side or to use the plumbing snake, which was made specifically to clear drain clogs. Install the snake in the drain hole in your toilet and then twist, turn, push to the point where you can feel resistance; there’s usually a blockage is. Be gentle and try to break the blockages by using a back and forth motion without causing damage to your drainpipe.
Note:
- Don’t push or pull actions hard as they can cause more harm.
Step 6: Restart the water supply and check the result
Once you’ve eliminated any blockages, it is crucial to turn off the supply of water that is behind your toilet bowl again. After that, flush it a few times to ensure 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 do I know whether my toilet is clogged?
One of the most typical indicators of a clogged toilet is when the water level rises to the top after flushing. You may also notice that the water drains slowly, or you may hear sounds of gurgling coming from the toilet.
What can I do if my toilet is blocked?
If you suspect the toilet is blocked, avoid trying to flush it over again since this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off the water supply valve on the side of the toilet. Then make use of a plunger and remove any blockages. If this fails, call Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber for professional help.
How can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are a variety of ways to keep your toilet from getting blocked, including avoiding flushing non-degradable products like toiletries, wet wipes or cotton wool into the toilet. Also, avoid spilling oil or grease down the sink which can solidify and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I call a professional plumber for the problem of a toilet that is blocked?
If you’ve tried flushing into your toilet, but it doesn’t clear or you believe that there’s an issue in the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to contact a professional plumber, such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber . We’ve had years of experience with all kinds of plumbing problems and can swiftly diagnose and address any issues that cause disturbance to the home.
Do I need to have my drains cleaned?
It’s recommended that you have clean your drains by a professional like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber every 1-2 years. This will prevent obstructions and keep your plumbing system operating smoothly. However, if you frequently experience drain blockages or slow draining of water despite being careful to not block the drains, then annual cleaning can be beneficial.
These strategies are simple to implement as the majority of items are available in homes. If you’re having trouble with your toilets, don’t be panicking after attempting all these techniques, call Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re searching for professional assistance with problems with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- Future-Proofing Your Plumbing System with CCTV Drain Inspection
- DIY Tips for Unclogging Your Shower Drain Without Harsh Chemicals
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- CCTV Drain Inspection: An Effective Way to Prevent Future Plumbing Issues
- Warning Signs You May Need a CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Commercial Property
- Why CCTV Drain Inspections Should Be Part of Your Regular Maintenance Routine
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
- How CCTV Drain Inspections Help Avoid Water Damage and Health Hazards
- Save Future Expenses with CCTV Drain Inspection for Home Buyers