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

Toilet blockages can occur anytime and are a common issue for homeowners. They can be unpleasant messy and uninspiring and requires immediate attention. However, you don’t always need to call an emergency plumber right away. In this blog we’ll guide you through simple steps to unclog your toilet in no time.

Key Takeaways

• Toilet blockages can be resolved with the use of simple tools such as plungers, baking soda

The Tools You’ll Need

Before we start, it’s essential to be prepared with these tools at hand:

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

Step 1: Close your water source valve.

The first thing you should do when faced with a blocked toilet is to turn off the supply of water on the toilet. This ensures that no water will enter the tank as you are working to unblock it. The valve is typically situated near the bottom of the tank, on one side.

Step 2: Protect yourself with rubber gloves.

Hands must be protected against germs and bacteria present in your toilet with rubber gloves prior to making use of any tools to unblock the drain.

Step 3: Use a plunger.

A plunger is without doubt the most effective tool to use for clearing toilets of blockages. The first step is to gently push down onto the plunger till air escapes from it, then place it in the toilet bowl and start plunging upwards and downwards for about 20 seconds. The suction that is created by the movement of the plunger will remove any blockages.

Tips:

• Use a firm but controlled motion.
• Place holes around sinks or shower drains if they’re close by to prevent the air from escaping when you plunge.

Step 4: Make a baking soda with vinegar.

If plunging doesn’t work you can try this other method Pour half a cup of baking soda and one tablespoon of vinegar in the bowl. Allow the mixture to settle for around 15 minutes. It will fizz a bit then stop then pour boiling water down (not hot) to eliminate the blockage.

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

If both plunging and baking soda or vinegar methods have failed, then it is time to use the wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. The coat hanger should be straightened’s cable until you have a thin, long wire that has a hook bent at one end or use to use the plumbing snake, which is made specifically to clear drain clogs. Insert the tool into the drain hole of your toilet and then twist, turn, push to the point where you can feel a resistance. this is where the blockage typically occurs. Gently try to break up any blockages using back-and-forth motion without causing damages in your pipe.

Note:

• Don’t push or pull actions as they could make things worse

Step 6: Restart the water supply and test the result

After you have cleared any blockages, it is essential to turn on the water supply valve in your toilet. You should flush it a couple of times to make sure everything flows freely now!

FAQs

How can I tell if my toilet is blocked?

A typical indicators of a clogged toilet is when the water level rises to the top after flushing. You might also notice that water drains away slowly, or you might hear noises of gurgling coming out of the bathroom.

What can I do if my toilet is blocked?

If you believe your toilet has been blocked be sure to avoid flushing it once more as this could cause flooding. Instead, shut off water flow valve in front of the toilet and use a plunger to try 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 getting blocked?

Yes! There are numerous things you can do to prevent your toilet from being blocked. This includes avoiding the flushing of non-degradable things like the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool into the toilet. It is also important to avoid the practice of pouring oil or grease down the sink which can solidify and cause blockages to pipes.

When should I contact an experienced plumber to fix a toilet that has become blocked?

If you’ve tried to flush your toilet, but it isn’t unblocking, or you think that there’s an issue in your plumbing system that is causing frequent blockages, it’s time to get in touch with a professional plumber like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber . We’ve got years of experience in dealing with any plumbing problem and can swiftly diagnose and fix any issues with the least disruption to your home.

Do I need to get my drains cleared?

It is recommended to have clean your drains by professionals like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber every 1-2 years. This will prevent obstructions and keep your plumbing system running smoothly. If you regularly have problems with drains blocking or slow draining of water despite trying to avoid clogging them, then regular cleaning is beneficial.

These strategies are simple to carry out as the majority of items are available in households. When facing blocked toilets before getting anxious after trying all the methods, contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re seeking professional help with the problem of blocked toilets.

Additional Information

• Avoiding Clogged Drains: Tips for Homeowners
• Preventing Leaks and Blockages: Understanding Pipe Relining Services
• Why Regular Drain Cleaning Should Be Part of Your Home Maintenance Routine
• Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
• Uncovering Hidden Damage with a Professional CCTV Drain Inspection
• The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
• The Pros and Cons of Clearing Blocked Drains Yourself or Hiring a Professional
• How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
• Future-Proofing Your Plumbing System with CCTV Drain Inspection
• Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes