What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any moment and are a common issue for homeowners. It’s unpleasant messy and uninspiring and require immediate attention. However, you do not always have to call an emergency plumber immediately. In this blog post we’ll walk you through a few easy steps to unclog your toilet within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be cured using simple tools and techniques such as plungers, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we start it’s important to have these tools in your arsenal:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Wire Coat Hanger or plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Turn off your water source valve.
The first thing to do when confronted with a blocked toilet is to turn off water valves that is behind the toilet. This ensures that no water can enter the tank during your work on unclogging it. The valve is normally situated at in the middle of the tank on one side.
Step 2: Guard yourself with rubber gloves.
Your hands must be protected from any germs or bacteria that may be 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 the most efficient method for getting rid of blocked toilets. Start by pushing down onto the plunger till air is evacuated from it. then press it hard over the hole in your toilet bowl. Then, start to plunge upwards and downwards for approximately 20 minutes. The suction generated when you plunge back and forth will remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Be sure to use a powerful but controlled motion.
- Make holes in the sinks or shower drains if close by to prevent the pressure of air from escape as you plunge.
Step 4: Test baking soda and vinegar mix.
If plunges don’t work you can try this other method - pour half a cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. The mixture should sit for around 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz, and when it stops then pour boiling water down (not boiling) to remove 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 to clear the clog, then it’s time to use a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s cable until you are left with a thin and long wire with a hook that is bent at one end. You can also use to use the plumbing snake. It was specifically designed for clearing drain obstructions. Put the tool in the drain hole of your toilet and twist to turn, push, and pull till you experience resistance; there’s usually a blockage occurs. Make an effort to break any blockages using back-and-forth motion without causing damage to your pipeline.
Note:
- Don’t push or pull actions as they could make things worse
Step 6: Switch on the water supply and test the result.
Once you’ve eliminated any blockages, it is vital to turn on the water supply valve on the toilet bowl. After that, flush it a few times to ensure that 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 is not functioning properly?
The most obvious signs of a blocked toilet is when the water level rises to the top after flushing. It is also possible to notice that water drains away slowly, or you might hear sounds of gurgling coming out of the bathroom.
What should I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you believe the toilet is clogged then avoid flushing it over again since this could result in flooding. Instead, shut off the water supply to the valve that is behind the toilet, and utilize a plunger to clear any obstructions. If that doesn’t work then call Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber for professional help.
Can I prevent my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are several things you can do to keep your toilet from becoming blocked. One of them is to avoid flushing non-degradable items such as toiletries, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. Avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink, as it can cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I contact a professional plumber to resolve a toilet that has become blocked?
If you’ve tried flushing 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 time to contact a professional plumber, such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber . We’ve had years of experience dealing with all kinds of plumbing problems and can swiftly diagnose and correct any issue with the least disturbance to the home.
Do I need to get my drains cleared?
It is recommended that you get your drains cleaned by a professional such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of blockages and ensure that your plumbing system in good working order. However, if you frequently experience drain blockages or slow drainage of water despite trying to avoid clogging them, then yearly cleaning would be beneficial.
These techniques are fairly simple to execute and the majority of these items are available in homes. When facing blocked toilets before getting anxious after trying all the methods mentioned above – contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re searching for professional help with those blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- DIY Tips for Unclogging Your Shower Drain Without Harsh Chemicals
- CCTV Drain Inspection: The Future of Drain Cleaning Industry
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- Warning Signs You May Need a CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Commercial Property
- CCTV Drain Inspection: An Effective Way to Prevent Future Plumbing Issues
- Preventing Leaks and Blockages: Understanding Pipe Relining Services
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes
- Future-Proofing Your Plumbing System with CCTV Drain Inspection
- Why CCTV Drain Inspections Should Be Part of Your Regular Maintenance Routine
