What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any time and can be a frequent household problem. It’s unpleasant dirty, inconvenient, and messy, and require immediate attention. However, you do not always have to contact an plumber right away. In this blog post we’ll walk you through simple steps to get your toilet unclogged within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages are easily remediated by using simple tools such as plungers, baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we get started, it’s essential to be prepared with these tools:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Wire Coat Hanger or plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Shut off your water source valve.
The first step you must do when faced with a blocked toilet is to turn off the supply of water in front of the toilet. This ensures that no water can enter the tank while you try to get it unclogged. The valve usually is located near on the floor of your tank, on one side.
Step 2: Make sure you are protected with rubber gloves.
Hands must be protected from germs or bacteria present in your toilet bowl by wearing rubber gloves prior to making use of any tool to clear the toilet.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most efficient method for getting rid of blocked toilets. The first step is to gently push down on the plunger until air escapes from it, then place it firmly on the toilet bowl. Begin to plunging upwards and downwards for approximately 20 minutes. The suction that is created by plunging back and forth will remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Make sure you are using a strong but controlled movement.
- Make holes in the sinks or shower drains if they’re close enough to prevent the air from escaping when you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar mix.
If plunging doesn’t work, try this next tactic - pour half a cup of baking soda and 1 cups of white vinegar to the toilet. Allow the mixture to settle for around 15 minutes. It will fizz a bit before it slows down it will be poured down with hot water (not boiling) to remove the obstruction.
Step 5 Step 5: Use a coat hanger with wire or a plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda/vinegar methods have failed to clear the clog, then it’s the time to employ the wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s cord until you have a thick, thin wire that has an angled hook on one side or your plumbing snake, which is designed specifically for clearing drain blockages. Insert the tool into the drain hole on your toilet, and then twist, turn, push to the point where you can feel resistance; it’s the place where the blockage is. Make an effort to break any blockages using back-and-forth motion without causing damage to the pipeline.
Note:
- Never overdo pushing or pulling actions too hard, as they could cause more harm.
Step 6: Switch on the water supply and test the results.
After you have cleared any obstructions, it’s important to switch on the water supply valve in your toilet bowl again. After that, flush it a few 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. |
Common Questions & Answers
What can I do to tell when my toilet is not functioning properly?
One of the most obvious symptoms of a blocked toilet is when water rises to the top of the toilet after flushing. There is a possibility that the water drains slowly or you hear the sound of gurgling out of the bathroom.
What can I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you suspect the toilet is clogged, avoid trying to flush it in the future as this could result in flooding. Instead, shut off your water source at the valve behind the toilet and make use of a plunger to eliminate any blockages. If that doesn’t work contact Local Sydney Blocked Drains for professional help.
How can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are numerous actions you can take to stop your toilet from getting blocked, including avoiding flushing non-degradable items such as Wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool down the toilet. Avoid spilling oil or grease down the drain, which could cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I call a professional plumber to resolve a toilet that has become blocked?
If you’ve tried splurging the toilet, but it doesn’t clear or you believe there’s a larger issue with your plumbing system that’s causing frequent blockages, it’s time to call in an experienced plumber such as Local Sydney Blocked Drains . We have many years of experience dealing with any plumbing problem that we can quickly detect and fix any issues without causing any disturbance to the home.
When should I schedule my drains cleared?
It’s recommended that you have cleaning your drainage system by professionals like Local Sydney Blocked Drains every 1-2 years. This can prevent blockages and help keep your plumbing system in good working order. However, if you frequently have problems with drains blocking or slow draining of water despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging the drains, then annual cleaning could be beneficial.
These methods are relatively easy to apply and the majority of these items are readily available in homes. If you’re experiencing a toilet that is blocked, before panicking after attempting all these strategies, you should contact Local Sydney Blocked Drains ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re looking for professional help with those blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- 5 Ways to Keep Your Drains Clear and Running Smoothly
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- Why Pipe Relining is a Cost-Effective Solution for your Business’ Plumbing Issues?
- Benefits of Pipe Relining for Your Blocked Drains Problem
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- The Benefits of Using CCTV Drain Inspection for Pipe Relining Services
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: DIY Techniques vs Professional Services
