What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any time and are a common household issue. It’s unpleasant messy and uninspiring, and require immediate attention. However, you do not always need to call the plumber immediately. In this blog, we will guide you through the steps to unclog your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be cured with the use of simple tools like plungers, baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we start we must be prepared with these tools:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Wire Coat Hanger or plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Close your water source valve.
The first thing you need to do when facing a clogged toilet is shutting off water valves behind the toilet. This step ensures that no water can enter the tank as you try to get it unclogged. The valve is typically situated at to the base of tank on the other side.
Step 2: Protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
Your hands must be protected against germs and bacteria found in your toilet bowl with rubber gloves prior to using any tools for unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is the most effective tool to use for clearing up blocked toilets. First, push down gently on the plunger until air is removed from it, then place it firmly on the toilet bowl and start plunging quickly up and down for around 20 seconds. The suction that is created by the movement of the plunger will assist in removing any blockages.
Tips:
- Make sure you are using a strong but controlled motion.
- Fill in holes around sinks and shower drains, if they are close enough to prevent the air from escaping when you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar mixture.
If the plunge doesn’t work Try this method add half a cup of baking soda and a teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. The mixture should sit for approximately 15 minutes. It will fizz a bit before it slows down, pour hot water down (not boiling) to clear the blockage.
Step 5 5. Use a coat hanger that is wire or plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda and vinegar have not worked to clear the clog, then it’s time to try an electric coat hanger or plumbing snake. You can straighten out the coat hanger’s cord until you have a long thin wire that has a hook that is bent at one end. You can also use it as a plumbing snake, which is specifically designed for clearing drain obstructions. Install the snake in the drain hole on your toilet, and then twist to turn, push, and pull till you experience resistance. it’s the place where the blockage occurs. Try to break up any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement but without causing any damage to your pipe.
Note:
- Never overdo pushing or pulling actions too hard, as they could make things worse
Step 6: Turn on the water supply, and then check the result
Once you’ve cleared up any obstructions, it’s important to switch on the supply of water on your toilet bowl once more. Make sure to flush it several 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 & Answers
How do I know if my toilet is blocked?
The most frequent indications of a toilet that is blocked is when water levels rise to the brim after flushing. You might also notice that the water drains slowly, or you may hear the sound of gurgling from the toilet.
What should 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 once more as this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off water flow at the valve on the side of the toilet. Then make use of a plunger to eliminate any blockages. If this fails then call Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing for professional help.
Do I have the ability to stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are numerous options to avoid your toilet becoming blocked. These include avoiding flushing non-degradable products like sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. Avoid using oil or grease in the sink, as it can cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I call an experienced plumber to fix a toilet that has become blocked?
If you’ve tried splurging the toilet, but it won’t unblock or you suspect that there’s an issue in your plumbing system causing frequent blockages, it’s time to get in touch with an experienced professional plumber such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing . We have years of experience with all kinds of plumbing problems and can quickly diagnose and correct any issue that cause disturbance to the home.
When should I have my drains cleaned?
It is recommended that you get cleaning your drainage system by a professional like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of obstructions and keep your plumbing system in good working order. If, however, you often encounter blockages in your drains or slow draining water despite trying to avoid clogging them, then yearly cleaning would be beneficial.
These procedures are fairly easy to carry out in the majority of cases, and these items are readily available to homes. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to getting anxious after trying all the techniques, call Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re seeking professional assistance with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- D. I.Y Drain Cleaning: The Risks and Benefits Compared to Professional Solutions
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- Don’t Get Caught Unprepared! What You Need to Do Before a CCTV Drain Inspection
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections: How Often Should You Carry Them Out?
- The Pros and Cons of DIY Drain Cleaning vs. Hiring a Professional
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
- The Benefits of Unblocking Blocked Drains for Your Business
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
