What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur anytime and can be a frequent household problem. It can be unpleasant, messy, and inconvenient and requires immediate attention. However, you don’t have to contact an plumber immediately. In this blog, we will guide you through the steps to clear your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be cured by using simple tools like a plunger baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we start it’s important to be prepared with these tools:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- A Wire Coat hanger, or a Plumber Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Close the supply of water valve.
The first thing to do when facing a clogged toilet is to turn off the supply of water on the toilet. This ensures that no water can enter the tank as you attempt to clear it. The valve is typically located near in the middle of the tank on one side.
Step 2: Protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
Hands must be protected from potential bacteria or germs present in your toilet bowl by wearing rubber gloves prior using any tools for unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most efficient method for clearing toilets of blockages. Begin by pressing down on the plunger until all air is removed from it, then place it firmly on the toilet bowl. Then, start to plunge vigorously up and down for approximately 20 seconds. The suction caused by plunging back and forth can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Be sure to use a powerful but controlled motion.
- Make holes in the sinks or shower drains if they are near to stop air pressure escaping as you plunge.
Step 4: Test baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If plunges don’t work you can try this other method Pour half a cup of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. Allow the mixture to settle for around 15 minutes. It may fizz then stop, pour hot water down (not overly hot) to clear the blockage.
Step 5: Use a coat hanger with wire or a plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda and vinegar have not worked and you are in need of a solution, it’s the right time to utilize a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s cord until you are left with a thin and long wire that has a hook that is bent on one side or the plumbing snake that is made specifically to clear drain obstructions. Put the tool in the drain hole on your toilet, and then twist and turn, push at the same time until you sense resistance. that’s where the blockage usually occurs. Gently try to break up the blockages by using a back and forth motion without causing damage to your pipeline.
Note:
- Be careful not to push or pull actions with force as they may make things worse
Step 6: Restart the water supply and verify the result
Once you’ve eliminated any blockages, it is crucial to turn off the valve for water flow in your toilet bowl again. After that, flush it a few times to make sure that 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. |
Common Questions and Answers
How can I tell when my toilet is not functioning properly?
A common symptoms of a blocked toilet is when water levels rise to the top of the bowl after flushing. It is also possible to notice that water drains away slowly, or you might hear gurgling sounds coming from the toilet.
What should I do if my bathroom is blocked?
If you believe your toilet is blocked be sure to avoid flushing it over again since this could result in flooding. Instead, shut off your water source at the valve in front of the toilet and employ a plunger to try to clear any obstructions. If this isn’t working you can call Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing for professional help.
How can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are a variety of ways to keep your toilet from getting blocked, including avoiding the flushing of non-degradable things like the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. You should also avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink, as it can cause solidification and block pipes.
What is the best time to call a professional plumber for 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 a problem with the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, you need to call in an experienced professional plumber such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing . We’ve got years of experience tackling all kinds of plumbing problems and can swiftly diagnose and address any issues without causing any disruption to your home.
How often should I schedule my drains cleared?
It is suggested that you have the drains cleaned out by experts like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will prevent obstructions and keep your plumbing system operating smoothly. However, if you frequently have problems with drains blocking or slow draining water, despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging them, then cleaning your drains every year can be beneficial.
These procedures are fairly easy to carry out and the majority of these items are readily available in households. When facing blocked toilets 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
- Don’t Get Caught Unprepared! What You Need to Do Before a CCTV Drain Inspection
- DIY Methods for Clearing Blocked Drains at Home
- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
- D. I.Y Drain Cleaning: The Risks and Benefits Compared to Professional Solutions
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Can Save You Money in the Long Run
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- The Benefits of Unblocking Blocked Drains for Your Business
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections: How Often Should You Carry Them Out?
