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. They can be unpleasant, messy, and inconvenient, and require immediate attention. However, you do not always have to call an plumber right away. In this blog we’ll take you through the steps to get your toilet unclogged in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be resolved using simple tools and techniques like a plunger baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we start we must be prepared with these tools at hand:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- The Hanger for Wire Coats or the Pipe Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Switch off the supply of water valve.
The first thing you need to do when faced with a blocked toilet is to turn off the supply of water behind the toilet. This ensures that no water can enter the tank during your try to get it unclogged. The valve is typically located near on the floor of your tank, on one side.
Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself with rubber gloves.
Protect your hands from potential bacteria or germs that may be present in your toilet with rubber gloves prior to using any tools that help in unclogging.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is without doubt the most effective tool for clearing up blocked toilets. Begin by pressing down to the plunger, until all air escapes from it, then press it hard over the hole in your toilet bowl. Then, start to plunge vigorously up and down for approximately 20 seconds. The suction that is created when you plunge back and forth will assist in removing any blockages.
Tips:
- Make sure you are using a strong but controlled motion.
- Cover holes around sinks or shower drains if they are near to stop the pressure of air from escape as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda with vinegar.
If plunging doesn’t work Try this method Pour half a cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Allow the mixture to settle for about 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz then stop it will be poured down with hot water (not boiling) to flush out the blockage.
Step 5 5. Use an iron coat hanger made of wire or plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda/vinegar methods have failed, then it is the time to employ an electric coat hanger or plumbing snake. The coat hanger should be straightened’s cord until you have a thin, long wire that has hooks that are bent at one end, or you can use your plumbing snake which was made specifically to clear drain obstructions. Place the snake into the drain hole on your toilet, and then twist around, twist, push to the point where you can feel a resistance. that’s where the blockage usually occurs. Be gentle and try to break the blockages by using a back and forth motion without causing damages in your pipeline.
Note:
- Never overdo pushing or pulling actions with force as they may create more problems.
Step 6: Turn on the water supply, and then check the result
Once you’ve cleared up any obstructions, it’s essential to turn on the valve for water flow behind your toilet bowl again. 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. |
FAQ
What can I do to tell when my toilet has become blocked?
Some of the more typical signs of a blocked toilet is when the water fills up to the top of the bowl after flushing. You may also notice that the water drains slowly, or you may hear the sound of gurgling out of the bathroom.
What should I do if my bathroom is blocked?
If you suspect the toilet is blocked, avoid trying to flush it once more as this could cause flooding. Instead, shut off water flow valve in front of the toilet and utilize a plunger to remove any obstruction. If this isn’t working contact Local Sydney Blocked Drains for professional help.
Do I have the ability to 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 the flushing of non-degradable things like Wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool down the toilet. Avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink which can solidify and block pipes.
When should I call a professional plumber to resolve an unblocking toilet?
If you’ve tried splurging into your toilet, but it does not 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 professional plumber such as Local Sydney Blocked Drains . We’ve had years of experience with all kinds of plumbing problems that we can quickly detect and correct any issue without causing any disturbance to the home.
How often should I have my drains cleared?
It’s recommended that you have cleaning your drainage system by experts like Local Sydney Blocked Drains every 1-2 years. This will prevent obstructions and keep your plumbing system in good working order. If you regularly experience drain blockages or slow draining water despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging them, then cleaning your drains every year would be beneficial.
These procedures are fairly easy to carry out, and most of these items are readily available to households. When facing blocked toilets before getting anxious after trying all the strategies, you should contact Local Sydney Blocked Drains ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re seeking professional assistance for the problem of blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- CCTV Drain Inspections: The Key to Preventing Clogs and Other Plumbing Issues
- Why Regular Drain Cleaning Should Be Part of Your Home Maintenance Routine
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- The Ultimate Guide to Prevent Drain Blockages
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: DIY Techniques vs Professional Services
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- The Benefits of Using CCTV Drain Inspection for Pipe Relining Services
- Top Plumbing Services to Keep Your Pipes Running Smoothly
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
