What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen anytime and are a common issue for homeowners. They can be unpleasant dirty, inconvenient, and messy and require immediate attention. However, you don’t have to call an plumber right away. In this blog we’ll take you through a few easy steps to clear your toilet within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be solved with the use of simple tools such as a plunger, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we begin we must be prepared with these tools at hand:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Wire Coat Hanger or Plumber Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Turn off the valve for water flow.
The first thing you need to do when you encounter a blocked toilet is to turn off water valves that is behind the toilet. This will ensure that no water will enter the tank during your try to get it unclogged. The valve is typically situated near on the floor of your tank on the other side.
Step 2: Make sure you are protected with rubber gloves.
Hands must be protected from potential bacteria or germs that may be present in your toilet by wearing rubber gloves prior using any tools that help in unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most efficient method for cleaning toilets that are blocked. First, push down gently onto the plunger till all air is removed from it, then press firmly over the toilet bowl and start plunging upwards and downwards for approximately 20 minutes. The suction that is created by the movement of the plunger will help remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Ensure you use a forceful but controlled motion.
- Fill in holes around sinks and shower drains if close enough to stop air pressure escaping as you plunge.
Step 4: Test baking soda and vinegar mixture.
If you’re not able to get the plunge working, try this next tactic to pour half a mug of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let the mixture sit for approximately 15 minutes. It will fizz a bit before it slows down you can pour hot water down (not at a boil) to flush out the blockage.
Step 5 Utilize an iron coat hanger made of wire or plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda or vinegar methods have failed the problem, it’s the right time to utilize an electric coat hanger or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s cable until you have a long thin wire that has an angled hook on one side or it as a plumbing snake. It was specifically designed for clearing drain obstructions. Install the snake in the drain hole on your toilet, and then twist and turn, push to the point where you can feel a resistance. that’s where the blockage usually is. Gently try to break up any blockages with a back-andforth motion without damaging the pipeline.
Note:
- Never overdo pushing or pulling actions hard as they can cause more harm.
Step 6: Switch on the water supply and test the result.
Once you’ve cleared up any blockages, it is important to switch on the water supply valve on your toilet. Make sure to flush it several 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. |
FAQs
What can I do to tell when my toilet has become blocked?
One of the most typical symptoms of a blocked toilet is when water rises to the top of the bowl after flushing. There is a possibility that water drains away in a slow manner, or hear the sound of gurgling directly from your toilet.
What should I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you suspect your toilet has been blocked and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it in the future as this could result in flooding. Instead, shut off the supply of water at the valve in front of the toilet and make use of a plunger to remove any obstruction. If this isn’t working contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing for professional help.
Can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are a variety of options to avoid your toilet getting blocked, including avoiding flushing non-degradable products like Wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool into the toilet. Also, avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink, as it can cause solidification and block pipes.
When should I contact a professional plumber for a toilet that has become blocked?
If you’ve tried splurging the toilet, but it isn’t unblocking, or you think there’s a larger issue with the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, you need to contact a professional plumber, such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing . We’ve got years of experience dealing with any plumbing problem and can quickly diagnose and address any issues that cause interruption to your house.
What is the best frequency to get my drains cleared?
It is suggested that you have cleaning your drainage system by professionals like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will prevent blockages and ensure that your plumbing system functioning smoothly. If you regularly experience drain blockages or slow drainage of water despite taking precautions not to clog the drains, then annual cleaning could be beneficial.
These strategies are simple to carry out as the majority of products are easily available in households. If you’re experiencing a toilet that is blocked, before panicking after attempting all these methods, contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re in search of professional help with problems with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire Professionals for Drain Cleaning Services
- The Ultimate Guide to Prevent Drain Blockages
- DIY Methods for Clearing Blocked Drains at Home
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- Inspecting Drains Using CCTV to Detect Root Infiltration: Benefits for Property Owners
- Understanding the Technical Aspects of a CCTV Drain Inspection Report
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- Preventing Leaks and Blockages: Understanding Pipe Relining Services
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
