What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any moment and are a common household issue. It can be unpleasant dirty, inconvenient, and messy, and require immediate attention. However, you don’t always need to call an plumber immediately. In this blog post we’ll take you through some simple steps to get your toilet unclogged in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be cured with the use of simple tools such as a plunger, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we begin it is essential to be prepared with these tools:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Wire Coat Hanger or Plumber Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Close your water source valve.
The first thing you should do when confronted with a blocked toilet is to turn off the valve for water flow behind the toilet. This is to ensure that there is no further water entering the tank during your attempt to clear it. The valve is normally found near in the middle of the tank on one side.
Step 2: Make sure you are protected with rubber gloves.
Your hands must be protected against germs and bacteria present in your toilet with rubber gloves before making use of any tool to clear the toilet.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is the most effective tool to use for cleaning toilets that are blocked. The first step is to gently push down on the plunger until all air is released, then press it hard over the toilet bowl and start plunging continuously up and down for approximately 20 seconds. The suction that is created by the movement of the plunger will help remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Be sure to use a powerful but controlled motion.
- Make holes in the sinks or shower drains if they are near to stop the pressure of air from escape as you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda with vinegar.
If you’re not able to get the plunge working, try this next tactic Pour half a cup of baking soda as well as one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Allow the mixture to settle for around 15 minutes. It may fizz then stop you can pour hot water down (not hot) to eliminate the blockage.
Step 5 5. Use a wire coat hanger or a plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda/vinegar techniques have failed the problem, it’s time to use an electric coat hanger or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s wire until you have a thick, thin wire with hooks that are bent on one side or it as a plumbing snake which is designed specifically for clearing drain blockages. Place the snake into the drain hole in your toilet and twist and turn, push at the same time until you sense resistance; that’s where the blockage usually is. Gently try to break up any blockages using back-and-forth motion without causing damage to the pipeline.
Note:
- Be careful not to push or pull actions with force as they may create more problems.
Step 6: Restart the water supply and test the result.
Once you’ve cleared up any blockages, it is essential to turn on the water supply valve behind your toilet. You should flush it a couple of times to ensure 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. |
FAQs
What can I do to tell if my toilet is blocked?
One of the most frequent symptoms of a blocked toilet is when water levels rise to the top after flushing. It is also possible to notice that water drains away in a slow manner, or hear sounds of gurgling coming out of the bathroom.
What can I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you think your toilet has been blocked and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it over again since this could cause flooding. Instead, shut off your water source valve that is behind the toilet, and utilize a plunger and remove any blockages. If that doesn’t work then call Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing for professional help.
Can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are several actions you can take to stop your toilet from becoming blocked. One of them is to avoid flushing non-degradable items such as the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. Avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink as it will cause it to solidify and block pipes.
When should I contact a professional plumber for the problem of a toilet that is blocked?
If you’ve tried plunging the toilet, but it isn’t unblocking, or you think that there’s an issue in your plumbing system causing frequent blockages, you need to get in touch with a professional plumber like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing . We have years of experience with various plumbing issues that we can quickly detect and correct any issue with minimal disruption to your home.
When should I schedule my drains cleared?
It’s recommended that you have the drains cleaned out by experts like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will help prevent blockages and help keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. If, however, you often experience drain blockages or slow draining water despite trying to avoid clogging them, then yearly cleaning can be beneficial.
These methods are relatively easy to implement, and most of these items are available in households. If you’re experiencing a toilet that is blocked, before worrying after trying the methods mentioned above – contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re in search of professional assistance with the problem of blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- CCTV Drain Inspection Technology: Detecting Corrosion in Sewer Pipes
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
- The Benefits of Unblocking Blocked Drains for Your Business
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- Understanding the Technical Aspects of a CCTV Drain Inspection Report
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire Professionals for Drain Cleaning Services
- Protect Your Condo's Property Value with Long-Lasting Trenchless Pipe Relining
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections: How Often Should You Carry Them Out?
