What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen anytime and are a common problem for households. It’s unpleasant, messy, and inconvenient, and require immediate attention. However, you don’t always require an plumber immediately. In this blog, we will guide you through the steps to get your toilet unclogged in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages are easily remediated by using simple tools like a plunger baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we get started it’s important to have these tools handy:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- A Wire Coat hanger, or a Plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Shut off your water source valve.
The first thing to do when faced with a blocked toilet is to shut off the water supply valve that is behind the toilet. This step ensures that no more water enters the tank during your try to get it unclogged. The valve usually is situated near to the base of tank on the other side.
Step 2: Make sure you are protected with rubber gloves.
You must protect your hands from potential bacteria or germs present in your toilet by wearing rubber gloves prior to using any tools for unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
The plunger is by far the most effective tool to use for getting rid of blocked toilets. The first step is to gently push down upon the plunger until all air escapes from it, then place it in the toilet bowl. Then, start to plunge vigorously up and down for about 20 seconds. The suction generated by plunging back and forth will assist in removing any blockages.
Tips:
- Ensure you use a forceful but controlled motion.
- Cover holes around sinks or shower drains if they are close enough to stop the release of pressure as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar mixture.
If plunges don’t work you can try this other method - pour half a cup of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. Let the mixture sit for 15 to 20 minutes. It may fizz before it slows down, pour hot water down (not hot) to clear the blockage.
Step 5 5. Use a coat hanger with wire or plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda/vinegar techniques have failed the problem, it’s the time to employ a wire coat hanger, or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s wire until are left with a thin and long wire that has a hook bent on one side or to use the plumbing snake which is designed specifically for clearing drain obstructions. Install the snake in the drain hole of your toilet and then twist to turn, push, at the same time until you sense resistance. there’s usually a blockage is. Gently try to break up any blockages with a back-andforth motion without causing damage to your pipe.
Note:
- Never overdo pushing or pulling actions as they could result in more damage.
Step 6: Restart the water supply and verify the result
Once you’ve eliminated any obstructions, it’s crucial to turn off the valve for water flow behind the toilet bowl. You should flush it a couple of times to ensure that everything flows freely 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do to tell when my toilet is not functioning properly?
One of the most common indications of a toilet that is blocked is when water rises to the top of the bowl after flushing. You may also notice that water drains away slowly or you hear noises of gurgling coming from the toilet.
What can I do if my toilet is blocked?
If you suspect your toilet has been blocked, avoid trying to flush it in the future as this could cause flooding. Instead, shut off the water supply at the valve behind the toilet and make use of a plunger and remove any blockages. If that doesn’t work contact Local Sydney Blocked Drains for professional help.
Can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are numerous things you can do to prevent your toilet from getting blocked, including avoiding flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. Also, avoid the practice of pouring oil or grease down the sink which can solidify and block pipes.
When should I call an experienced plumber to fix a toilet that has become blocked?
If you’ve tried to flush into your toilet, but it won’t unblock or you suspect that there’s a problem with your plumbing system that’s causing frequent blockages, it’s time to get in touch with an experienced plumber such as Local Sydney Blocked Drains . We’ve had years of experience in dealing with any plumbing problem and are able to quickly identify and address any issues with the least disturbance to the home.
Do I need to have my drains cleared?
It is recommended that you get your drains cleaned by a professional like Local Sydney Blocked Drains every 1-2 years. This can prevent blockages and help keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. If, however, you often encounter blockages in your drains or slow drainage of water despite being careful to not block them, then cleaning your drains every year could be beneficial.
These procedures are fairly easy to apply and the majority of these items are readily available to households. When facing blocked toilets before getting anxious after trying all the methods mentioned above – contact Local Sydney Blocked Drains ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re seeking professional assistance for your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- The Benefits of Using CCTV Drain Inspection for Pipe Relining Services
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- Letting You See What's Hiding Beneath Your Prospective Property: The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection
- Why Regular Drain Cleaning Should Be Part of Your Home Maintenance Routine
- Top Plumbing Services to Keep Your Pipes Running Smoothly
- Benefits of Pipe Relining for Your Blocked Drains Problem
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- Maximizing the Benefits of a CCTV Drain Inspection: Preparations You Should Make
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: DIY Techniques vs Professional Services
- CCTV Drain Inspections: The Key to Preventing Clogs and Other Plumbing Issues
