What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur at any time, and are a common issue for homeowners. They can be uncomfortable dirty, inconvenient, and messy, and require immediate attention. But, you don’t necessarily require the plumber right away. In this blog post we’ll guide you through some simple ways to clean your toilet in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be cured with simple tools and methods like a plunger baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we get started, it’s essential to have these tools handy:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Wire Coat Hanger or Plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Turn off the supply of water valve.
The first thing to do when confronted with a blocked toilet is shutting off water valves behind the toilet. This will ensure that no more water enters the tank during your work on unclogging it. The valve usually is found near to the base of tank on one side.
Step 2: Protect yourself with rubber gloves.
Your hands must be protected from potential bacteria or germs present in your toilet with rubber gloves prior to making use of any tools to unblock the drain.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is without doubt the most effective tool for clearing toilets of blockages. First, push down gently upon the plunger until air is released, then place it in the hole in your toilet bowl and start plunging continuously up and down for around 20 minutes. The suction that is created by plunging back and forth can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Make sure you are using a strong but controlled motion.
- Fill in holes around sinks and shower drains, if they are near to stop the release of pressure as you plunge.
Step 4: Make a baking soda and vinegar mixture.
If plunging doesn’t work you can try this other method - pour half a cup of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. Allow the mixture to settle for about 15 minutes. It will fizz a bit before it slows down you can pour hot water down (not overly hot) to eliminate the obstruction.
Step 5: Use a coat hanger that is wire or a plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda/vinegar techniques have failed and you are in need of a solution, it’s the time to employ a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. The coat hanger should be straightened’s wire until you have a thin, long wire that has hooks that are bent at one end. You can also use it as a plumbing snake which was designed specifically for clearing drain clogs. Insert the tool into the drain hole in your toilet and twist and turn, push or pull until you feel resistance; that’s where the blockage usually occurs. Make an effort to break any blockages using back-and-forth motion but without causing any damage to your pipe.
Note:
- Never overdo pushing or pulling actions with force as they may create more problems.
Step 6: Restart the water supply, and then check the result.
Once you’ve removed any obstructions, it’s important to switch on the valve for water flow in your toilet bowl once more. After that, flush it a few times to make sure the water is flowing freely!
| 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 Question
What can I do to tell if my toilet is blocked?
Some of the more typical signs of a blocked toilet is when the water fills up to the brim after flushing. You might also notice that water drains away in a slow manner, or hear gurgling sounds coming directly from your toilet.
What should I do if my toilet is blocked?
If you think the toilet is clogged, avoid trying to flush it once more as this could result in flooding. Instead, turn off your water source at the valve behind the toilet and utilize a plunger and remove any blockages. If this isn’t working, call Local Sydney Blocked Drains for professional help.
How can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are numerous options to stop your toilet from becoming blocked. These include avoiding flushing non-degradable items such as the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. It is also important to avoid using oil or grease in the sink which can solidify and block pipes.
When should I contact an experienced plumber to fix a blocked toilet?
If you’ve tried to flush your toilet, but it does not unblock, or you suspect there’s a larger issue with your plumbing system causing frequent blockages, you need to call in an experienced plumber such as Local Sydney Blocked Drains . We’ve got years of experience tackling all kinds of plumbing problems and can swiftly diagnose and correct any issue with minimal impact on your property.
Do I need to get my drains cleared?
It’s recommended that you have the drains cleaned out by a professional like Local Sydney Blocked Drains every 1-2 years. This will reduce the chance of obstructions and keep your plumbing system running smoothly. If you regularly suffer from blockages to your drains or slow draining of water despite taking precautions not to clog them, then cleaning your drains every year can be beneficial.
These techniques are fairly simple to implement, and most of these products are easily available in households. If you’re having trouble with your toilets, don’t be getting anxious after trying all the techniques, call Local Sydney Blocked Drains ‘s expert plumbers located in Sydney , if you’re looking for professional assistance with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Why Regular Drain Cleaning Should Be Part of Your Home Maintenance Routine
- D. I.Y Drain Cleaning: The Risks and Benefits Compared to Professional Solutions
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- Why Pipe Relining is a Cost-Effective Solution for your Business’ Plumbing Issues?
- Why CCTV Drain Inspections Are Vital for Efficient Drainage Systems
- 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
- Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
- Benefits of Pipe Relining for Your Blocked Drains Problem
