What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any time and are a common issue for homeowners. It can be unpleasant dirty, inconvenient, and messy and require immediate attention. However, you don’t have to contact a plumber right away. In this blog post we’ll guide you through some simple steps to get your toilet unclogged in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages are easily remediated with simple tools and methods such as plungers, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we start it is essential to be prepared with these tools at hand:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- The Hanger for Wire Coats or the Plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Switch off the water supply valve.
The first step you must do when faced with a blocked toilet is turning off the valve for water flow that is behind the toilet. This will ensure that no water will enter the tank during your work on unclogging it. The valve usually is located near the bottom of the tank, on the other side.
Step 2: Guard yourself with rubber gloves.
Hands must be protected against germs and bacteria found in your toilet bowl with rubber gloves prior to using any tools for unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is without doubt the most effective tool for cleaning toilets that are blocked. Begin by pressing down upon the plunger until air escapes from it, then place it in the toilet bowl and start plunging continuously up and down for around 20 minutes. The suction created by plunging back and forth will help remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Ensure you use a forceful but controlled motion.
- Place holes around sinks or shower drains if they’re near to stop the pressure of air from escape as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If plunging doesn’t work Try this method to pour half a mug of baking soda and a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Allow the mixture to settle for about 15 minutes. It will begin to bubble but when it ceases to fizz you can pour hot water down (not overly hot) to remove the obstruction.
Step 5: Use a wire coat hanger or a plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda/vinegar techniques have failed and you are in need of a solution, it’s the time to employ a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s wire until you have a thick, thin wire that has a hook bent at one end. You can also use to use the plumbing snake which is designed specifically for clearing drain clogs. Place the snake into the drain hole in your toilet and twist, turn, push and pull till you experience resistance; this is where the blockage typically is. Make an effort to break any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement without causing damages in your pipe.
Note:
- Never overdo pushing or pulling actions too hard, as they could result in more damage.
Step 6: Switch on the water supply, and then check the result
Once you’ve removed any blockages, it is important to switch on your water valve in your toilet bowl once more. Make sure to flush it several 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. |
Common Questions & Answers
What can I do to tell whether my toilet is clogged?
Some of the more obvious symptoms of a blocked toilet is when the water fills up to the brim after flushing. It is also possible to notice that the water drains slowly, or you may hear the sound of gurgling out of the bathroom.
What should I do if my toilet is blocked?
If you suspect that your toilet is blocked be sure to avoid flushing it once more as this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off your water source valve that is behind the toilet, and make use of a plunger to clear any obstructions. If this isn’t working, call Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber for professional help.
Do I have the ability to stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are numerous things you can do to avoid your toilet becoming blocked. One of them is to avoid flushing non-degradable products like Wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool down the toilet. Also, avoid spilling oil or grease down the sink which can solidify and block pipes.
What is the best time to call a professional plumber to resolve a blocked toilet?
If you’ve tried splurging into your toilet, but it won’t unblock or you suspect that there’s an issue in your plumbing system that’s causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to seek out a professional plumber, such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber . We’ve had years of experience in dealing with any plumbing problem and can quickly diagnose and address any issues with minimal disruption to your home.
What is the best frequency to have my drains cleaned?
It is recommended to have cleaning your drainage system by professionals like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of blockages and keep your plumbing system in good working order. If you regularly have problems with drains blocking or slow draining water, despite trying to avoid clogging them, then regular cleaning would be beneficial.
These techniques are fairly simple to execute, and most of these items are readily available in households. If you’re having trouble with your toilets, don’t be getting anxious after trying all the methods, contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re in search of professional assistance for problems with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- DIY Tips for Unclogging Your Shower Drain Without Harsh Chemicals
- CCTV Drain Inspection: The Future of Drain Cleaning Industry
- Save Future Expenses with CCTV Drain Inspection for Home Buyers
- Why Regular Drain Cleaning Should Be Part of Your Home Maintenance Routine
- Tips to Understand When it's Time to Pick Up the Phone for Professional Drain Cleaning
- Uncovering Hidden Damage with a Professional CCTV Drain Inspection
