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 uncomfortable, messy, and inconvenient and requires immediate attention. However, you don’t have to contact a plumber right away. In this blog post we’ll take you through simple steps to unclog your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be solved by using simple tools such as plungers, baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we get started, it’s essential to have these tools in your arsenal:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- The Hanger for Wire Coats or the plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Close your water source valve.
The first step you must do when faced with a blocked toilet is to shut off the supply of water that is behind the toilet. This ensures that no more water enters the tank during your work on unclogging it. The valve is usually located near in the middle of the tank on the other side.
Step 2: Protect yourself with rubber gloves.
You must protect your hands from any germs or bacteria found in your toilet bowl by wearing rubber gloves prior to using any tools that help in unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is without doubt the most effective tool to use for clearing up blocked toilets. The first step is to gently push down upon the plunger until air is released, then press firmly over the hole in your toilet bowl. Begin to plunging continuously up and down for around 20 minutes. The suction generated when you plunge back and forth will remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Ensure you use a forceful but controlled motion.
- Make holes in the sinks or shower drains if they are near to stop the release of pressure as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If the plunge doesn’t work then try this alternative method add half a cup of baking soda and a cups of white vinegar to the toilet. Let this mixture settle for 15 to 20 minutes. It will begin to bubble before it slows down you can pour hot water down (not hot) to remove the blockage.
Step 5 Step 5: Use a coat hanger with wire or a plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda or vinegar methods have failed and you are in need of a solution, it’s time to use the wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s cable until you have a thick, thin wire with hooks that are bent on one side or your plumbing snake that was specially designed to clear drain obstructions. Insert the tool into the drain hole of your toilet and twist to turn, push, and pull till you experience resistance; this is where the blockage typically occurs. Be gentle and try to break the blockages by using a back and forth motion without causing damages in the pipeline.
Note:
- Don’t push or pull actions with force as they may create more problems.
Step 6: Switch on the water supply and verify the results.
Once you’ve removed any blockages, it is crucial to turn off the valve for water flow that is behind your toilet. Make sure to flush it several times to make sure everything is running smoothly!
| 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 Questions
What can I do to tell if my toilet is blocked?
Some of the more frequent indicators of a clogged toilet is when water rises to the top of the toilet after flushing. It is also possible to notice that water drains away slowly, or you might hear sounds of gurgling coming directly from your toilet.
What can I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you think the toilet is clogged and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it over again since this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off the supply of water at the valve that is behind the toilet, and make use of a plunger to remove any obstruction. If this doesn’t work, call Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing for professional help.
Can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are numerous actions you can take to prevent your toilet from becoming blocked. One of them is to avoid flushing non-degradable items such as Wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool in the toilet. It is also important to avoid using oil or grease in the sink, as it can cause solidification and block pipes.
When should I call a professional plumber for a toilet that has become blocked?
If you’ve tried to flush the toilet, but it won’t unblock or you suspect there’s a larger issue with the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, it’s time to contact a professional plumber, such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing . We have years of experience tackling every kind of plumbing issue that we can quickly detect and correct any issue that cause disturbance to the home.
Do I need to have my drains cleaned?
It is recommended to have clean your drains by experts like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of blockages and keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. If, however, you often have problems with drains blocking or slow draining water despite being careful to not block them, then cleaning your drains every year would be beneficial.
These methods are relatively easy to carry out and the majority of these items are readily available in homes. 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 looking for professional assistance with the problem of blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Clean Your Clogged Shower Drain the Green Way without Chemicals
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
- Understanding the Technical Aspects of a CCTV Drain Inspection Report
- 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire Professionals for Drain Cleaning Services
- D. I.Y Drain Cleaning: The Risks and Benefits Compared to Professional Solutions
- Preventing Leaks and Blockages: Understanding Pipe Relining Services
- The Ultimate Guide to Prevent Drain Blockages
- Inspecting Drains Using CCTV to Detect Root Infiltration: Benefits for Property Owners
- CCTV Drain Inspection Technology: Detecting Corrosion in Sewer Pipes
- The Pros and Cons of DIY Drain Cleaning vs. Hiring a Professional
