What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide

Toilet blockages can happen at any moment and can be a frequent household problem. They can be uncomfortable and messy and requires immediate attention. But, you don’t necessarily have to contact the plumber right away. In this blog we’ll walk you through the steps to unclog your toilet in no time.

Key Takeaways

• Toilet blockages can be solved with the use of simple tools such as plungers, baking soda

The tools you’ll need

Before we get started we must have these tools handy:

• Rubber Gloves
• Plunger
• Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
• Hook for the Wire Coat or Pipe Snake (Optional)

Step 1: Turn off the water supply valve.

The first thing you need to do when confronted with a blocked toilet is to turn off the water supply valve behind the toilet. This will ensure that there is no further water entering the tank as you are working to unblock it. The valve is typically found near to the base of tank on the other side.

Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself with rubber gloves.

You must protect your hands from germs or bacteria present in your toilet bowl with rubber gloves prior to making use of any tool to clear the toilet.

Step 3: Use a plunger.

A plunger is without doubt the most effective tool for clearing up blocked toilets. Start by pushing down on the plunger until all air is evacuated from it. then place it firmly on the toilet bowl and start plunging quickly up and down for about 20 seconds. The suction that is created when you plunge back and forth will remove any blockages.

Tips:

• Make sure you are using a strong but controlled motion.
• Make holes in the sinks or shower drains if near to stop the release of pressure as you plunge.

Step 4: Test baking soda and vinegar mixture.

If the plunge doesn’t work Try this method to pour half a mug of baking soda and one tablespoon of vinegar in the bowl. The mixture should sit for approximately 15 minutes. It may fizz but when it ceases to fizz, pour hot water down (not boiling) to clear the blockage.

Step 5 5. Use a coat hanger that is wire or a plumbing snake.

If plunging, baking soda and vinegar have not worked to clear the clog, then it’s the right time to utilize a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s cable until you have a long thin wire with a hook that is bent at one end, or you can use the plumbing snake, which is made specifically to clear drain obstructions. Put the tool in your toilet drain hole and then twist around, twist, push to the point where you can feel resistance; it’s the place where the blockage occurs. Try to break up any obstructions using a back-and-forth movement without causing damage to your drainpipe.

Note:

• Be careful not to push or pull actions hard as they can result in more damage.

Step 6: Restart the water supply and check the results.

Once you’ve cleared up any blockages, it is vital to turn on the supply of water behind your toilet bowl again. Make sure to flush it several times to make sure all water flows smoothly now!

Frequently Asked Question

How do I know whether my toilet is clogged?

One of the most typical indicators of a clogged toilet is when the water level rises to the brim after flushing. You might also notice that water drains away slowly, or you may hear sounds of gurgling coming directly from your toilet.

What should I do if my bathroom is blocked?

If you believe the toilet is clogged be sure to avoid flushing it once more as this could cause flooding. Instead, shut off your water source valve behind the toilet and use a plunger to try to clear any obstructions. If this fails you can call Local Sydney Blocked Drains for professional help.

Can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?

Yes! There are a variety of ways to stop your toilet from becoming blocked. One of them is to avoid the flushing of non-degradable things like the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. It is also important to avoid spilling oil or grease down the sink as it will cause it to solidify and block pipes.

What is the best time to call a professional plumber to resolve the problem of a toilet that is blocked?

If you’ve tried splurging the toilet, but it does not unblock, or you suspect there’s a larger issue with your plumbing system that’s causing frequent blockages, it’s time to contact an experienced professional plumber such as Local Sydney Blocked Drains . We have many years of experience tackling every kind of plumbing issue that we can quickly detect and correct any issue without causing any disruption to your home.

How often should I have my drains cleaned?

It is suggested that you have clean your drains by experts like Local Sydney Blocked Drains every 1-2 years. This will prevent blockages and keep your plumbing system in good working order. However, if you frequently have problems with drains blocking or slow drainage of water despite being careful to not block the drains, then annual cleaning would be beneficial.

These techniques are fairly simple to carry out in the majority of cases, and these items are available in homes. If you’re facing a blocked toilet, prior to 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 assistance with those blocked toilets.

Additional Information

• The Benefits of Using CCTV Drain Inspection for Pipe Relining Services
• CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
• DIY Tips for Unclogging Your Shower Drain Without Harsh Chemicals
• The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
• The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
• Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
• Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
• Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
• D. I.Y Drain Cleaning: The Risks and Benefits Compared to Professional Solutions
• 5 Ways to Keep Your Drains Clear and Running Smoothly