What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any moment and are a common problem for households. They can be unpleasant, messy, and inconvenient and require immediate attention. But, you don’t necessarily have to call an emergency plumber right away. In this blog we’ll guide you through the steps to clear your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be cured using simple tools and techniques such as plungers, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we get started we must have these tools in your arsenal:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Hook for the Wire Coat or Plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Turn off the valve for water flow.
The first thing you should do when you encounter a blocked toilet is shutting off the valve for water flow behind the toilet. This ensures that there is no further water entering the tank during your attempt to clear it. The valve usually is found 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 potential bacteria or germs found in your toilet bowl with rubber gloves prior to using any tools that help in unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most effective tool for clearing toilets of blockages. Begin by pressing down to the plunger, until all air is released, then press it hard over the hole in your toilet bowl and start plunging continuously up and down for approximately 20 seconds. The suction caused when you plunge back and forth will help remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Be sure to use a powerful but controlled movement.
- Cover holes around sinks or shower drains if they are close enough to prevent the release of pressure as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda with vinegar.
If plunges don’t work you can try this other method add half a cup of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. Allow the mixture to settle for about 15 minutes. It may fizz, and when it stops then pour boiling water down (not boiling) to remove the obstruction.
Step 5: Use a coat hanger that is wire or a plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda and vinegar have not worked the problem, it’s the right time to utilize a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. You can straighten out the coat hanger’s wire until have a thick, thin wire with a hook that is bent at one end or use your plumbing snake. It was made specifically to clear drain blockages. Install the snake in the drain hole of your toilet and twist, turn, push to the point where you can feel resistance. this is where the blockage typically is. Gently try to break up any blockages using back-and-forth motion but without causing any damage to the pipeline.
Note:
- Never overdo pushing or pulling actions hard as they can result in more damage.
Step 6: Switch on the water supply and verify the results.
Once you’ve removed any blockages, it is essential to turn on the valve for water flow behind your toilet bowl again. Make sure to flush it several times to make sure all water flows smoothly now!
| 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. |
Frequently Asked Question
How do I know whether my toilet is clogged?
One of the most typical signs of a blocked toilet is when water rises to the top of the bowl after flushing. There is a possibility that the water drains slowly or you hear gurgling sounds coming through the toilet.
What should I do if my bathroom is blocked?
If you believe your toilet is blocked and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it once more as this could cause flooding. Instead, shut off the water supply valve behind the toilet and employ a plunger to try to remove any obstruction. If this fails then call Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber for professional help.
How can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are many things you can do to avoid your toilet becoming blocked. One of them is to avoid flushing non-degradable items such as the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool into the toilet. Also, avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink, as it can cause solidification and block pipes.
What is the best time to call an experienced plumber to fix a toilet that has become blocked?
If you’ve tried splurging your toilet but it still doesn’t clear or you believe there’s a bigger issue with the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to contact a professional plumber like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber . We’ve got years of experience in dealing with various plumbing issues that we can quickly detect and fix any issues without causing any interruption to your house.
Do I need to have my drains cleaned?
It is suggested that you have the drains cleaned out by professionals like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of blockages and help keep your plumbing system operating smoothly. However, if you frequently encounter blockages in your drains or slow drainage of water despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging them, then yearly cleaning could be beneficial.
These techniques are fairly simple to implement and the majority of these items are readily available in homes. If you’re experiencing a toilet that is blocked, before panicking after attempting all these strategies, you should contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re in search of professional help with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Why Regular Drain Cleaning Should Be Part of Your Home Maintenance Routine
- Uncovering Hidden Damage with a Professional CCTV Drain Inspection
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
- CCTV Drain Inspection: An Effective Way to Prevent Future Plumbing Issues
- Tips to Understand When it's Time to Pick Up the Phone for Professional Drain Cleaning
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- Avoiding Clogged Drains: Tips for Homeowners
- The Pros and Cons of Clearing Blocked Drains Yourself or Hiring a Professional
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
