What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur anytime and are a common problem for households. They can be uncomfortable and messy, and require immediate attention. However, you don’t always need to call an plumber right away. In this blog post we’ll guide you through the ways to clean your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be resolved with the use of simple tools like plungers, baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we get started it’s important to be prepared with these tools:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- A Wire Coat hanger, or a Pipe Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Turn off the supply of water valve.
The first step you must do when facing a clogged toilet is shutting off the supply of water in front of the toilet. This step ensures that no water can enter the tank as you attempt to clear it. The valve is usually situated near the bottom of the tank, on the other side.
Step 2: Protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
You must protect your hands from germs or bacteria found in your toilet bowl with rubber gloves prior to making use of any tools to unblock the drain.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
The plunger is by far the most effective tool for getting rid of blocked toilets. First, push down gently onto the plunger till all air escapes from it, then press firmly over the toilet and begin to plunge upwards and downwards for approximately 20 minutes. The suction created by the movement of the plunger 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 close enough to prevent the release of pressure as you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If plunges don’t work Try this method Pour half a cup of baking soda and a cups of white vinegar to the toilet. Let this mixture settle for about 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz before it slows down then pour boiling water down (not at a boil) to remove the blockage.
Step 5 Utilize a coat hanger that is wire or plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda/vinegar methods have failed and you are in need of a solution, it’s the right time to utilize the wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. You can straighten out the coat hanger’s cable until you are left with a thin and long wire with a hook that is bent at one end or use your plumbing snake that is designed specifically for clearing drain clogs. Insert the tool into the drain hole on your toilet, and then twist to turn, push, and pull till you experience resistance; that’s where the blockage usually is. Gently try to break up any blockages using back-and-forth motion but without causing any damage to your pipeline.
Note:
- Don’t push or pull actions too hard, as they could create more problems.
Step 6: Turn on the water supply and verify the result
Once you’ve cleared up any blockages, it is important to switch on the valve for water flow behind your toilet bowl once more. After that, flush it a few 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. |
Common Questions & Answers
How can I tell when my toilet is not functioning properly?
A obvious indications of a toilet that is blocked is when the water level rises to the top of the bowl after flushing. You might also notice that the water drains slowly or you hear sounds of gurgling coming directly from your toilet.
What can I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you believe your toilet is blocked and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it in the future as this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off the water supply to the valve behind the toilet and use a plunger to try to clear any obstructions. If this isn’t working, call Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing for professional help.
Do I have the ability to stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are many things you can do to avoid your toilet becoming blocked. These include avoiding flushing non-degradable items such as toiletries, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. Also, avoid the practice of pouring oil or grease down the drain, which could cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I contact an experienced plumber to fix the problem of a toilet that is blocked?
If you’ve tried to flush into your toilet, but it doesn’t clear or you believe that there’s a problem with the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, you need to get in touch with an experienced professional plumber such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing . We have years of experience in dealing with various plumbing issues and can quickly diagnose and resolve any issues that cause impact on your property.
Do I need to have my drains cleared?
It’s recommended that you have the drains cleaned out by a professional like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will help prevent blockages and ensure that your plumbing system running smoothly. If you regularly encounter blockages in your drains or slow draining water, despite taking precautions not to clog them, then regular cleaning can be beneficial.
These strategies are simple to apply as the majority of items are readily available in homes. When facing blocked toilets before panicking after attempting all these techniques, call Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re seeking professional assistance for those blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
- Preventing Leaks and Blockages: Understanding Pipe Relining Services
- D. I.Y Drain Cleaning: The Risks and Benefits Compared to Professional Solutions
- Understanding the Technical Aspects of a CCTV Drain Inspection Report
- Protect Your Condo's Property Value with Long-Lasting Trenchless Pipe Relining
- Inspecting Drains Using CCTV to Detect Root Infiltration: Benefits for Property Owners
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
