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

Toilet blockages can occur at any time and can be a frequent household problem. It can be unpleasant, messy, and inconvenient and require immediate attention. However, you don’t have to call an emergency plumber right away. In this blog post, we will guide you through simple steps to clear your toilet in no time.

Key Takeaways

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

The tools you’ll need

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

• Rubber Gloves
• Plunger
• Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
• A Wire Coat hanger, or a Plumber Snake (Optional)

Step 1: Turn off the water supply valve.

The first step you must do when facing a clogged toilet is to turn off water valves in front of the toilet. This ensures that no more water enters the tank while you are working to unblock it. The valve usually is situated near the bottom of the tank on the other side.

Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.

Your hands must be protected from any germs or bacteria found in your toilet bowl with rubber gloves prior to using any tools for unclogging.

Step 3: Use a plunger.

A plunger is without doubt the most effective tool to use for clearing toilets of blockages. First, push down gently to the plunger, until all air is removed from it, then press it hard over the hole in your toilet and begin to plunge upwards and downwards for about 20 seconds. The suction created 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 by to prevent the air from escaping when you plunge.

Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar mix.

If plunges don’t work then try this alternative method add half a cup of baking soda as well as one cups of white vinegar to the toilet. The mixture should sit for 15 to 20 minutes. It will begin to bubble, and when it stops then pour boiling water down (not hot) to clear the obstruction.

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

If plunging, baking soda/vinegar methods have failed, then it is time to use an electric coat hanger or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s wire until have a thin, long wire with a hook bent at one end, or you can use your plumbing snake. It was designed specifically for clearing drain blockages. Put the tool in the drain hole of your toilet and twist around, twist, push to the point where you can feel resistance. it’s the place where the blockage occurs. Be gentle and try to break the blockages by using a back and forth motion without causing damages in the pipeline.

Note:

• Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions as they could cause more harm.

Step 6: Switch on the water supply, and then check the result

Once you’ve cleared up any blockages, it is important to switch on the water supply valve in your toilet bowl again. You should flush it a couple of times to make sure that the water is flowing freely!

Common Questions & Answers

How do I know if my toilet is blocked?

The most frequent indicators of a clogged toilet is when the water level rises to the top of the bowl after flushing. You might also notice that water drains away slowly, or you might hear sounds of gurgling coming directly from your toilet.

What can I do if my toilet is blocked?

If you suspect the toilet is clogged then avoid flushing it in the future as this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off your water source to the valve in front of the toilet and employ a plunger to try and remove any blockages. If this fails contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing for professional help.

Can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?

Yes! There are a variety of things you can do to prevent your toilet from becoming blocked. These include avoiding flushing non-degradable products like the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. You should also avoid using oil or grease in the sink, as it can cause solidification and block pipes.

What is the best time to call an experienced plumber to fix the problem of a toilet that is blocked?

If you’ve tried plunging into your toilet, but it does not unblock, or you suspect that there’s an issue in the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, it’s time to seek out an experienced plumber such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing . We’ve got years of experience in dealing with all kinds of plumbing problems and are able to quickly identify and correct any issue with the least disturbance to the home.

Do I need to get my drains cleaned?

It is recommended that you get the drains cleaned out by a professional such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing every 1-2 years. This can prevent blockages and keep your plumbing system operating smoothly. If, however, you often 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 would be beneficial.

These techniques are fairly simple to execute and the majority of these items are available in homes. If you’re experiencing a toilet that is blocked, before being anxious after attempting the methods, contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re in search of professional help with the problem of blocked toilets.

Additional Information

• DIY Methods for Clearing Blocked Drains at Home
• The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections: How Often Should You Carry Them Out?
• Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
• DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
• How CCTV Drain Inspection Can Save You Money in the Long Run
• 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire Professionals for Drain Cleaning Services
• Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
• The Pros and Cons of DIY Drain Cleaning vs. Hiring a Professional
• The Benefits of Unblocking Blocked Drains for Your Business
• The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know