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

Toilet blockages can occur at any moment and are a common household issue. They can be unpleasant and messy and requires immediate attention. However, you don’t have to contact the plumber immediately. In this blog post, we will guide you through simple ways to clean your toilet in no time.

Key Takeaways

• Toilet blockages can be cured with simple tools and methods such as plungers, baking soda

The Tools You’ll Need

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

• Rubber Gloves
• Plunger
• Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
• The Hanger for Wire Coats or the Plumber Snake (Optional)

Step 1: Turn off the water supply valve.

The first step you must do when faced with a blocked toilet is turning off the supply of water on the toilet. This is to ensure that no water can enter the tank while you are working to unblock it. The valve usually is located near on the floor of your tank, on one side.

Step 2: Make sure you are protected by wearing rubber gloves.

Hands must be protected from any germs or bacteria found in your toilet bowl by wearing rubber gloves prior making use of any tools to unblock the drain.

Step 3: Use a plunger.

A plunger is the most efficient tool for getting rid of blocked toilets. Start by pushing down onto the plunger till air escapes from it, then place it in the hole in your toilet bowl. Then, start to plunge quickly up and down for about 20 seconds. The suction generated through plunging back and forth can help clear any obstructions.

Tips:

• Use a firm but controlled motion.
• Make holes in the sinks or shower drains, if they are close enough to stop air pressure escaping as you plunge.

Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar mixture.

If plunges don’t work, try this next tactic - pour half a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. The mixture should sit for approximately 15 minutes. It will fizz a bit, and when it stops you can pour hot water down (not hot) to eliminate the blockage.

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

If plunging, baking soda or vinegar methods have failed to clear the clog, then it’s the time to employ a wire coat hanger, or plumbing snake. The coat hanger should be straightened’s cord until you are left with a thin and long wire that has a hook that is bent on one side or it as a plumbing snake which was specially designed to clear drain obstructions. Place the snake into your toilet drain hole and twist, turn, push or pull until you feel resistance. it’s the place where the blockage is. Be gentle and try to break any blockages using back-and-forth motion without causing damage to your pipe.

Note:

• Never overdo pushing or pulling actions hard as they can create more problems.

Step 6: Turn on the water supply and check the result.

Once you’ve cleared up any blockages, it is crucial to turn off the valve for water flow on the toilet bowl. You should flush it a couple of times to ensure that the water is flowing freely!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my toilet is not functioning properly?

A frequent indicators of a clogged toilet is when water rises to the top after flushing. There is a possibility that water drains away slowly, or you may hear gurgling sounds coming directly from your toilet.

What can I do if my toilet is blocked?

If you suspect the toilet is clogged be sure to avoid flushing it in the future as this could result in flooding. Instead, shut off the water supply to the valve on the side of the toilet. Then make use of a plunger to clear any obstructions. If that doesn’t work contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber for professional help.

Can I prevent my toilet from becoming blocked?

Yes! There are numerous actions you can take to keep your toilet from becoming blocked. One of them is to avoid the flushing of non-degradable things like sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool into the toilet. It is also important to avoid using oil or grease in the sink which can solidify and block pipes.

When should I contact an experienced plumber about an unblocking toilet?

If you’ve tried flushing your toilet but it still isn’t unblocking, or you think there’s a bigger issue with your plumbing system causing frequent blockages, it’s time to call in a professional plumber like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber . We’ve had years of experience dealing with all kinds of plumbing problems and are able to quickly identify and correct any issue that cause impact on your property.

Do I need to have my drains cleared?

It is recommended to have clean your drains by a professional such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber every 1-2 years. This can prevent obstructions and keep your plumbing system operating smoothly. If, however, you often suffer from blockages to your drains or slow draining water, despite taking precautions not to clog them, then cleaning your drains every year can be beneficial.

These methods are relatively easy to execute, and most of these items are readily available to 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 in search of professional assistance with the problem of blocked toilets.

Additional Information

• Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
• Avoiding Clogged Drains: Tips for Homeowners
• Warning Signs You May Need a CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Commercial Property
• DIY Tips for Unclogging Your Shower Drain Without Harsh Chemicals
• Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes
• The Pros and Cons of Clearing Blocked Drains Yourself or Hiring a Professional
• The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
• Why CCTV Drain Inspections Should Be Part of Your Regular Maintenance Routine
• Tips to Understand When it's Time to Pick Up the Phone for Professional Drain Cleaning
• Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing